Rotatable Concrete Prep Arm for General-Purpose Vehicles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete surface preparation vehicles are large, heavy, and single-purpose, making them expensive to purchase, hire, and maintain, and limiting access due to high costs and storage requirements.
Innovation Solution
A modular accessory for concrete surface preparation that includes a rotatable and extendable arm with a support mechanism, allowing it to be connected to a general-purpose vehicle, thereby reducing the need for specialized equipment and increasing operational flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specialized single-purpose vehicles are used for concrete surface preparation, then the concrete surface preparation function is reliable and effective, but the cost of purchase, hire, and storage increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The specialized vehicle is divided into two separate components: a general-purpose vehicle platform and a detachable concrete surface preparation accessory. The accessory includes an arm with concrete preparation apparatus that can be selectively connected to or disconnected from the general-purpose vehicle, allowing the vehicle to serve multiple purposes while maintaining reliable concrete preparation functionality when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The general-purpose vehicle is designed to accommodate multiple different accessories through standardized connection means, enabling it to perform various functions including but not limited to concrete surface preparation. The rotatable arm accessory can be attached to perform concrete preparation tasks, while the vehicle retains its primary general-purpose capabilities, eliminating the need for dedicated single-purpose vehicles.
2Productivity
If multiple specialized vehicles are acquired for different concrete preparation stages, then each specific task can be performed effectively, but the storage and transportation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single general-purpose vehicle is designed to accommodate multiple accessories for different concrete preparation stages through standardized connection interfaces. The vehicle can be configured with levelling accessories, spreading accessories, or other preparation accessories as needed, replacing the need for multiple dedicated vehicles and significantly reducing storage and transportation requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory system is designed with dynamic reconfigurability, allowing different accessories to be attached and detached based on the specific concrete preparation task required. The rotatable arm mechanism enables the same accessory to adapt its positioning and orientation for different operational requirements, providing task-specific functionality from a universal platform.
3Area of stationary object
If a fixed arm is used to connect the concrete preparation apparatus to the vehicle, then the structure is simple and stable, but the working area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The arm structure incorporates a rotation means that enables the arm to rotate relative to the vehicle body, transforming it from a fixed static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. This rotation capability significantly expands the working area and reach of the concrete preparation apparatus while maintaining structural stability through robust connection means and support mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm is designed with extendable capabilities that allow it to reach further from the vehicle body, adding spatial dimension to the working area. The combination of rotational movement and extension capability enables the concrete preparation apparatus to access areas that would be unreachable with a simple fixed arm, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space for operational coverage.
4Area of stationary object
If the arm is extended to increase working area, then the coverage is improved, but the stability and support of the apparatus becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The arm structure incorporates support means that provide counterbalancing support to offset the weight and gravitational forces acting on the extended arm and concrete preparation apparatus. This support mechanism maintains arm stability and positioning accuracy even when extended to maximum working distance, preventing unwanted sagging or drifting.
Solution Approach 2:
The support means are designed with adjustable capabilities that allow dynamic adaptation to different arm extension positions and loading conditions. As the arm extends or retracts, or as different apparatus are attached, the support mechanism can be adjusted to maintain optimal stability and positioning, ensuring reliable operation across the full range of motion and extension.
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for use is the preparation of a concrete surface is arranged to be selectively connectable to a vehicle for operative movement over an area of uncured concrete. The accessory has an arm with a first end for connection to a concrete surface preparation apparatus, such as a screed, and a second end having a connection apparatus that permits a selective connection of the accessory to the vehicle. The accessory also includes a rotation mechanism configured to allow at least part of the arm to be rotated in a side-to-side manner relative to the vehicle so as to allow repositioning of the concrete surface preparation apparatus for operation thereof. The accessory further includes a support device attached to the arm between the first and second ends thereof, and is arranged to contact the concrete surface over which the arm extends in order to at least partially support the arm.