Riverway Model Sand Deposition With Feedback Height Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current riverway model manufacturing is labor-intensive and costly due to the complexity and time-consuming manual processes, with high labor costs and low manufacturing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The equipment automates the process by using a pipe chain conveyor to transport model sand, a compaction device to compact the sand, and a detection assembly to monitor height, allowing for controlled and efficient construction of riverway models based on topographic data input into a controller.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual manufacturing method is used, then flexibility in model construction is maintained, but labor cost and working intensity become extremely high

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in model constructionVSAvoidlabor cost and working intensity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automatic detection assemblies to monitor model sand height and density, with controllers automatically adjusting discharge rates and compaction forces based on real-time feedback, enabling the system to self-regulate without manual intervention while maintaining construction flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual operations are replaced by automated mechanical systems including pipe chain conveyors for material transport, controlled discharge assemblies for precise material placement, and automatic compaction devices, eliminating high labor intensity while maintaining operational flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional mold building method is used, then manufacturing process is simpler, but accuracy of riverway model cannot be guaranteed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of manufacturing processVSAvoidaccuracy of riverway model
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Detection assemblies continuously monitor model sand height and density during construction, with controllers receiving real-time feedback data and automatically adjusting discharge rates and compaction parameters to ensure manufacturing precision while maintaining process simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pneumatic or hydraulic mechanisms in the compaction device to apply controlled forces to the model sand, ensuring uniform density and accurate reproduction of riverway topography without complex manual molding processes

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Productivity

If automated equipment is introduced to reduce labor cost, then manufacturing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of automated equipment
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller integrates multiple functions including receiving topographic data, processing detection feedback from multiple sensors, controlling material discharge rates, regulating compaction forces, and coordinating conveyor operations, consolidating complex control into a single multi-functional unit that improves efficiency without proportionally increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system is divided into modular functional assemblies including separate conveyor systems, discharge assemblies, compaction devices, and detection assemblies, each performing specific tasks that can be independently controlled and maintained, managing complexity through functional segmentation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution significantly reduces labor costs and intensity by automating the manufacturing process, improving efficiency and accuracy in constructing riverway models.

Implementation Method 1

a first driving motor (203), a first worm (204) and a first gear (2010); one end of the first worm penetrates through the top of the base and is connected with an output shaft of the first driving motor; the tooth surface of the first gear is engaged with the tooth surface of the second tooth slot and the surface of the first worm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

a second driving motor (205), a second worm (206), a second gear (2011) and a third gear (2012); one end of the second worm penetrates through one side of the base and is connected with an output shaft of the second driving motor; the surface of the second worm is engaged with the tooth surface of the second gear and the tooth surface of the third gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 3

a framework assembly including a stand (101), a supporting column (102) and a fourth hydraulic cylinder (103); one end of the supporting column is hinged with one side of the stand; one end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder is hinged with one side of the supporting column; the other end of the fourth hydraulic cylinder is hinged with the bottom of the stand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic actuation: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

a compaction device (209) arranged on one side of the top of the mounting plate; the controller controls the compaction device to compact the model sand

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 5

a detection assembly (500) including a detection device shell (501), a first infrared ranging sensor (502) and a second infrared ranging sensor (503); the first infrared ranging sensor is arranged inside the detection device shell; the detection assembly detects a height of the riverway model in real time

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS12024838B2Equipment for riverway model manufacturing
Publication Date: 2024.07.02 CHANGJIANG RIVER SCI RES INST CHANGJIANG WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
  • US12024838B2 patent drawing
  • US12024838B2 patent drawing
  • US12024838B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure provides equipment for riverway model manufacturing, including a framework assembly, a supply assembly, a rail driving assembly, a detection assembly, and a control device. A pipe chain conveyor is used to transport model sand into a second rail; topographic data corresponding to a riverway is input into a controller; the controller controls, according to the topographic data, a driving assembly and a supply assembly to discharge a material; meanwhile, a compaction device compacts the model sand; a detection assembly detects a height of the riverway model in real time; and after a predetermined height is achieved, manufacturing of next topography is performed. The problems that the current riverway model manufacturing has high labor cost, the model manufacturing is laborious, and the working intensity is high are solved.