Self-propelled concrete saw with forward motion speed control system

Abstract

The present invention provides a forward motion speed control system for a self-propelled concrete saw, a self-propelled concrete saw equipped with a forward motion speed control system and a method of controlling the forward motion speed of a concrete saw during a cutting or scoring operation. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the forward motion speed control system senses and monitors the speed of a power plant transmitting rotational energy to a saw blade and adjusts the forward motion speed of the self-propelled concrete saw to maximize the forward motion speed of the self-propelled concrete saw while maintaining the speed of the power plant in a peak operational range.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] 1. Field of Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a saw for cutting concrete, asphalt, and other hard, flat surfaces and, more particularly, to a self-propelled concrete saw equipped with a forward motion speed control system. [0003] 2. Description of Related Art [0004] Large, horizontal slabs of concrete are frequently poured during the construction of buildings, bridges, roads, runways and the like. Once poured, such slabs must often be cut or scored using a concrete saw for various reasons such as, for example, to form expansion joints, to allow for foundation shifting, to create stress cracks along which the slab will split and / or to create high friction surfaces such as for bridge decks and airport runways. In most large-scale applications, a self-propelled concrete saw is used to cut or score the slab. Self-propelled concrete saws are also used to cut or score asphalt, stone and other hard surfaces. [0005] Most self-propelled conc...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009] The present invention provides a forward motion speed control system for a self-propelled concrete saw, a self-propelled concrete saw equipped with a forward motion speed control system and a method of controlling the forward motion speed of a concrete saw during a cutting or scoring operation. In one preferred embodiment of the invention, the forward motion speed control system senses and monitors the rotational speed of the saw blade and / or speed of a power plant transmitting rotational energy to a saw blade and adjusts the forward motion speed of the self-propelled concrete saw to maximize the forward motion speed of the self-propelled concrete saw while maintaining the rotational speed of the saw blade and / or the power plant in a peak operational range.

Problems solved by technology

Diamond impregnated saw blades are extremely durable, but they do wear out over time.

Excessive angular velocities or torque loadings can result in premature wearing, while insufficient angular velocities or torque loadings can cause the cutting surfaces of the saw blade to become polished, which severely diminishes the cutting efficiency of the saw blade.

The power plant is configured to operate in a peak range or band of optimal RPM's, and thus it is generally not advantageous to attempt to adjust the rotational speed of the power plant to optimize the speed of the cutting or scoring operation and / or the service life of the saw blade.

This requires a high level of operator skill and creates a risk that the operator will select a forward travel speed that will damage the blades.

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