Sealed Cement Distribution Box with Pneumatic Pump

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spreader trucks face issues with exposure to rain, uneven distribution, hazardous conditions due to muddy tires, and the need for foot-mobile workers when distributing dry, abrasive mixtures in construction applications, particularly in rural and undeveloped areas.

Innovation Solution

A sealed distribution box system mounted on a loader with a hopper, pneumatic pump, and spreader bar, allowing for controlled distribution of dry mixtures like cement, sand, or aggregate, ensuring even application and reducing environmental impact by preventing mud deposition on roads.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional spreader trucks are used, then distribution of dry mixture can be achieved, but the mixture is exposed to rain and moisture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexposure to rain and moistureVSAvoidtrailer structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible closure system with a tarp and winch mechanism to seal the trailer opening, creating a flexible barrier that protects the dry mixture from rain and moisture while allowing the trailer to remain relatively simple in structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a protected environment within the trailer by sealing the opening with a tarp, effectively creating a barrier that isolates the dry mixture from harmful external elements like rain and moisture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

2Ease of operation

If mixture is distributed from the back of the truck, then distribution function is achieved, but driver cannot evenly spread the mixture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveevenness of distributionVSAvoiddistribution mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from rear-based distribution to front-based distribution by mounting the spreader bar at the front of the trailer, allowing the driver to see and control the distribution process directly from the cab, improving evenness of distribution

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pneumatic tube system as an intermediary mechanism that transports the dry mixture from the rear loading area to the front spreader bar, enabling front-based distribution while maintaining rear loading capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If spreader trucks travel on conventional roads, then mobility is achieved, but muddy tires create hazards for other drivers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemuddy tires on roadVSAvoidtravel time to job site
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the distribution function from the truck itself by using a separate trailer that can be detached and transported independently, allowing the truck to remain clean on roads while the trailer handles the muddy construction work

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of operation

If workers follow spreader trucks on foot, then distribution monitoring is achieved, but workers are exposed to hazardous conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedistribution monitoringVSAvoidhazardous conditions for workers
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the driver to perform distribution monitoring independently from the cab of the vehicle, eliminating the need for workers to follow on foot and exposing themselves to hazardous conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables precise and safe distribution of dry mixtures under various weather conditions without exposing workers to hazards, maintaining road cleanliness, and eliminating the need for foot-mobile monitors, while allowing operation in rough terrain.

Implementation Method 1

pneumatic pump that is secured to the hopper; an ingress pipe that is secured so as to be in fluid communication with the pneumatic pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

a valve that is secured within the valve housing, wherein the valve is configured to be pneumatically controlled

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPneumatic actuation: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

a spreader bar that is secured to the egress pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS11732425B2Apparatus for distributing cement
Publication Date: 2023.08.22 FLUID DISPOSAL SPECIALTIES INC
  • US11732425B2 patent drawing
  • US11732425B2 patent drawing
  • US11732425B2 patent drawing

AI summary

There is a hopper having a substantially closed interior space that is configured to receive a binder, a fill assembly that is configured to be in fluid communication with the interior space of the hopper, and an exit port. Secured to the hopper is a base with at least one carrier. A pneumatic pump is secured to the hopper. An ingress pipe is secured to be in fluid communication with the pneumatic pump. A valve housing is secured to the ingress pipe and the exit port of the hopper. A valve is secured within the valve housing. An egress pipe is secured to the valve housing, and a spreader bar is secured to the egress pipe.