Concrete Mixer Hopper Cleaning via Integrated Drip Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for cleaning the inlet hopper of concrete mixers after loading are time-consuming and pose risks to drivers, with manual cleaning and separate cleaning stations being inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A device with a drip protection system and integrated cleaning system featuring spray nozzles that can be moved between loading and cleaning positions, utilizing public water pressure for efficient rinsing, and an automated control system for semi-automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning of the inlet hopper is performed by the driver, then the inlet hopper can be cleaned after loading, but the process is time-consuming and poses safety risks to the driver
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system enables the inlet hopper to clean itself automatically through spray nozzles that rinse the hopper with water, eliminating the need for manual driver intervention and thereby removing safety risks while maintaining cleaning effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning operation is performed automatically in the background after loading, allowing the hopper to be cleaned before the mixer leaves the station without requiring the driver to stop or perform manual cleaning actions
2Reliability
If a separate cleaning station with spray nozzles is installed at the mixing plant, then the inlet hopper can be cleaned after loading, but additional space and installation costs are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system is merged with the existing drip protection device structure, integrating spray nozzles and water supply into the already-installed infrastructure rather than adding a separate cleaning station, thereby eliminating additional space and cost requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The drip protection device serves dual functions: protecting against dripping during loading and providing the mounting structure for the cleaning system, allowing one structure to perform multiple functions and avoiding redundant infrastructure
3Productivity
If the cleaning system is integrated on the drip protection device, then cleaning can be performed automatically, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning system components (spray nozzles, water supply lines, control mechanisms) are integrated into the existing drip protection device structure, combining two functions into one unified system rather than adding separate components, thereby minimizing structural complexity while maintaining automated functionality
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
This solution enables efficient, time-saving cleaning of concrete mixer inlet funnels, reducing the need for additional cleaning stations and minimizing water usage, while ensuring driver safety and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a cleaning system for rinsing the inlet hopper with water, which cleaning system is arranged on the drip protection device and comprises one or more spray nozzles
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (100) for loading concrete mixers (200) with fresh concrete, wherein the device (100) has a collection hopper (110) for dispensing concrete into an inlet hopper (210) of a concrete mixer (200) and further a drip protection device (120) with a drip catcher (121) to collect concrete that runs out of the collection hopper (110) after the loading has been completed, and wherein the device (100) has a cleaning system (130) for rinsing the inlet hopper (210) with water, which is arranged on the drip protection device (120) and comprises one or more spray nozzles (131).