Polymeric Concrete Mixing Fin with Rail Track Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete mixing drum fins wear out quickly due to abrasive friction, leading to premature replacement of the mixing drum, despite advancements in polymer-coated metal and polymeric materials.
Innovation Solution
A helical mixing fin assembly made of lightweight, flexible polymeric material with conjoined sections and a fin mount rail track system for secure mounting within the drum, featuring weep openings for material flow and adhesive or bolted attachment, designed for use in both metallic and polymeric drums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional metal fins are used in concrete mixing drums, then the mixing function is effective, but the fins wear out quickly due to abrasive friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining a metal mounting structure (rail track with locking tabs and sockets) with a polymeric fin material. The metal provides structural support and secure attachment to the drum, while the polymer provides abrasion resistance. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by maintaining mixing effectiveness through the rigid metal framework while extending fin service life through the wear-resistant polymeric material that doesn't corrode or wear out quickly like solid metal fins.
Solution Approach 2:
The fin is divided into multiple sections that can be separately attached to the rail track using locking tabs and sockets. This segmentation allows individual fin sections to be replaced when worn, extending the overall service life of the mixing system. The modular design maintains effective mixing function while enabling selective replacement of worn portions rather than the entire fin assembly.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If polymer-coated metal fins or polymeric materials are used, then abrasion resistance is improved, but mounting security and structural integrity are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directly addresses this contradiction by creating a composite structure where the polymeric fin material provides abrasion resistance while the metal rail track with locking tabs and sockets provides secure mounting and structural integrity. The combination allows the fin to resist wear from concrete abrasion while the metal framework ensures firm attachment to the drum, preventing both material degradation and mounting failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail track system acts as an intermediary between the polymeric fin and the metal drum. The locking tabs and sockets create a secure mechanical connection that transfers forces effectively, allowing the soft polymeric fin to maintain abrasion resistance while the rigid metal track ensures secure mounting and structural integrity, mediating between the two requirements.
3Strength
If heavy metal fins are used, then structural strength is maintained, but the overall weight of the mixing system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials to reduce weight while maintaining strength. The polymeric fin material is significantly lighter than solid metal fins yet provides sufficient structural strength for mixing operations. The metal rail track provides the necessary structural support and attachment strength, allowing the system to maintain fin structural integrity with reduced overall weight compared to traditional solid metal fins.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric fin material functions as a flexible yet structurally adequate alternative to heavy metal. The polymer provides sufficient strength for mixing while being much lighter than metal, and its flexibility allows it to conform to the drum interior and maintain contact with the concrete during rotation, preserving mixing effectiveness despite the weight reduction.
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 extends the lifespan of mixing drums by providing a durable, abrasion-resistant mixing fin assembly that reduces wear and tear, allowing for efficient mixing and discharge of concrete while maintaining a lightweight structure.
Implementation Method 1
an amount of adhesive may be utilized to lock the plurality of sections together... an amount of adhesive and/or composite material applied to the bottom of the fin sections to secure the mixing fin to the interior surface of the mixing drum
Implementation Method 2
a spiral fin mount rail track adapted to be fixed to the interior surface of the mixing drum as by welding
Data Source
AI summary
A mixing fin assembly adapted to mix and guide materials in a rotatable mixing drum of a type used in a transit concrete mixing vehicle includes a spiral mixing fin designed to extend transversely into the drum constructed of a lightweight, moldable polymeric material which is flexible and resistant to abrasion, the mixing fin includes a plurality of conjoined sections that are fit together, preferably utilizing fin locking tabs and mating fin locking sockets. A preferred way of mounting the mixing fin into mixing drums uses a spiral fin mount rail track adapted to be fixed to the interior surface of the mixing drum. A locking tab locks the upper part of the rail track into the fin structure.