Concrete Curing Machine Texturing and Spraying Device Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete surface treatment machines require time-consuming conversions to switch between texturing and spraying tasks, and the mass inertia of the machine frame causes pitching movements that alter the engagement height of texturing tools during acceleration and braking, leading to inconsistent surface treatment.

Innovation Solution

The machine is designed with both longitudinal and transverse texturing and spraying devices that can be moved independently and pivoted to avoid collisions, allowing for quick conversion between tasks and minimizing the impact of machine frame movements on tool height, using a system of rail guides and quick-change tools to facilitate efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the machine is equipped with both longitudinal and transverse texturing devices that can be moved independently, then the adaptability and versatility of the machine is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to perform different texturing and spraying tasksVSAvoidcomplexity of the machine frame and working device system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The machine frame is designed with universal mounting capabilities that allow the same structural elements to support different types of working devices (longitudinal texturing, transverse texturing, spraying). The machine can perform multiple functions by configuring different working devices on the same frame without requiring complete redesign, thereby achieving versatility while controlling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The working devices are designed with movable and adjustable characteristics, allowing them to be positioned, rotated, or removed as needed. This dynamic configuration capability enables the machine to adapt to different task requirements while maintaining a relatively simple base structure, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the texturing devices are positioned in front of or behind the machine frame, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of consistent texturing height deteriorates due to pitching movements during acceleration and braking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of texturing device positioningVSAvoidconsistency of texturing engagement height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The longitudinal texturing device is positioned at the center of gravity of the machine frame in the longitudinal direction. This central positioning creates an equipotential condition where pitching movements during acceleration and braking do not create significant height variations at the texturing point, ensuring consistent engagement height while maintaining operational convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #12Equipotentiality

Solution Approach 2:

The machine frame design incorporates counterbalancing considerations where the positioning of working devices and mass distribution are optimized to minimize the effect of inertial forces during dynamic operation. By strategically positioning the longitudinal texturing device at the center of gravity, the design counteracts the adverse effects of pitching movements on texturing consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of manufacture

If conversion kits are kept separately for different texturing configurations, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the loss of time increases due to time-consuming conversions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of producing different texturing configurationsVSAvoidtime required for converting between texturing configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The machine frame is pre-designed with integrated mounting provisions and standardized interfaces for different working devices during the initial manufacturing process. This preliminary preparation of the frame structure eliminates the need for time-consuming field conversions, as all necessary mounting points and support structures are already in place, allowing quick configuration changes by simply installing or removing working devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2886717B1After-treatment machine and method for the subsequent processing of a freshly made concrete layer
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 WIRTGEN GMBH
  • EP2886717B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2886717B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2886717B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

AI summary

In a curing machine for reworking freshly produced concrete layers (10), in particular concrete pavements, of a predetermined width, with a machine frame (2) supported by running gear (4), wherein working devices are attached to the machine frame (2) in a stationary or transversely movable manner to the working direction (50), and the working devices comprise texturing devices (3, 5) for applying a texture to the still uncured surface of the concrete layer (10) and/or spraying devices (6, 7) for applying a curing agent, which act on the concrete layer (10) in a longitudinal or transverse direction to the working direction (50), it is provided that the working devices (3, 5, 6, 7) for applying either a texturing or a curing agent include both a longitudinally acting, stationary working device (5,7) as well as a working device (3 or 6) that can be moved back and forth across the width of the concrete layer (10), which can be alternately moved from a rest position to an operating position in which the working devices (3, 5 or 6, 7) do not collide with each other.