Single-Operator Concrete Saw with Integrated Cyclonic Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional walk-behind concrete saws generate airborne respirable silica dust, increasing the risk of silicosis for workers, and require a second operator to manage vacuum collection, thereby increasing labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A single-operator concrete saw design featuring a second hand truck component with a motor-powered vacuum, allowing simultaneous cutting and dust collection, utilizing a gas-powered cutting wheel and a cordless, rechargeable vacuum with a cyclonic canister and flexible dust collection bag, and a trailering latch for efficient operation and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If vacuum equipped concrete saws incorporate electric powered, gasoline powered, or propane powered vacuuming apparatus, then dust collection capability is improved, but labor cost increases due to requiring a second worker to operate and maneuver the vacuum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuuming apparatus with the concrete saw by attaching the vacuum to the rear hand truck component, which is already part of the saw assembly. This integration allows the vacuum and saw to be operated as a single unit by one worker, eliminating the need for a second operator while maintaining effective dust collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear hand truck component serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the vacuum apparatus, acts as a collection point for dust and cuttings, and maintains the mobility of the entire assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and operators, resolving the contradiction between dust collection effectiveness and device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If a second hand truck component is attached in train with the first hand truck component to allow single operator vacuum assisted cutting, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The hand truck assembly is divided into front and rear components that can be attached in train. The front hand truck supports the cutting operation while the rear hand truck supports the vacuum apparatus. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while working together as an integrated system operated by a single worker.
Solution Approach 2:
The rear hand truck acts as an intermediary component that connects the vacuum apparatus to the overall saw assembly. It provides a stable mounting platform for the vacuum while maintaining the mobility and maneuverability needed for single-operator control, thus facilitating ease of operation without excessive complexity.
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
Enables a single worker to perform vacuum-assisted concrete cutting while reducing labor costs and minimizing airborne silica dust exposure, improving operational efficiency and safety.
Implementation Method 1
motor driving a centrifugal vacuum drawing air impeller. Such motor and air impeller combination is preferably mounted to the top of a vacuum cyclonic canister whose lower dust output opening communicates with a concrete dust cuttings collection bag
Implementation Method 2
motor driving a centrifugal vacuum drawing air impeller
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete saw for cutting a relief slot in a concrete slab surface, the concrete saw incorporating front and rear hand truck components having lower bases and upwardly extending handles, each handle being fixedly attached to one of the hand truck bases; front and rear pluralities of wheels respectively fixedly attached to and extending downwardly from the front and rear hand trucks' bases; a motor and cutting wheel combination supported upon the front hand truck's base; a motor powered vacuum supported upon the rear hand truck; a vacuum housing enshrouding an upper end of the cutting wheel; a vacuum tube operatively interconnecting the motor powered vacuum and the vacuum housing; and a releasable latch interconnecting the front and rear hand trucks so that forward propulsion of the front hand truck forwardly pulls the rearward hand truck.