Cordless Concrete Screed Drive for Single-Operator Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powered concrete screeds are bulky, heavy, and difficult to transport and operate precisely, often requiring multiple operators and lacking robust control features, leading to premature wear and damage.
Innovation Solution
A cordless electrically-powered concrete screed with a rotatable drum driven by a battery-powered electric motor, featuring a frame with a powered drive unit, mechanical control connection, and a coupler that allows for single-operator operation and improved maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional powered concrete screeds use internal combustion engines or hydraulic power sources, then they have sufficient power to operate, but they become bulky and heavy, making them difficult to transport and operate precisely
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces internal combustion engines and hydraulic power sources with an electric motor powered by a battery pack. This substitution eliminates the need for fuel tanks, exhaust systems, and complex hydraulic components, significantly reducing the overall weight of the screed while maintaining sufficient power output for concrete forming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The power system is segmented into separate modular components: a battery pack that can be detached and recharged, and an electric motor assembly. This segmentation allows the heavy battery to be replaced without replacing the entire power system, reducing overall system weight and improving portability while maintaining operational power requirements.
2Reliability
If conventional powered screeds are designed with sufficient power and durability, then they can operate in harsh conditions, but they require more than one operator and are difficult to manipulate
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor provides precise speed control through electrical regulation, allowing a single operator to easily start, stop, and adjust the screed speed without the complex mechanical linkages and clutch systems found in conventional powered screeds. This electrical control system maintains operational durability while dramatically improving ease of manipulation.
3Device complexity
If conventional powered tools lack robust operator control features, then they are simpler in design, but they are unduly prone to premature wear and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor with electrical speed control eliminates mechanical clutches, belts, and linkages that are prone to wear and damage. The electrical control system uses solid-state components and software-based control that have no moving parts, thereby improving reliability and wear resistance while maintaining manageable design 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
The cordless design enhances portability and precision, reduces operator fatigue, and minimizes wear and damage by enabling single-operator use and continuous, variable-speed operation.
Implementation Method 1
a battery-powered electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A power unit is configured for use as part of a concrete screed and includes a frame and a powered drive. The frame includes a drive housing. The powered drive is operably supported by the drive housing and is configured to rotate a rotatable concrete forming drum. The powered drive includes an electric motor and a battery operably coupled to the electric motor and configured to power the electric motor. The powered drive includes a drive shaft drivingly connectable relative to the drum, with rotation of the drive shaft causing corresponding rotation of the drum.