Concrete Block Surface Structuring With Controlled Granule Distribution

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete block manufacturing devices struggle with creating uniform surface layers of free-flowing materials with controlled patterns and patterns, as they require long silos with specific opening designs, leading to limited production capacity and uncontrollable material distribution, and necessitate time-consuming material changes.

Innovation Solution

A concrete block manufacturing device with a portioning device and opening element allows controlled distribution of free-flowing materials, enabling linear and two-dimensional application of materials without requiring specialized silos, facilitating quick material changes and precise pattern creation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If long silos with specific opening designs are used to distribute free-flowing material, then uniform surface layers can be formed, but production capacity is limited and material distribution becomes uncontrollable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniform surface layer formationVSAvoidproduction capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device is divided into multiple independent distribution sections (first distribution section, second distribution section, etc.), each capable of distributing material independently. This segmentation allows different sections to work simultaneously on different blocks, increasing production capacity while maintaining uniform distribution in each section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces movable distribution sections that can be positioned and repositioned along the guide rail. The distribution sections can move between stored position and working position, and can be adjusted to distribute material to different blocks. This dynamic capability enables flexible control over material distribution while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If long silos with specific opening designs are used, then material distribution is controlled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial distribution controlVSAvoidsilo design complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution device uses universal components that can serve multiple functions. The distribution sections can distribute different materials (colored granules, pebbles, etc.) to different blocks. The movable carriage and guide rail system provide a universal platform that can accommodate various distribution configurations without requiring specialized silos for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex specialized silos, the patent employs simpler distribution sections that replicate the essential distribution function across multiple units. Each distribution section is a simplified copy of the distribution mechanism, eliminating the need for complex opening designs while maintaining distribution control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Manufacturing precision

If specialized silos are used for material storage and distribution, then uniform distribution is achieved, but material changes become time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial distribution uniformityVSAvoidmaterial change downtime
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution sections are designed to be movable and repositionable along the guide rail. When material changes are needed, the distribution sections can be moved to a stored position while material is changed in the storage containers, then repositioned to the working position. This dynamic positioning allows material changes without disassembling the entire distribution system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution system is segmented into independent distribution sections that can be independently positioned and operated. This allows material changes to be performed in one section while other sections continue working, minimizing production downtime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If fixed distribution patterns are used, then simple device design is maintained, but pattern creation flexibility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice design simplicityVSAvoidpattern creation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The distribution sections can be dynamically positioned at different locations along the guide rail and can be moved to different working positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the creation of various patterns (stripes, images, etc.) by controlling which sections distribute material to which blocks, without requiring complex mechanical pattern-forming mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The distribution system is divided into multiple independently controllable sections, each capable of distributing different materials. This segmentation enables flexible pattern creation by selectively activating different sections for different blocks, achieving pattern versatility through simple on/off control of individual sections rather than complex mechanical arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4159395B1Device and method for producing surface-structured concrete components
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 LITHONPLUS
  • EP4159395B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4159395B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4159395B1 patent drawingFigure 5(a)~5(c)

AI summary

The invention relates to a concrete block manufacturing device (10) and a manufacturing method for distributing free-flowing material (40), in particular granules (42), to form a surface layer (34) of such material on a concrete block base (44). At least one component (A) of a free-flowing material (40) is fed to the device (10). The device (10) comprises a feeding element (12), a distribution device (14), and at least one opening element (16).It is proposed that the portioning device (18) has at least one linear portioning section (14), wherein the free-flowing material (40) can be fed in a controllable manner via the at least one feed element (12) along the linear portioning section (14), and the free-flowing material (40) of a portioning section (14) can subsequently be conveyed out via a distribution section (L) via the opening element (20) and applied via this opening element (20) to a surface (28) of the concrete block base body (44) to form a linear trickle section (R), such that the areal distribution of the free-flowing material (40) along the trickle section (R) corresponds to the volumetric distribution of the free-flowing material (40) in the portioning section (14).