Modular Composite Concrete Distribution Arm Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete distribution arms on heavy work vehicles are inflexible in terms of length, resistance, and rigidity, and require complex and costly molds, making them difficult to modify and maintain, while also limiting versatility across different vehicle types.
Innovation Solution
A method using pre-impregnated composite material deposited in a female mold with a constant cross-section, allowing for easy variation in length and layer density, combined with auxiliary elements and mechanical connections for enhanced flexibility and stability, enabling the same molds to produce arms with different load capacities and geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional molds with variable cross-sections are used to produce distribution arms, then the arms can achieve specific structural requirements, but the production costs increase and flexibility to modify length and resistance is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution arm is divided into multiple modular segments that can be assembled in different configurations. Each segment is produced using standardized molds with constant cross-section, allowing flexible combination to achieve various total lengths and resistance characteristics without requiring custom molds for each variation.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized molds with constant cross-section are designed to produce segments that can be used in multiple positions and configurations within the distribution arm system. The same mold can produce segments for different arm configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized molds and reducing production costs while increasing flexibility.
2Reliability
If complex molds are used to produce segments with varying cross-sections, then structural requirements are met, but maintenance difficulty and production time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is segmented into modular units with standardized constant cross-section profiles. This segmentation allows individual segments to be easily replaced during maintenance without affecting the entire structure, and the standardized design simplifies the replacement process while maintaining structural integrity through consistent connection interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of varying the cross-section geometry to meet structural requirements, the invention maintains constant cross-section parameters in the molds and achieves structural variability through changes in segment length, material properties, and assembly configuration. This approach simplifies mold design and maintenance while preserving the ability to meet diverse structural requirements.
3Manufacturing precision
If fixed mold designs are used for producing arm segments, then production consistency is achieved, but adaptability to different vehicle types and requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution arm is composed of standardized segments produced with fixed molds ensuring consistent manufacturing quality. These modular segments can be assembled in different numbers and configurations to create arms tailored to specific vehicle types and requirements, thereby achieving both production consistency and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from fixed, monolithic arm designs to a dynamic, modular assembly of standardized segments. This allows the configuration of the distribution arm to be adapted dynamically to different vehicle types and application requirements while maintaining the manufacturing precision benefits of fixed mold designs for each segment type.
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 approach significantly reduces production costs, simplifies maintenance, and allows for greater flexibility in arm design, enabling the same molds to produce arms with varying lengths and load capacities, while maintaining structural integrity and ease of assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a second step in which the composite material, deposited in layers in the mold, is subjected to polymerization, for example by treatment in an autoclave or in another similar known manner
Data Source
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AI summary
Method to make an arm for the distribution of concrete (10), or other material similar to concrete, used on heavy work vehicles (11), wherein the arm (10) comprises a plurality of segments (21-25) selectively folding and extendible one with respect to the other. Each segment (21-25) comprises a main girder and auxiliary elements for connection to adjacent segments or for attachment of movement and/or supporting devices for the pipe that carries the concrete. The method comprises a first step in which each main girder (20) is formed, with a predefined length, by depositing a plurality of layers of pre-impregnated composite material in a female type mold. The method comprises a second step in which the composite material, deposited in layers in the mold in a variable number of layers, is subjected to polymerization. The method comprises a third step in which each main girder (20) is removed from the mold and a fourth step in which the auxiliary elements are associated with each girder (20) so as to form a relative segment (21-25). The method comprises a fifth step in which the extendible arm (10) is assembled, connecting the various segments (21-25) at the respective ends. The cross section of each of the main girders (20) of the segments (21-25) is substantially constant over its whole length. The female mold consists of one or more elementary molds of equal section, connected in sequence with each other according to the overall length of the main girder (20) to be made.