Adjustable Concrete Float Head for Consistent Boom Finishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete finishing methods, such as screeding and bull floating, lack efficient mechanisms for adjusting the position and angle of finishing tools relative to the concrete surface, leading to uneven surfaces and inefficiencies in smoothing and leveling operations.
Innovation Solution
A concrete finishing machine with an extendable and retractable boom and a finishing head equipped with a float, broom, and spraying device, controlled by actuators and sensors to maintain a consistent position and angle relative to the concrete surface, allowing for precise leveling and smoothing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual bull floating is used to finish concrete surface, then the finishing operation can be performed, but the efficiency and consistency of surface leveling are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The finishing head automatically maintains the float at the concrete surface through sensor feedback and actuator control, eliminating the need for manual operation while ensuring consistent contact and leveling quality throughout the finishing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated system combining sensors, actuators, and control mechanisms to position and maintain the float, thereby improving both efficiency and consistency of the finishing operation
2Device complexity
If the float position is fixed relative to the boom, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to maintain consistent finishing quality during boom extension and retraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The float is mounted on a linkage system that allows dynamic adjustment of the float's position and angle relative to the boom, enabling the finishing head to maintain optimal contact with the concrete surface during boom extension and retraction while preserving structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system enables changes in the float's positional parameters (height, angle, and distance from boom) in response to boom movement, maintaining consistent finishing quality without requiring complex fixed-position mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If the float is always maintained at the concrete surface, then surface finishing quality is improved, but the ability to retract the float during boom retraction is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system selectively positions the float at the concrete surface only when needed for finishing operations, while allowing retraction during boom retraction, thereby providing localized quality control where required while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system dynamically adjusts the float's position based on operational requirements, maintaining contact with the concrete surface during forward passes for quality finishing while allowing retraction during backward passes to prevent dragging or damage
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete finishing machine includes a base portion and an extendable and retractable boom mounted at the base portion, and a finishing head mounted at a distal end of the boom. The finishing head includes (i) a float pivotally attached at a frame of the finishing head via a plurality of linkages, (ii) a float actuator that, when actuated, imparts pivotal movement of the linkages to adjust the float relative to the frame, and (iii) a surface finishing element. The concrete finishing machine is operable to selectively position the float or the surface finishing element at the concrete surface during extension or retraction of the boom. Responsive to a sensing device, the finishing head is maintained at a desired level or position above the concrete surface with the float or the surface finishing element at the concrete surface during extension or retraction of the boom.