Automated Scraper Leveling for Repeatable Mortar Test Molds
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Solution Overview
Problem
The repeatability of test results in mortar specimen manufacturing is compromised by the manual leveling operation, which is influenced by operator variability and affects the compressive strength of the samples.
Innovation Solution
An automated leveling machine for construction material test piece molds, capable of reproducing identical shaving parameters, including variable stroke, speed, and angle adjustments, with motorized mobility and guided scraper movements, ensuring precise and controlled leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual leveling operation is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but manufacturing precision and repeatability deteriorate due to operator variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical leveling operation with an automated mechanical system comprising a motorized translation stage, a movable gantry, and a controlled scraper assembly. This substitution eliminates operator variability while maintaining mechanical simplicity through standardized components and programmable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated leveling system performs the leveling operation autonomously without requiring operator intervention during the actual shaving process. The system self-regulates the scraper position, movement speed, and contact pressure through motorized control and programmable sequences, achieving consistent results independently of human factors.
2Manufacturing precision
If automated leveling machine is introduced, then manufacturing precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated leveling machine is divided into distinct functional modules: a translation stage for mold positioning, a gantry system for scraper support and movement, and a scraper assembly for the actual leveling. This segmentation allows each subsystem to be optimized independently and simplifies maintenance and calibration while achieving high overall precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic elements including motorized adjustment mechanisms for the scraper angle and position, variable speed control for the translation stage and gantry movements, and programmable motion sequences. These dynamic capabilities enable precise adaptation to different mold geometries and material characteristics while maintaining repeatability.
Data Source
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AI summary
[The invention relates to a machine for leveling (M) the volume of excess material filling a test tube mold (210), said mold (210) comprising an upper edge (214), remarkable in that it comprises: - a table (200) receiving the test tube mold (210) containing said material, and - a control module (300) controlling the motorization of the relative translational movement of either the table (200) with respect to the scraper (400) or of the scraper (400) with respect to the table (200), in order to perform a plurality of back-and-forth translational movements of the lower edge of the scraper (400) on the upper edge (214) of the mold (210)