Rounded Plow for Concrete Screeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screeding machines with sharp-edged plows tend to catch and drag stones and aggregate, leading to grooves and channels in the concrete surface, limiting the accuracy and efficiency of the leveling process.
Innovation Solution
A screeding machine with a rounded or cylindrical plow device ahead of the auger, which engages the concrete surface to establish the desired grade and presses stones or aggregate into the concrete, reducing dragging and allowing the auger to process less concrete, thus improving the leveling accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a sharp-edged plow is used to cut into the uncured concrete surface, then the plow can establish the desired grade, but it catches and drags stones and aggregate causing grooves and channels in the concrete surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional sharp-edged plow with a rounded plow having a cylindrical or substantially rounded leading edge. This curved geometry prevents the plow from catching and dragging stones and aggregate across the concrete surface, eliminating grooves and channels while still effectively establishing the desired grade ahead of the auger.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the plow height is set one half inch or more above the auger grade to limit groove depth, then stone dragging is reduced, but the plow cannot establish the desired grade as accurately
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded plow geometry allows the device to be positioned much closer to the auger grade (reducing the height differential from one half inch or more to a minimal clearance) because the curved leading edge prevents stone catching and dragging. This enables accurate grade establishment while eliminating grooves and channels.
3Device complexity
If a conventional sharp-edged plow is used, then the plow structure is simple, but it requires the plow to be positioned higher above the auger to prevent stone dragging
Solution Approach 1:
The rounded plow maintains structural simplicity while changing the leading edge geometry from sharp to curved. This modification enables the plow to operate at a lower height above the auger grade, improving grade establishment accuracy without significantly complicating the overall plow structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A screeding machine for screeding an uncured concrete surface includes a wheeled unit having a plurality of wheels for moving the wheeled unit over a support surface. A screed head assembly includes a grade setting device and a vibrating member and is movable over the concrete area via the wheeled unit. The screeding machine includes a roller that is rotatably mounted at the screed head assembly and rotatably driven about its longitudinal axis. The roller is rotatably driven by a rotatable drive motor that is operable independently of the vibrating member or grade setting device. The grade setting device or roller plow assembly may be provided as an aftermarket kit for attachment at a screed head assembly of a screeding machine.