Concrete Mixing Probe Pressure Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete mixing techniques require multiple drum rotations to ensure homogeneity, leading to unnecessary resource expenditure and increased time and fuel costs, as they rely on measurements over multiple rotations to determine mixing completion.

Innovation Solution

A method and system using a probe inside the drum to measure pressure values at different circumferential positions during a single rotation, determining deviation from reference data, and reducing the drum's rotation speed when the deviation is below a threshold, indicating satisfactory mixing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If measurements are taken over multiple drum rotations to ensure mixing homogeneity, then the reliability of mixing completion determination is improved, but the time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemixing completion determination accuracyVSAvoidmixing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary analysis of pressure values during the first drum rotation and can determine mixing completion before multiple rotations are completed. By evaluating the deviation of pressure values from reference data in advance, the system avoids unnecessary extended mixing time while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors pressure values during drum rotation and compares them against reference data to provide real-time feedback on mixing homogeneity. This feedback mechanism allows the system to determine mixing completion based on a single rotation when conditions are met, resolving the contradiction between reliability and time consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Stability of the object's composition

If the drum rotates at higher speed for multiple rotations to ensure mixing, then the homogeneity of concrete constituents is improved, but the fuel consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcrete homogeneityVSAvoidfuel consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces prolonged mechanical drum rotation with a measurement and evaluation system based on pressure sensing. By using the probe to detect pressure values and comparing them against reference data, the system determines mixing completion without requiring extended high-speed rotation, thus reducing fuel consumption while maintaining concrete homogeneity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the monitoring parameter from time-based (multiple rotations) to pressure-value-based (deviation from reference data). This parameter change allows the system to assess mixing homogeneity more efficiently, reducing the need for prolonged high-speed drum rotation and thereby lowering fuel consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If the drum rotation speed is reduced only after multiple rotations, then the mixing homogeneity is ensured, but the productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcrete homogeneityVSAvoidmixing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary evaluation of mixing homogeneity during the first drum rotation by analyzing pressure value deviations from reference data. When the deviation is within the acceptable threshold, the system preliminarily determines mixing completion and reduces drum speed, thereby improving productivity without compromising concrete homogeneity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the drum rotation speed based on real-time pressure measurements and deviation analysis. Instead of following a fixed multi-rotation protocol, the drum speed is reduced as soon as the deviation threshold is met, creating a dynamic mixing process that optimizes both homogeneity and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 approach allows for earlier reduction of the drum's rotation speed, saving fuel and time by determining concrete homogeneity within a single rotation, thereby reducing operational costs and enhancing safety by allowing mixer trucks to depart sooner.

Implementation Method 1

receiving a first set of pressure values indicative of pressure exerted on the probe by the concrete constituents

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Data Source

PatentEP3691850B1Method for mixing concrete constituents in a drum

Publication Date: 2023.03.22 COMMAND ALKON INC

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AI summary

There is described a method for mixing concrete constituents that generally has a step of rotating a drum having a probe mounted inside the drum and immerged in the concrete constituents being mixed inside the drum; a step of receiving a first set of pressure values indicative of pressure exerted on the probe by the concrete constituents, the pressure values of the first set being taken at different circumferential positions of the probe during a single rotation of the drum.