Energized Conveyance for Shear-Thinning Material Fluidity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for consolidating concrete, such as vibration, are labor-intensive and may not effectively eliminate voids and ensure even distribution of aggregate, leading to reduced strength and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A system that imparts energy to shear-thinning materials like concrete during transit using a conveyance system coupled with an energizer, which can include vibrational elements or other energy sources, to increase fluidity and facilitate consolidation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration is applied to consolidate concrete after deposition, then voids are reduced and consolidation is improved, but the process becomes labor intensive and quality is subject to worker experience
Solution Approach 1:
The vibrator is inserted into the concrete before the concrete fully sets, during the critical window when the concrete is still workable. This preliminary vibration application prevents void formation and ensures consolidation before the material hardens, eliminating the need for post-deposition labor-intensive vibration processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an automated vibrator that can be controlled by sensors detecting concrete properties, allowing the system to self-regulate the vibration process without constant human intervention. The vibrator automatically adjusts operation based on real-time concrete conditions
2Stability of the object's composition
If concrete is transported with higher stiffness, then transport stability is improved, but voids and air pockets increase and homogeneity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete mixture's rheological properties are dynamically adjusted during transport using vibrational energy input. The mixture transitions from a stiffer state during transport to a more fluid state during deposition, allowing the system to optimize both transport stability and material homogeneity at different stages
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration application changes the physical parameters of the concrete mixture, specifically reducing viscosity and improving flowability during the deposition phase while maintaining stability during transport. This parameter adjustment allows the concrete to exhibit different rheological properties at different times
3Reliability
If manual needle vibration is used for consolidation, then consolidation can be achieved, but the process is labor intensive and quality is inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical vibration process is replaced with an automated system that uses controlled vibrational energy input. The automated vibrator can be integrated with sensors and control systems to provide consistent, repeatable consolidation results without relying on worker experience and manual intervention
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 energy imparted during transit reduces viscosity, allowing for better flow and consolidation, reducing voids and improving the strength and appearance of the concrete.
Implementation Method 1
vibrating the material as it is being conveyed
Implementation Method 2
increasing the fluidity of shear-thinning material during transit
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for increasing fluidity of a shear-thinning material during transit using an energizer which is coupled to a conveyance and configured to impart energy to the shear-thinning material as it is transported by the conveyance, thereby increasing the fluidity of the Material source Conveyor Form material. The conveyance may comprise any of a wide variety of transport means, including pumps, hoses or other conduits, conveyor belts, bins or buckets, chutes, hoppers, or the like. The energizer may use elements that generate mechanical vibrations, electromagnetic waves, acoustic waves, or the like to transfer energy to the shear-thinning material. The energy-imparting elements may be at a localized portion of the conveyance, or at multiple locations along a transport path of the conveyance, and may be controlled by a controller based on such parameters as sensed characteristics of the shear-thinning material or environmental conditions.