Bi-directional Vibration Device for Concrete Finishing Tools

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional concrete finishing tools lack effective vibration control and assistance for operators in propelling the tools in multiple directions, limiting the quality of the finished surface and increasing operator fatigue.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained bi-directional vibration imparting device that attaches between the handle and terminus of concrete finishing tools, powered by a rechargeable battery and featuring a bi-directional motor with remote control capabilities, allowing for optimized vibration and directional movement assistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If vibration is added to concrete finishing tools to improve surface quality, then the quality of the finished surface is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional motor and vibration mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of finished surfaceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the motor, vibration mechanism, battery, and control components into a single integrated housing unit that attaches to the concrete finishing tool. This merging of multiple functional components into one self-contained module improves surface quality through vibration while managing device complexity through consolidation rather than separate attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration device is designed as a multi-functional unit that provides both vibration for surface finishing and bidirectional propulsion assistance. The motor serves dual purposes: generating vibration when activated and providing directional movement when engaged with the gear mechanism, thereby addressing multiple needs with a single device addition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional vibration devices are added to concrete finishing tools, then vibration capability is provided, but operator fatigue increases due to lack of propulsion assistance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration capabilityVSAvoidoperator fatigue
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The motor is designed to perform two functions: generating vibration when the vibration mechanism is engaged, and providing bidirectional propulsion assistance when the gear mechanism is engaged. This multi-functionality ensures reliable vibration capability while simultaneously reducing operator fatigue through propulsion support during tool movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device provides self-service by using its own motor to assist the operator in propelling the tool forward or backward. The bidirectional propulsion feature allows the motor to actively assist movement in either direction, reducing the physical effort required by the operator without requiring external assistance or additional manual labor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If bidirectional propulsion is added to assist operator movement, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor serves as a universal actuator for both vibration generation and bidirectional propulsion. By using the same motor for both functions and controlling it through a single control mechanism, the patent improves ease of operation through propulsion assistance while minimizing the increase in device complexity that would result from adding separate motors or control systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If external motors are mounted to handles or shafts with cable or gear mechanisms, then vibration capability is provided, but the vibration control is insufficient without accounting for vibration within the handle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration capabilityVSAvoidvibration control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the vibration-generating components (motor, vibration mechanism, battery, control) into a separate self-contained housing unit that attaches to the concrete finishing tool. This segmentation isolates the vibration source from the handle structure, allowing for better vibration control and preventing unwanted vibration transmission to the handle while maintaining reliable vibration capability at the working end of the tool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enhances the quality of the finished concrete surface by providing controlled bi-directional vibration and propulsion, reducing operator fatigue and improving efficiency in concrete finishing tasks.

Implementation Method 1

The resilient collar forms a spaced relationship between the vibrator and the housing inner surface within the chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a bi-directional motor with remote control capabilities, allowing for optimized vibration and directional movement assistance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

A resilient link, such as a spring or a coupler connects the outward shaft of the motor to the shaft of the rotor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

Vibrations are transmitted to the housing from the rotor via such resilient band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring vibration: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10326331B2Bi-directional vibrator mechanism usable with a concrete finishing tool
Publication Date: 2019.06.18 MIKOWYCHOK FR
  • US10326331B2 patent drawing
  • US10326331B2 patent drawing
  • US10326331B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A remote controlled vibration imparting device for a concrete finishing tool includes a case that attaches to a float using standard bolt layouts. A motor housing is suspended in and attached to the case, and the motor housing partly surrounds a vibrator with a support, a rotor with a shaft and weighted body, a bi-directional motor, and a coupler between the shaft and the motor. Also in the case are a variable speed controller and a remote switch, both of which are electrically connected to the motor and a battery located on or in the case. The case further includes a removable lid that attaches to a concrete finishing tool.