Concrete Surface Machine With Self-Propelled Tool Carriers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current concrete surface processing machines are inflexible and require complex mechanical linkages, making them less efficient for both small and large surfaces, and often need operator intervention, which limits their autonomy and maneuverability.

Innovation Solution

A concrete surface processing machine with at least three tool carriers driven by electric machines, allowing for self-locomotion and autonomous operation, featuring tiltable tool carriers and a control unit that generates variable forces and rotational velocities to move and process surfaces efficiently, eliminating the need for complex transmission systems and operator presence.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a central power source with mechanical linkage (chain or belt drive) is used to power multiple tool carriers, then the machine can process concrete surfaces, but the device complexity increases and the tool carrier control becomes complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetool carrier control flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the power transmission system into independent segments, with each tool carrier having its own electric machine. This segmentation eliminates the need for a complex central transmission system while allowing independent control of each tool carrier, directly resolving the contradiction between control flexibility and system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical linkage system (chain or belt drives) with independent electric machines for each tool carrier. This substitution eliminates the mechanical transmission complexity while maintaining the ability to power and control multiple tool carriers, addressing both the complexity and adaptability concerns

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional floor grinders and power trowels are designed to be bulky for processing larger surfaces, then they can handle big concrete areas, but the machine weight increases and maneuverability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface size coverageVSAvoidmachine weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a machine that can universally handle both small and large concrete surfaces by using multiple independently controllable tool carriers. Each carrier can be independently activated or deactivated, allowing the machine to adapt to different surface sizes without requiring different machine types, thus maintaining versatility while reducing overall weight

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the tool carrier configuration dynamic by allowing independent control of each tool carrier's operation. This dynamic capability enables the machine to optimize its performance for different surface sizes by activating only the necessary tool carriers, providing adaptability without the need for a permanently bulky design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If an operator is required to manually operate the concrete processing machine, then the machine can be controlled in real-time, but the operator presence increases safety risks and reduces automation level

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time control capabilityVSAvoidoperator presence requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the machine to control its own tool carriers through independent electric machines that can be autonomously activated. This self-service capability allows the machine to operate without continuous operator intervention, increasing automation while maintaining the ability to perform processing tasks, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and extent of automation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

The machine can efficiently process concrete surfaces of various sizes with improved maneuverability and autonomy, reducing weight and complexity while enabling simultaneous movement and processing, allowing for remote or autonomous operation and enhanced safety features.

Implementation Method 1

at least three tool carriers (110) arranged to be driven by respective electric machines (510)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the tool carriers (110) is arranged to generate a variable force Fi acting on the machine (100), relative to the concrete surface (210)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS20240052647A1Concrete surface processing machines, systems, and methods for processing concrete surfaces

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 HUSQVARNA AB

AI summary

A machine (100) for processing a concrete surface, the machine comprising a control unit (101) and at least three tool carriers (110) arranged to rotate about respective tool carrier axes, wherein at least one of the tool carriers (110) is arranged to generate a variable force acting on the machine, relative to the concrete surface, in response to a control signal generated by the control unit (101), wherein the control signal is configured to provide locomotion by the machine relative to the surface.