Truck Mixer Modular Support Frame Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Truck mixers face challenges in compactly accommodating components within vehicle dimensions while ensuring stability during operation and concrete discharge, and the complex structure of trestles requires large transport volumes, making decentralized production and shipping inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A modular support frame design with detachable and screw-connected components allows for a slim, stable structure that can withstand operational loads and vibrations, enabling easy assembly and disassembly for compact transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the support frame is designed with a slim profile to accommodate the chute for road transport, then the vehicle dimensions and approval regulations are complied with, but the structural stability and load-bearing capacity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport volume of support frameVSAvoidload-bearing capacity of support frame

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support frame is divided into multiple modular components including the support frame proper, support arms, and bearing blocks that can be detached and assembled separately. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity when assembled

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support frame components utilize composite construction with steel plates and structural profiles combined to create a slim yet strong structure that meets both transport volume requirements and load-bearing demands

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Volume of moving object

If the support frame is designed with a slim profile using thin support arms, then the transport volume is reduced, but the ability to withstand vibrations and torsional moments during operation is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransport volume of support frameVSAvoidstability during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support arms are designed as separate detachable components that can be optimized for strength-to-weight ratio, allowing slim profiles during transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled with proper connection elements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The detachable design allows the support frame configuration to adapt between transport mode (slim, compact) and operation mode (assembled, stable), with the ability to quickly transition between states by assembling or disassembling the support arms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the trestle with support arms is produced as a complex integrated structure, then the structural stability is ensured, but the transport volume required increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stability of trestleVSAvoidtransport volume of trestle

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The trestle structure is segmented into the support frame, support arms, and bearing blocks as separate components that can be shipped efficiently and assembled on-site, reducing transport volume while maintaining the structural stability of the complete assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular components are designed with standardized coupling surfaces and connection elements that can be used across different configurations, allowing the same components to serve multiple functions in both transport and operational states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If the support arms are made slim to reduce transport volume, then the container shipping efficiency improves, but the absorption of tilting moments and vibrations during concrete discharge is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping efficiencyVSAvoidvibrations and tilting moments

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support arms are designed as detachable modular components with optimized cross-sections that provide sufficient stiffness and strength when assembled, while allowing compact packaging during transport to maximize container utilization and shipping efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arms utilize composite structural design combining different steel profiles and plate thicknesses to achieve high strength-to-weight ratios, providing adequate vibration and load absorption while maintaining slim profiles for efficient transport

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2678139B1Truck mixer for flowable media, in particular concrete

Publication Date: 2014.12.17 STETTER

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AI summary

The invention relates to a truck mixer for transporting flowable media, in particular concrete, comprising a mixing drum (5) that is received on support blocks (3, 4). The rear support block (4) has two support arms that extend on both sides of the mixing drum (5). Bearing blocks (8) are fixed to the support arms, said bearing blocks receiving the rollers (7) for supporting the mixing drum (5). The support arms and the bearing block (8) form a common support surface (22), by means of which the support arms can be fixed to the rear support block (4) in a stable manner.