Flow modifying device for paving screeds with extendible sections

TLDR: A material flow modifying device for a screed assembly of a paving machine is described in this article, where the main screed is connected with a deflector member and a flow surface is configured to displace the material toward the central axis when the paving machine moves in the intended travel direction.

Abstract: A material flow modifying device is for a screed assembly of a paving machine. The screed assembly has a main screed with a central axis extending in a direction of intended travel of the paving machine and two screed extensions movably mounted to the main screed. The flow modifying device includes a deflector member connected with the screed extension and having a flow surface facing toward the central axis of the main screed. The flow surface is contactable with paving material on a base surface and is configured to displace the material toward the central axis when the paving machine moves in the intended travel direction. The deflector member has a first end disposed adjacent to the inner vertical surface of the screed extension and a second, free end disposed proximal to the front vertical surface of the main screed, such that the second end moves laterally along the main screed during movement of the screed extension. The distance between the member second end and the central axis is greater than the distance between the member first end and the central axis, such that the flow surface is angled inwardly and rearwardly toward the main screed central axis. Preferably, the deflector member includes a main body portion attached to the screed extension and a wear plate removably attached to the main body portion. Alternatively, the deflector member is formed as a main body portion only or even as an integral portion of the screed extension.