Concrete Pump Hazard Detection for Ground and Boom Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Concrete pumps face hazards such as tipping due to poor stabilization, ground cavities, high winds, and proximity to electric lines, which can lead to accidents and damage.

Innovation Solution

Equipping the concrete pump with detection devices for ground cavities, boom inclination, foot deployment, trim, and rotation, along with sensors for wind speed and electric lines, to compute and maintain the center of gravity within a safe volume, and alert or block operations when hazards are detected.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If stabilizing feet are positioned on either side of the concrete pump, then stabilization is improved, but the feet may be badly positioned and fail to prevent tipping

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilizationVSAvoidprevention of tipping

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of ground cavities and assessment of stabilization conditions before the concrete pump operates. The detection device identifies unsafe ground conditions and the control unit prevents deployment or operation before tipping can occur, rather than reacting after instability begins

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device continuously monitors ground conditions and feeds information back to the control unit, which adjusts operational parameters or alerts the operator. This closed-loop feedback ensures stabilization is maintained by constantly comparing actual conditions against safe operating parameters

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If the concrete pump is deployed to remote locations, then delivery capability is improved, but ground cavities may cause collapse and tipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery location flexibilityVSAvoidground stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Before deploying to any location including remote areas, the detection device scans the ground for cavities and assesses stability. The system performs this preliminary safety check regardless of location, enabling safe operation in remote areas by identifying ground hazards before the pump is placed on them

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The detection device acts as an intermediary between the concrete pump and the ground, providing information about ground conditions without requiring direct physical interaction. This allows the system to assess remote locations safely before deployment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the articulated boom is deployed to reach remote delivery locations, then delivery capability is improved, but wind force may cause tipping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery location reachVSAvoidtipping resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The anemometer continuously measures wind speed and provides feedback to the control unit. When wind exceeds safe thresholds, the system alerts the operator or limits boom operation, maintaining stability by comparing real-time wind conditions against predetermined safety criteria

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes operational parameters based on wind conditions - limiting boom extension, reducing pumping rate, or preventing deployment when wind speed exceeds safe thresholds. This dynamic parameter adjustment maintains stability while allowing operation in varying wind conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If the articulated boom operates near electric lines, then delivery flexibility is improved, but magnetic fields may create electric arcs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery location flexibilityVSAvoidelectric arc damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device acts as an intermediary that senses the presence of electric lines and magnetic fields before the boom enters dangerous zones. It provides early warning and prevents the boom from entering areas where electric arcs could occur, eliminating the hazard before contact happens

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of electric lines and magnetic fields in the intended operation path before deploying the boom. This advance detection allows the operator to plan a safe path that avoids electric arcs while still achieving delivery objectives

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12378785B2Concrete pump equipped with hazard detection means

Publication Date: 2025.08.05 QUALI PARTS & SERVICES

AI summary

A concrete pump (1) includes a first frame (2a) equipped with a hopper (5) intended to receive the concrete, feet (13) for stabilizing the concrete pump (1) and a turret (10) carrying an articulated boom (6) comprising a plurality of arms (7). The articulated boom (6) carries at least one pipe (6a) for conveying the concrete between the hopper (5) and a concrete delivery location. The concrete pump (1) is equipped with any one of at least a first device for detecting cavities in the ground, a second device (22) for detecting an inclination of at least one arm (7) relative to a vertical axis (A2), a third device for detecting the deployment of the feet (13), a fourth device for detecting an attitude of the concrete pump (1) and a rotation sensor equipping the turret (10).