Concrete Specimen Forming Device with Automated Vibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for forming concrete specimens are inefficient and labor-intensive, requiring skilled operators and resulting in potential errors and increased physical effort, while also not ensuring optimal representation of concrete quality due to air entrapment and uneven distribution.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a hopper with a discharge mouth, support means for multiple forms, and vibration mechanisms that allow layered filling and simultaneous vibration, along with automated control systems to optimize concrete distribution and specimen formation, reducing operator effort and improving specimen representativeness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sampling and form filling is performed by a technician using a barrow, then the concrete can be placed in forms, but the process is labor-intensive and reduces productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical system (technician using barrow to transport and fill forms) with an automated mechanical system (hopper with discharge mouth, conveyor belt, and automated form positioning mechanism). This substitution eliminates manual labor for concrete transport and form filling, directly increasing productivity while reducing operator effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables self-service operation where the system automatically positions forms, dispenses concrete, and compacts specimens without continuous manual intervention. The automated control system manages the entire specimen formation process, allowing the equipment to serve itself and significantly reducing the need for skilled operators.
2Reliability
If concrete is manually placed and compacted in forms, then specimens can be formed, but the process requires specialized operators and increases risk of errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual concrete placement and compaction operations with automated mechanical systems including controlled discharge mechanisms and vibration tables. This substitution ensures consistent specimen formation by eliminating human variability, improving reliability while the modular design keeps device complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor and adjust concrete discharge rates, form positioning, and vibration parameters to ensure consistent specimen quality. This feedback control maintains high reliability by automatically correcting deviations from standard formation procedures.
3Productivity
If concrete is quickly dispensed from hopper to multiple forms, then productivity increases, but air entrapment and uneven distribution may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic vibration applied during and after concrete dispensing to eliminate air entrapment and ensure uniform distribution. The cyclic vibration action occurs at optimized intervals and intensities, allowing rapid concrete placement into multiple forms while maintaining manufacturing precision through repeated compaction cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates mechanical vibration tables and vibrators that apply controlled vibration to concrete during form filling. This mechanical vibration accelerates concrete flow, removes air bubbles, and ensures uniform distribution across multiple forms, enabling high-speed operation without sacrificing specimen quality.
4Ease of operation
If traditional manual methods are used for concrete sampling and form filling, then the process is simple, but physical strain on operators increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system performs all specimen formation tasks independently, requiring minimal operator intervention. Operators simply load forms and monitor the process, dramatically reducing physical strain and skill requirements while increasing throughput. The system serves itself by automatically positioning forms, dispensing concrete, compacting specimens, and preparing for the next cycle.
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 device significantly increases productivity, reduces operator error, and allows specimens of higher representativeness by facilitating efficient concrete distribution and air removal, making the process more accessible to less skilled personnel and reducing physical strain.
Implementation Method 1
vibration mechanisms that allow layered filling and simultaneous vibration
Implementation Method 2
the discharge mouth 20 and the force of gravity directing the concrete flowing out of the feeding means 2 to said support means 3
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5a~5b
AI summary
A device for forming concrete specimens comprising: concrete feeding means (2) comprising a discharge mouth (20); - support means (3) suitable for supporting at least a first and/or a second form, said discharge mouth (20) and the force of gravity directing the concrete flowing out of the feeding means (2) to said support means (3); - first vibrator means (5) suitable for generating the vibration of at least the contents of first and/or second form.