Rotating Float and Trowel Assembly for Confined Concrete Finishing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual concrete finishing processes, such as floating and troweling, are labor-intensive, physically demanding, and time-sensitive, with large automated machines being impractical for confined spaces or smaller projects, leading to fatigue, strain injuries, and inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
A handheld automated concrete finishing machine with rotatable support assemblies, equipped with interchangeable floats and trowels, powered by an electric motor, allowing for automated floating and troweling with improved maneuverability and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If large power trowels and ride-on finishing machines are used, then productivity and reduction of manual labor are improved, but maneuverability and adaptability to confined spaces deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the concrete finishing task into two distinct operational modes: a handheld machine for confined spaces and edges, and a ride-on machine for open areas. This segmentation allows each machine to be optimized for its specific environment, with the handheld unit providing the necessary maneuverability while the ride-on unit delivers high productivity in suitable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld finishing machine is designed with universal applicability to perform multiple functions: it can finish confined spaces, work along edges, and handle smaller projects. The system combines both floating and troweling capabilities in a single portable unit, making it versatile across different project scales and spatial constraints.
2Adaptability or versatility
If handheld machines are used, then maneuverability and precision in confined spaces are improved, but productivity and automation level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The handheld machine replaces manual mechanical operations with an electric motor-powered system. The motor drives both the floating operation and troweling blade automatically, eliminating the need for manual pushing and wrist control. This mechanical substitution maintains the maneuverability of handheld operation while significantly increasing finishing speed and consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated floating and troweling mechanisms perform the finishing work autonomously once positioned. The motorized system self-regulates the floating motion and troweling action without requiring continuous manual intervention, allowing the operator to simply guide the machine while the system handles the repetitive finishing tasks automatically.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual floating and troweling are performed, then adaptability to various project sizes is improved, but worker fatigue and injury risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor in the handheld machine replaces the human arm and wrist muscles that would otherwise perform the repetitive floating and troweling motions. This substitution eliminates the physical strain on workers while maintaining the ability to work on various project scales, as the machine can be easily moved and positioned throughout the concrete surface.
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
Reduces worker fatigue and ensures consistent surface quality by automating repetitive tasks, enhancing safety and productivity in both large-scale and confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an upper assembly having an electric motor
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete surface finishing apparatus having a rotational support assembly wherein the rotational support assembly includes two rotational support member drives having support members that are configured to have floats and trowels releasably secured thereto so as to assist a user in finishing the surface of poured concrete. The apparatus includes support members operably coupled to a rotational hub that provides rotational movement thereof. The support members include a keeper formed thereon wherein the keeper is configured to operably couple to a mounting member that facilitates the releasable securing of float members and trowel members. The support members have a first end and a second end wherein the second end has a width that is greater than the first end. The rotational support assembly further includes an outer ring member providing protection for the float members and trowel members during rotational movement.