Steerable Wheel Concrete Finishing Machine Maneuverability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete finishing machines are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver, especially in tight spaces, and require multiple operators to handle quick-curing concrete, which has high viscosity and low fluidity, making it challenging to level and finish efficiently, particularly in situations where access is limited.
Innovation Solution
A mobile concrete finishing machine with a telescoping frame and steerable wheels that can pivot 90 degrees, allowing it to straddle holes and adjust to different widths, equipped with rotating screed rollers and vibrators for efficient leveling and finishing of uncured concrete, and a towing assembly for easy transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional concrete finishing machines are used, then concrete leveling and finishing can be performed, but the machines are cumbersome and difficult to maneuver in tight spaces requiring multiple operators
Solution Approach 1:
The finishing machine is divided into separable components including a frame assembly, finishing assembly, and hopper that can be detached and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the machine to be maneuvered in tight spaces by separating bulky components and reduces operational complexity by allowing specialized operators for each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine incorporates adjustable and movable components such as the telescoping frame, adjustable finishing assembly height, and reconfigurable hopper positioning. These dynamic features enable the machine to adapt to tight spatial constraints while maintaining finishing functionality, reducing the need for multiple operators repositioning fixed components.
2Loss of time
If quick-curing concrete with high viscosity and low fluidity is used, then curing time is reduced, but it becomes more challenging to level and finish efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The finishing machine is positioned and configured before the quick-curing concrete is placed. The telescoping frame and adjustable finishing assemblies are pre-adjusted to the required dimensions and positions. This preliminary setup allows immediate finishing operations to begin once concrete placement starts, overcoming the rapid curing constraint without sacrificing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine maintains continuous contact with the concrete surface through its rolling mechanism, providing uninterrupted leveling and finishing action. The continuous motion of the finishing assembly over the freshly placed concrete ensures consistent surface treatment throughout the pouring process, maximizing efficiency despite the short working time imposed by quick-curing concrete.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the finishing machine has a fixed frame structure, then manufacturing is simpler, but it cannot adjust to different hole widths and straddle positions
Solution Approach 1:
The frame assembly incorporates telescoping members with adjustable lengths that can be extended or retracted to accommodate various hole widths. The finishing assembly height and position are made adjustable through telescoping support members. These dynamic adjustments enable the machine to adapt to different site conditions while maintaining a relatively simple manufacturing process using standard telescoping mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The machine utilizes adjustable geometric parameters including frame width, finishing assembly height, and hopper position. These parameters can be changed through telescoping mechanisms and adjustable linkages, allowing the same basic structure to accommodate multiple hole sizes and configurations without requiring complex custom manufacturing for each scenario.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wheels are fixed in orientation, then the machine structure is simpler, but it cannot pivot 90 degrees to straddle holes and move laterally
Solution Approach 1:
The wheels are mounted on steerable axles that can pivot 90 degrees relative to the frame. This dynamic wheel orientation allows the machine to transition between longitudinal travel (for approach) and lateral travel (for straddling and finishing). The steering mechanism is integrated into the wheel assembly, adding minimal complexity while enabling the required maneuverability and position adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel pivoting capability adds a rotational dimension to the machine's movement options. Instead of being constrained to a single travel direction, the wheels can orient in multiple directions, enabling the machine to approach holes from various angles, straddle positions, and reposition laterally. This dimensional freedom is achieved through relatively simple steerable wheel mechanisms.
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 rapid and efficient finishing of concrete in restricted spaces with minimal operators, overcoming the limitations of existing machines by providing flexible movement and improved handling of high-viscosity concrete, while also facilitating easy transportation to work sites.
Implementation Method 1
Vibrators held by hand or mounted on a mobile truss and inserted into the uncured concrete are also used to level the concrete by vibrating and increasing the fluidity of the poured mass so it levels by gravity
Implementation Method 2
motor driven rollers pulled by hand over a section of concrete to be finished or mounted on a mobile frame are also known for use in finishing poured concrete
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete finishing machine includes a mobile frame supported above the slab on front and rear wheels with at least one screed roller and a plurality of vibrators are suspended from the frame between the front and rear wheels. The front and rear wheels are rotatable at least ninety degrees between a longitudinally directed traveling orientation and a laterally directed concrete finishing orientation. The front and rear wheels are driven and steerable so that the mobile frame may travel longitudinally down a lane of a road, and then upon pivoting of the wheels, move laterally over a hole in an adjacent lane having uncured concrete to be finished by the finishing machine.