Pivoting Nozzle Wall for Overhanging Hydrodemolition Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hydrodemolition apparatuses are not adapted to treat overhanging inclined surfaces, such as outwardly extending walls of buildings or the hull of a marine vessel, as they lack the necessary flexibility to accommodate and effectively orient high-pressure water nozzles at appropriate angles.
Innovation Solution
A hydrodemolition apparatus featuring a vertically extending frame with a horizontally extending carriageway, a carriage, and an elongated member supporting a pivoting nozzle wall, allowing for vertical, horizontal, and perpendicular movements, along with nozzle pivoting, to direct high-pressure water jets at an upward angle normal to the inclined surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional hydrodemolition apparatus is used for vertical or inclined walls, then the apparatus can maintain structural stability, but it cannot effectively treat overhanging inclined surfaces due to lack of nozzle orientation flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly incorporates multiple degrees of freedom including vertical movement along the frame, horizontal displacement along the carriageway, extension and retraction perpendicular to the carriageway, and pivoting about a horizontal axis. This dynamic positioning system enables the nozzle to orient at various angles including upward angles normal to overhanging inclined surfaces, thereby achieving adaptability to complex geometries without excessive structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus transitions from treating only vertical or inclined walls to treating overhanging inclined surfaces by adding rotational freedom about a horizontal axis. This dimensional addition allows the nozzle to pivot and direct water jets at upward angles, enabling treatment of surfaces that extend outward and upward from the vertical plane
2Adaptability or versatility
If the nozzle is fixed in a single position and orientation, then the device structure remains simple, but it cannot accommodate compound or curved inclined surfaces requiring multiple orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The nozzle assembly is designed with multiple independent degrees of freedom: vertical movement along the frame, horizontal displacement along the carriageway, extension and retraction perpendicular to the carriageway, and pivoting about a horizontal axis. Each degree of freedom is independently controllable, allowing the nozzle to navigate complex three-dimensional surfaces while maintaining a relatively simple modular structure
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning system is divided into separate functional modules: the frame providing vertical support, the carriageway enabling horizontal movement, the elongated member providing perpendicular extension, and the pivoting nozzle assembly. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall system complexity while achieving comprehensive adaptability
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
Enables effective treatment of overhanging inclined surfaces by providing multiple degrees of freedom for nozzle orientation, allowing efficient coverage of compound or curved surfaces with high-pressure water jets.
Implementation Method 1
The nozzle wall comprises at least one high-pressure water nozzle adapted to reciprocate along a longitudinal axis of the nozzle wall... a jet of high-pressure water may be directed substantially normal to an overhanging inclined surface for treatment
Data Source
AI summary
A hydrodemolition apparatus provides multiple degrees of freedom enabling the treatment of overhanging or vertically inclined surfaces. A nozzle wall or track is pivotable to present the nozzles substantially normal to the overhanging or inclined surface. The nozzle wall or track is positioned proximate to the inclined surface by a combination of a vertically displaceable carriageway, a laterally displaceable carriage and an elongated member that terminates in the pivotable nozzle wall or track.