Bi-directional Platform for Concrete Pipe Form Bases
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for manufacturing concrete articles are limited in efficiency and flexibility, as they often require complex machinery and processes that do not easily accommodate different form sizes or types, leading to inefficiencies in production and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional platform system with interchangeable form bases and cranes that allows for the movement of form bases and concrete mixing equipment to efficiently produce concrete articles of varying sizes and shapes, utilizing a concrete mixer and cranes to deliver ballast for compression and shaping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex machinery and processes are used for manufacturing concrete articles, then manufacturing precision can be maintained, but device complexity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing system is divided into separate functional modules: a base platform, interchangeable form bases, and mobile crane units. Each form base can be independently attached or removed, allowing the system to be segmented into manageable components that maintain precision while reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base platform is designed with multiple form bases that can be interchangeably attached, and cranes that can service multiple forms. This universal design allows a single system to manufacture various concrete article types and sizes, maintaining manufacturing precision across different products without requiring separate specialized machinery for each.
2Device complexity
If fixed machinery configurations are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different form sizes and types decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed machinery to a dynamic configuration where form bases can be moved and repositioned along the base platform, and cranes can travel to different locations. This dynamic adaptability allows the same simplified system to accommodate various form sizes and types without increasing inherent device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changes in operational parameters such as form base positions, crane locations, and ballast placements to adapt to different manufacturing requirements. By adjusting these parameters rather than changing the entire system configuration, the patent achieves versatility while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
3Device complexity
If traditional concrete placement methods are used, then device complexity remains low, but manufacturing precision and production efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile crane units are equipped with their own ballast and concrete delivery systems, allowing them to autonomously perform placement and compression operations without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each function. This self-service capability increases productivity while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The system combines multiple functions into integrated units: the crane structure incorporates ballast delivery, concrete placement, and compression capabilities in a single mobile platform. This merging of functions improves manufacturing efficiency by eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and equipment, while the integration is achieved through straightforward mechanical design rather than complex systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This system enhances production efficiency by allowing for the quick interchange of form bases and efficient concrete placement and compression, reducing production costs and improving the ability to produce a variety of concrete articles with precise shapes and sizes.
Implementation Method 1
compressing the concrete between the first form and the first form core with the first ballast attached to the first crane so as to form a concrete article
Data Source
AI summary
Described are improved devices and processes for manufacturing concrete articles, including concrete pipe. In one embodiment, the invention provides an apparatus that has a first platform that is located beneath the floor of a manufacturing facility. The first platform includes a top surface and is configured to move bi-directionally along an axis. Two form bases can reside on the top surface of the first platform, each form base further including a form core that extends vertically from the first platform through respective holes in a second platform that resides above the first platform at an elevation even with or just above the floor's surface. The second platform is configured to move bi-directionally with the first platform between one of two cranes disposed on either side of a concrete mixer. A form is placed over the first core, which is then positioned under the outlet of an auger that receives concrete from the mixer. After filling is complete, the first core is positioned under the first crane which provides ballast to compress the concrete, and the second core (with a form) is placed under the auger's outlet for filling. After compression of the first form complete, the form can be removed using an overhead crane, and the second core is relocated to the second crane for concrete compression.