Rotating Concrete Funnel with Adjustable Aperture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete chutes are inconvenient and difficult to use, especially in narrow or irregularly-shaped spaces, leading to material waste and inefficient concrete placement.
Innovation Solution
A funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute, featuring a retainer element rotatably coupled to a funnel element with a downwardly sloping base and adjustable aperture, allowing for precise control of concrete flow and adaptable to various chute types and spaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional concrete chute is used, then the concrete can be delivered to the worksite, but it is difficult to place concrete in narrow or irregularly-shaped spaces and material waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The concrete chute is divided into multiple sections including a receiver end, intermediate sections, and a discharge end. A funnel-type apparatus is attached to the discharge end to segment the concrete flow path, enabling precise direction of concrete into confined spaces while preventing spillage and material waste.
Solution Approach 2:
A funnel-type apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the concrete chute discharge end and the target confined space. This funnel apparatus with adjustable aperture and orientation controls the concrete flow, facilitating placement in narrow spaces while minimizing material loss.
2Productivity
If the funnel aperture is made larger to increase concrete flow, then productivity improves, but precision of placement in confined spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel apparatus incorporates an adjustable aperture mechanism that allows dynamic modification of the opening size. The aperture can be enlarged to increase concrete flow rate for productivity, or reduced to improve placement precision in confined spaces, enabling adaptation to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the aperture parameter of the funnel to optimize performance. By adjusting the aperture size, the system balances between concrete flow rate (productivity) and placement accuracy (precision), accommodating various confined space requirements.
3Reliability
If the funnel apparatus is made fixed to ensure stability, then reliability improves, but adaptability to different chute types and spaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel apparatus is designed with universal mounting capabilities that enable it to be securely attached to various types of concrete chutes. The retainer element and mounting mechanism provide stable fixation while accommodating different chute configurations, achieving both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The funnel apparatus incorporates adjustable and removable mounting features that allow it to be dynamically adapted to different chute types. The retainer element can be configured for various chute geometries while maintaining stable attachment, enabling the system to be reliable across multiple applications.
4Manufacturing precision
If the funnel apparatus is made complex with multiple adjustment mechanisms, then precision of placement improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The funnel apparatus implements adjustment mechanisms only where necessary to achieve precise placement in confined spaces. The aperture adjustment and orientation controls are localized to critical areas, providing placement precision without requiring complex adjustments throughout the entire apparatus.
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 system efficiently directs concrete flow, minimizing waste and facilitating placement in confined areas, such as masonry block walls, by allowing adjustable orientation and aperture size, enhancing usability and reducing material loss.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing assembly may include an inner bearing block secured to the upstanding sidewall of the retainer element, an outer bearing block secured to the funnel element, and a plurality of bearings rotatably positioned intermediate of the inner bearing block and the outer bearing block.
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete funnel and placement system comprising a funnel-type apparatus removably securable to a concrete chute having a retainer element coupled to a funnel element. The funnel element includes a downwardly sloping base forming an aperture for concrete to flow through. The aperture may be any shape or size, and one or more interchangeable discharge plates may be included in order to selectively change the shape and/or size of the aperture. Further, the aperture of the funnel element may be selectively opened or closed. Bearings, sprockets, rollers or other rotatable mechanisms may be included to allow the funnel element to rotate 360° with respect to the retainer element. The retainer element may include a gasket forming a seal with the funnel element to prevent concrete from impeding rotation. The retainer element may be hingedly secured to the concrete chute allowing the retainer element to be adjusted such that it is substantially horizontal while pouring concrete, independent of the angle of the concrete chute. The funnel-type apparatus may be in communication with the concrete truck, thus allowing the rotation and adjustment of the funnel-type apparatus to be controlled by electronics, such that the operator may be located in the cab of the truck or other location.