System and process for introducing a lance into a concrete mixing truck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for cooling concrete mixtures are costly, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and pose safety risks, while also potentially damaging concrete mixers and affecting concrete characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A mobile apparatus with a pivotally attached arm support assembly, an arm assembly, and a lance assembly that can be inserted into a cement mixer, using liquid nitrogen as the cooling fluid, with a breakaway device to prevent damage and a control cabinet for manual or automated operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If conventional cooling methods (refrigeration units, ice, or cryogenic liquids mixed with water) are used, then concrete can be cooled, but the process becomes costly, time-consuming, and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cooling function from the mixing process by introducing a separate cryogenic liquid injection system directly into the mixer drum. Instead of cooling the water beforehand (which requires separate refrigeration equipment and time), the cooling agent is directly injected into the concrete mixture during mixing, separating the cooling operation from the water preparation process and enabling simultaneous mixing and cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a hydraulic or pneumatic injection system to deliver cryogenic liquid through hoses and nozzles directly into the mixer drum. This fluid-based delivery mechanism allows rapid injection of cooling agent without mechanical handling, eliminating the time-consuming processes of ice transport, crushing, and manual placement while maintaining effective cooling.
2Temperature
If ice is used for cooling, then concrete temperature is reduced, but safety risks increase due to back injuries from lifting and loss of limbs from ice crushers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical handling system (manual lifting, crushing, and placement of ice) with a fluid injection system. Cryogenic liquid is delivered through hoses and nozzles using hydraulic or pneumatic pressure, eliminating the need for workers to physically handle heavy ice blocks or operate dangerous ice crushers. This substitution removes the source of mechanical injuries while achieving the same cooling effect.
3Temperature
If ice is added to concrete mixture, then cooling is achieved, but concrete characteristics such as slump measurement are negatively impacted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the physical state parameter of the cooling agent from solid (ice) to liquid (cryogenic liquid). This parameter change allows the cooling agent to be injected as a fluid that mixes uniformly with the concrete mixture without disrupting the aggregate structure. The liquid form maintains concrete workability and slump characteristics while still providing effective cooling through phase change absorption during evaporation.
4Temperature
If stationary injectors are used for cryogenic liquid injection, then cooling can be achieved, but structural adjustments are required for different mixer sizes and the system becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transforms the injection system from a static, fixed installation to a dynamic, mobile system. Flexible hoses with movable nozzles allow the injection apparatus to be easily positioned and adjusted for different mixer sizes and types. The system can be quickly connected and disconnected without requiring structural modifications to the mixer or permanent installation, enabling rapid deployment and adaptation to various job sites.
5Temperature
If current injection systems are used, then cooling is provided, but potential damage to the truck mixer drum is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates safety features including breakaway coupling mechanisms and controlled injection pressure regulation. The breakaway couplings are designed to disconnect if excessive force is applied, preventing damage to the mixer drum. Pressure regulation systems control the injection rate to prevent violent reactions or drum deformation, cushioning against potential damage before it occurs through engineered safety margins and protective mechanisms.
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 apparatus efficiently cools concrete mixtures, reducing the risk of damage to mixers and improving concrete strength, while being safer, more cost-effective, and easier to transport and set up compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
introducing liquid nitrogen into the concrete mixer and thereby mixing with the concrete mixture
Implementation Method 2
The liquid nitrogen source is fluidically connected to the lance assembly
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 2c~2f
AI summary
An apparatus for cooling a concrete mixture, including a mobile base, and an arm support assembly (207). The arm support assembly is pivotally attached to the mobile base, and wherein the arm support assembly is configured to fold against the mobile base for transport. An arm assembly (208,208a,208b), wherein the arm assembly is configured to move along the arm support assembly, and wherein the arm assembly is configured to fold against the arm support assembly for transport. A lance assembly (401), wherein the lance assembly is configured to be inserted into a cement mixer, wherein the lance assembly is configured to fold against the arm assembly for transport. A method for cooling a concrete mixture, including positioning the lance and cement truck to enter the opening of a cement truck. Inserting the lance into the cement truck and introducing liquid nitrogen into the concrete mixer and thereby mixing with the cement mixture.