Tilt-Up Panel Screed Head Control Around Forms and Frameworks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional screeding machines are not suitable for screeding concrete placed within forms or frameworks for tilt-up panels, as they cannot navigate the framework and require manual operation, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A screeding machine with an extendable and retractable boom, a screed head that can float or be sensor-controlled, adjustable plow wings, and a dynamically adjustable counterweight, allowing it to adapt to the presence of forms or frameworks, and operate in float or sensor control modes, ensuring precise screeding of tilt-up panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional screeding machines are used, then they can smooth and screed concrete on horizontal surfaces, but they cannot navigate around forms or frameworks and require manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The screed head is divided into multiple independently controllable sections that can be adjusted individually. Each section can be raised or lowered independently to navigate around forms and frameworks while maintaining automated operation, resolving the contradiction between automation and adaptability to framework structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The screed head incorporates dynamically adjustable components including variable speed conveyors and height-adjustable sections that can adapt in real-time to the presence of forms or frameworks. This dynamic adjustability allows the automated machine to navigate around obstacles while maintaining continuous operation.
2Ease of operation
If the screed head is allowed to float on forms for ease of operation, then manual control is simplified, but the screed head may sink into the concrete
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor the position and contact status of the screed head with the concrete surface. When the screed head approaches forms, the feedback system automatically adjusts the floatation force and conveyor speed to prevent sinking into the concrete while maintaining ease of operation in float mode.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical float control with an automated control system that uses sensors and variable speed conveyors to regulate the screed head's interaction with the concrete. This substitution maintains the benefits of float mode operation while eliminating the risk of sinking through automated precision control.
3Area of stationary object
If the boom is extended to reach distant areas, then coverage area increases, but the machine becomes unstable
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a dynamically adjustable counterweight that automatically moves to compensate for the extended boom position. When the boom is extended to increase coverage area, the counterweight adjusts its position to maintain the machine's center of gravity, preventing instability while enabling extended reach.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight system is dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to automatically reposition in response to boom extension. This dynamic adjustment maintains machine stability across the full range of boom positions, enabling the machine to safely cover larger areas without compromising stability.
4Manufacturing precision
If fixed plow wings are used to limit concrete flow, then concrete containment is improved, but the machine cannot adapt to different form configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The plow wings are made dynamically adjustable rather than fixed, allowing them to be repositioned along the screed head to accommodate different form configurations. This dynamic adjustability maintains precise concrete flow control while enabling adaptation to various form layouts and window openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable plow wing system provides universal applicability across different form configurations. By allowing the plow wings to be repositioned, the same machine can effectively contain and control concrete flow for various form designs, including different window sizes and positions, eliminating the need for machine-specific configurations.
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
The machine reduces screeding time and labor requirements, providing precise concrete finishing while navigating around forms and frameworks, enhancing efficiency and finish quality.
Implementation Method 1
The elevation cylinders comprise reduced friction seals to allow for enhanced floating of the screed head when in the float mode
Implementation Method 2
responsive to signals from the sensors (e.g., laser receivers or other suitable sensors that are used to determine the position of the screed head)
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
A screeding machine includes a base unit positionable at framework that defines a concrete structure and a screed head assembly movably mounted at the base via an extendable and retractable mechanism. The screed head assembly includes a grade establishing member, a vibrating member, and elevation actuators for adjusting elevation of the screed head assembly. The screed head assembly is positioned at a screeding location via extension of the extendable and retractable mechanism and is movable over the uncured concrete in a screeding direction via retraction of the extendable and retractable mechanism. Adjustable wings disposed at and in front of the grade establishing member in the screeding direction are movable along the grade establishing member. When one of the ends of the screed head assembly is positioned at a frame portion, the wing at that end of the screed head assembly is moved to position the wing at the frame portion.