Automated Concrete Texturing Device with Articulating Arms

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current concrete finishing techniques are labor-intensive and require multiple operators to achieve consistent texture on large slabs, especially when dealing with uncured concrete, as they lack efficient control over the texturing process, particularly in navigating around obstacles and changing directions.

Innovation Solution

An automated concrete texturing device with drive systems, articulating arms, and adjustable texturing structures that can be controlled by a single operator, allowing for precise manipulation and direction changes on uncured concrete slabs, using drive systems like tracks and articulating arms to position and adjust texturing structures for consistent texture application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional broom texturing is used on large concrete slabs, then texture can be applied to the concrete surface, but multiple operators are required and the finish becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexture consistencyVSAvoidnumber of operators
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical broom texturing system with an automated robotic system that uses controlled mechanical arms to apply texture. The robotic system incorporates sensors and computer control to maintain consistent texture application across large slabs, eliminating the need for multiple operators while improving finish consistency through precise, repeatable motions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic texturing system is designed to operate autonomously with minimal human intervention. The system includes self-navigation capabilities, automated texture application, and integrated control systems that allow a single operator to supervise the entire process, replacing the traditional requirement for multiple operators working in coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual texturing is performed on uncured concrete, then the concrete surface can be textured, but the process is labor-intensive and time-constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetexturing speedVSAvoidlabor intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces labor-intensive manual texturing operations with an automated robotic system that can continuously apply texture to uncured concrete at higher speeds. The robotic system eliminates the physical strain and time constraints associated with manual broom texturing while maintaining the ability to work with uncured concrete surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic texturing system is designed to operate continuously without the breaks and repositioning required by manual operators. The system maintains steady, continuous motion across the concrete slab surface, maximizing productivity by eliminating idle time and maintaining constant texturing application throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Area of stationary object

If a broom is pulled by lanyard across large slabs, then texturing can be achieved, but the process requires multiple operators and creates inconsistent finish

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslab coverage areaVSAvoidfinish consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the lanyard-pulled broom system with a robotic platform equipped with sensors and computer control that can accurately traverse large slab areas. The robotic system uses navigation systems and controlled motion to maintain consistent texture application across the entire slab surface, eliminating the inconsistency inherent in manual lanyard-based methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic texturing system incorporates sensors and feedback control mechanisms that continuously monitor the texturing process. This feedback allows the system to make real-time adjustments to maintain consistent finish quality across large areas, ensuring uniform texture application regardless of the slab size or obstacles present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional texturing methods are used, then concrete surfaces can be textured, but navigation around obstacles and direction changes are difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenavigation flexibilityVSAvoidoperator control
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operator control with an automated robotic navigation system that can autonomously navigate around obstacles and change directions. The robotic system uses sensors, cameras, and computer algorithms to detect obstacles and plan navigation paths, providing superior adaptability compared to manual control while reducing operator workload.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The robotic texturing system features dynamic, articulated arms and movable components that can adapt to various surface conditions and obstacles. The system can dynamically adjust its path, arm positions, and texturing parameters in real-time, providing versatile navigation capabilities that are difficult to achieve with traditional fixed-method approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11965294B2Concrete texturing devices and methods
Publication Date: 2024.04.23 TRI MOR CORP
  • US11965294B2 patent drawing
  • US11965294B2 patent drawing
  • US11965294B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Concrete texturing devices for use on an uncured concrete slab. The concrete texturing devices have a device body, one or more drive systems, at least one articulating arm, and at least one texturing structure. Also disclosed are methods of use.