Concrete Curing Machine Automatic Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-treatment machines for concrete ceilings require manual operation of shut-off organs for different modes, leading to complex and time-consuming procedures, with a risk of incorrect operation and increased manufacturing costs due to the use of multiple pumps.
Innovation Solution
A control device with an operating unit for automatic actuation of pumps and shut-off organs, allowing for manual selection of operating modes such as fill, spray, mixed, and cleaning modes, with automatic control to ensure correct operation and reduce the risk of incorrect controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual operation of shut-off valves and multiple pumps is used for different operating modes, then the fluid system can handle multiple modes (filling, spraying, mixing, cleaning), but the operation becomes complicated and time-consuming with increased risk of operator error
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically manages the fluid system operations based on selected mode, eliminating the need for manual valve operations. The system serves itself by automatically actuating shut-off valves and pumps according to the chosen operating mode (filling, spraying, mixing, or cleaning), thereby reducing operator intervention and potential errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation of shut-off valves with an automated control system. The control unit electronically actuates the shut-off valves and pumps based on the selected operating mode, substituting manual mechanical control with an automated control mechanism that reduces complexity and error risk.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pumps are used to circulate different fluids, then each fluid can be controlled independently, but manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The single pump is designed to perform multiple functions by circulating different fluids (post-treatment agent, cleaning fluid) through the same device at different times. The pump serves as a universal fluid circulation device that adapts to different operating modes (filling, spraying, mixing, cleaning) without requiring separate pumps for each fluid type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the function of multiple pumps into a single pump system. Instead of having separate pumps for post-treatment agent and cleaning fluid, one pump is used to circulate both fluids by controlling its operation through the control unit based on the selected mode, thereby combining multiple functions into one device.
3Reliability
If manual shut-off valve operation is required for mode switching, then the system can prevent fluid mixing between modes, but operator error can still cause incorrect fluid flow paths
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit provides automated feedback-based control of the fluid system. When an operating mode is selected, the control unit automatically actuates the appropriate shut-off valves and pump, ensuring correct fluid flow paths without relying on manual operator judgment. This automated feedback mechanism prevents operator error while maintaining reliable fluid flow control.
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
Simplifies the operation of the spray device, reduces the risk of incorrect operation, and lowers manufacturing costs by using a single pump for all operating modes, while ensuring accurate control of liquid flow through the liquid system.
Implementation Method 1
pumps for conveying a liquid in the liquid lines
Implementation Method 2
groups of spray nozzles for spraying post-treatment agent onto the concrete slab
Implementation Method 3
shut-off devices for shutting off individual liquid lines
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a curing machine for curing freshly poured concrete slabs, in particular concrete pavements extending longitudinally in the working direction, which has a spraying device 23 for spraying a curing agent, in particular a dispersion, onto the fresh concrete slab in order to prevent premature drying of the concrete. The curing machine according to the invention is characterized by a control unit 35, which interacts with an operating unit 36, for automatically actuating a pump 38 and shut-off devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 of the liquid system 34 of the spraying device 23.The control unit 35 is configured such that at least two operating modes from the group comprising filling mode A, spraying mode B, mixing mode C and cleaning mode D can be selected by manually operating the control unit 36, wherein after selection of an operating mode the at least one pump 38 and the shut-off devices 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 assigned to the selected operating mode are controlled in such a way that the selected operating mode is executed.