Multi-Sectioned Boom Concrete Conveyor Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete conveyor systems face limitations in maneuverability and adjustability, particularly in tight spaces, due to their single-axis movement and high power requirements, which can lead to safety issues and increased costs and labor for repositioning.
Innovation Solution
A portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly with a feeder conveyor and main conveyor boom sections that include a proximal main conveyor belt rotatably coupled to a vehicle, an intermediate section that can pivot and translate, and a distal section that can independently revolve, allowing for more flexible and efficient concrete placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If multiple extendable boom sections are used to reach placement locations, then the conveyor can reach farther distances, but the device becomes more complex and harder to maneuver in tight spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The conveyor boom is divided into multiple extendable sections that can be telescoped in and out, allowing the structure to achieve long reach distances while maintaining a compact form when retracted. This segmentation enables the conveyor to extend to placement locations far from the vehicle while reducing complexity when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom sections are designed to nest within one another when retracted, with each section fitting inside the previous section. This nesting arrangement allows the conveyor to achieve extended reach when needed while occupying minimal space when stored, effectively managing the complexity-reach contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the entire main conveyor is rotated horizontally to navigate to placement locations, then the conveyor can reach different positions, but this operation becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The boom sections are designed with dynamic articulation capabilities, allowing individual sections to pivot and adjust their angles independently. This dynamic structure enables the conveyor to reposition itself more efficiently by adjusting section angles rather than rotating the entire conveyor, reducing repositioning time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the entire conveyor horizontally (one-dimensional movement), the system enables vertical articulation and angular adjustment of individual boom sections (adding vertical dimension). This multi-dimensional capability allows the conveyor to reach placement locations more efficiently without time-consuming horizontal rotations of the entire structure.
3Productivity
If conduit-based pumping systems are used to transport concrete, then concrete can be delivered to placement locations, but the systems require more power and are less compact than telescopic belt conveyors
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces conduit-based pumping mechanisms with a telescopic belt conveyor system. This substitution eliminates the need for high-power pumps while maintaining concrete delivery capability. The belt conveyor uses mechanical friction and gravity more efficiently, reducing overall power consumption while achieving the same productivity goals.
4Volume of moving object
If telescopic belt conveyors are used with single-axis movement, then the structure is more compact, but vertical adjustment is unavailable unless the entire conveyor is rotated
Solution Approach 1:
The telescopic belt conveyor is segmented into multiple articulating sections, each capable of independent angular adjustment. This segmentation allows individual sections to provide vertical adjustment without requiring rotation of the entire conveyor, maintaining compactness while improving operational ease through localized adjustment capabilities.
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 design enhances maneuverability and adjustability, reducing operational costs and labor, while providing safer and more efficient concrete placement in compact spaces by allowing multiple degrees of freedom in movement and independent revolution of the distal boom section.
Implementation Method 1
a feeder conveyor with a belt operably configured to transport a construction material
Implementation Method 2
a distal main conveyor boom section that is rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of main conveyor boom sections about a revolution joint
Implementation Method 3
an intermediate section that can pivot and translate
Data Source
AI summary
A portable multi-sectioned boom concrete conveyor assembly that includes a feeder conveyor configured to transport a construction material toward a distal end of the feeder conveyor and a main conveyor boom assembly including a plurality of main conveyor boom sections. The plurality of main conveyor boom sections may include a proximal main conveyor boom section and a distal main conveyor boom section that is rotatably coupled to one of the plurality of main conveyor boom sections about a revolution joint, has a second main conveyor belt spanning from a first end of the distal main conveyor boom section to a second end of the distal main conveyor boom section, and is operably configured to independently revolve approximately 360° about the revolution joint. The first and second main conveyor belts are operably configured to transport the construction material toward the second end of the distal main conveyor boom section.