Mortar Mixing Drum Inclined Back Wall and V-Paddles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mortar mixing drum assemblies face issues with inefficient loading and mixing due to the 'shelf effect' caused by the angled back lip and lack of safety during engine operation, as the engine cab is often left open for frequent access to start/stop controls.
Innovation Solution
A portable mixing drum assembly with a cylindrical body, inclined back wall to prevent mortar accumulation, a widened discharge chute, a pivotally mounted grate with a bag splitter, and a two-piece engine cab for enhanced safety, along with additional V-shaped paddles to increase air entrainment and improve mixing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the back wall is inclined at a large angle from vertical, then mortar discharge is improved, but mortar build-up occurs in the drum
Solution Approach 1:
The back wall inclination angle is changed from conventional large angles to specifically 0-15 degrees from vertical. This parameter modification eliminates the shelf effect that causes mortar build-up while maintaining effective discharge through the widened chute.
2Ease of operation
If the engine cab is left open for frequent access, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The engine cab is divided into two separate sections: a fixed section and a movable section. The movable section can be opened independently to provide access to controls while the fixed section remains closed to maintain safety and enclose the engine.
Solution Approach 2:
The cab structure is made dynamic with the movable section that can pivot between closed and open positions. This allows the cab to adapt between safety mode (closed) and operation mode (partially open) as needed.
3Productivity
If conventional mixing paddles are used, then device complexity is minimized, but mixing efficiency and air entrainment are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mixing system is segmented into multiple paddle types: conventional paddles for basic mixing and additional V-shaped paddles specifically designed for air entrainment. Each paddle type performs a specialized function to improve overall mixing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Different paddle configurations are placed at different locations on the shaft. The V-shaped paddles are specifically positioned to create air pockets and enhance air entrainment in specific zones of the drum, while conventional paddles handle general mixing.
4Productivity
If the discharge chute is narrow, then device complexity is reduced, but loading and mixing efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The discharge chute width is increased from conventional dimensions to approximately 24 inches. This parameter change improves material flow and loading efficiency while the chute is positioned to discharge from the enlarged outlet opening at the top of the drum.
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 solution enhances loading and mixing efficiency by eliminating the 'shelf effect' and ensures safer operation by enclosing the engine, while the V-shaped paddles improve mortar consistency and reduce temperature, leading to better spreadability and extended tool life.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the additional paddles includes opposite end portions which are angled toward each other and toward the shaft for increasing air entrained in the mortar during mixing of the mortar
Implementation Method 2
The back wall of the body is inclined from the vertical by no more than 15° to inhibit build up of the mortar being mixed in the drum
Data Source
AI summary
The assembly includes frame, drum having a substantially cylindrical body with upper outlet opening covered by a grate. The drum includes a laterally disposed discharge chute and a back wall. A shaft mounted between end walls and carries a pair of arms with a center paddle and V-shaped mixing paddles are on respective arms for increasing the amount of entrained air in mixed mortar. The back wall is inclined from the vertical by no more than 15° to inhibit build up of the mortar being mixed in the drum. A three member bag splitter is affixed to the grate over the widest area of the outlet opening. A two-section cab encloses an engine and allows for access to the starter and engine controls while protecting a user. A gear drive shield medially of the cab provides user protection and protects the drive components from dust and debris.