Swing Boom Screed Assembly for Concrete Obstacles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concrete screeding machines struggle to maneuver around obstacles in poured concrete surfaces, requiring extensive manual labor and multiple passes, which is inefficient and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A screed apparatus with a telescopic boom assembly and a swing boom system that allows lateral motion, enabling the screed head to move around obstacles without relocating the entire apparatus, using hydraulic actuators and a pivot mechanism for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rigid frame structure with a centrally mounted turret is used, then the screed head can maintain a stable level grade during retraction, but the apparatus cannot maneuver around obstacles in the poured concrete surface
Solution Approach 1:
The boom is divided into multiple sections (first boom section, second boom section, third boom section) that can move independently relative to each other. The first boom section is pivotally mounted to the frame, the second boom section is telescopic relative to the first, and the third boom section is telescopic relative to the second. This segmentation allows the screed head to navigate around obstacles while the frame structure remains relatively simple and rigid.
Solution Approach 2:
The boom structure transitions from a rigid, fixed configuration to a dynamic, multi-degree-of-freedom system. The pivotal mounting and telescopic sections enable the boom to change its configuration dynamically during operation, allowing the screed head to move laterally and around obstacles while maintaining stability through controlled motion.
2Productivity
If the entire apparatus is moved to a new location to screed around an obstacle, then complete coverage can be achieved, but productivity is reduced due to multiple relocations
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic boom configuration allows the screed head to laterally offset around obstacles without requiring the entire apparatus to be relocated. The multi-section telescopic boom can extend and pivot to navigate around obstacles such as columns, maintaining continuous screeding operation and eliminating downtime associated with moving the entire machine.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds lateral motion capability to the traditionally linear retraction path. By enabling the screed head to move not only forward and backward but also laterally around obstacles through the telescopic and pivotal boom sections, the system eliminates the need to stop and relocate the entire apparatus, thereby maintaining productivity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hand finishing is used to complete areas around obstacles, then complete surface coverage is achieved, but extensive manual labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented boom structure enables the automated screed head to access and finish concrete areas around obstacles that were previously unreachable by machine. By dividing the boom into multiple controllable sections, the system can precisely position the screed head around obstacles such as columns and ducts, eliminating the need for manual finishing in these areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus performs its own finishing function around obstacles through the intelligent coordination of its multi-section boom system. The screed head automatically navigates around obstacles using the telescopic and pivotal boom sections, completing the finishing task itself without requiring external manual intervention or additional equipment.
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
Facilitates efficient screeding around obstacles, reducing manual labor and ensuring a consistently level finish, thereby saving time and resources.
Implementation Method 1
a first boom section telescopic relative to a second boom section, and a hydraulic actuator for extending and retraction the first boom section relative to the second boom section
Implementation Method 2
a swing boom system that allows lateral motion, enabling the screed head to move around obstacles without relocating the entire apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for screeding concrete to produce a level finished surface includes a frame assembly having a front end and rear ends and a pair of spaced vertically oriented stabilization legs supporting a generally horizontal front member. An extendable boom assembly is provided having front and rear ends, and an exterior boom section pivotably secured to the frame assembly proximate said rear end. The extendable boom assembly is also adjustably mounted on said front member to allow generally lateral motion of the boom.