Vibrating Screed Exciter Assembly with Adjustable Eccentric Masses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Typical vibrating screeds lack the ability to adjust the magnitude of vibration independently of motor speed, and manual adjustments are time-consuming and expose the exciter assembly to concrete, limiting operator flexibility and longevity.
Innovation Solution
The vibrating screed features an exciter assembly with adjustable eccentric masses and a mode selector, allowing quick changes in vibration mode within a sealed housing, and a tuned mass system to attenuate vibrations, enhancing operator control and protection of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual adjustment of vibration magnitude is performed, then vibration magnitude can be adjusted, but operator flexibility is reduced and adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exciter assembly incorporates adjustable eccentric masses that can be repositioned along the driveshaft to dynamically change vibration magnitude. The mode selector mechanism allows operators to quickly adjust the position of eccentric masses between different locations (e.g., forward and aft positions) without manual disassembly, enabling flexible vibration adjustment in seconds rather than requiring time-consuming manual manipulation of the exciter components.
2Ease of operation
If exciter assembly is exposed for manual adjustment, then adjustment can be performed, but component longevity is reduced due to concrete exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The exciter assembly is segmented into modular components including the driveshaft, eccentric masses, and mode selector mechanism, all of which can be accessed and adjusted through an opening in the housing. This segmentation allows the eccentric masses to be repositioned along the driveshaft while remaining protected within the housing structure, maintaining component integrity while enabling adjustment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The mode selector mechanism serves as an intermediary device that enables adjustment of the eccentric masses without requiring direct exposure of the exciter assembly to the external environment. The mode selector interacts with the eccentric masses through the housing opening, allowing operators to change vibration characteristics while the exciter components remain largely protected from concrete and other harsh operating conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vibration magnitude is fixed, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to varying pour conditions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The exciter assembly utilizes adjustable eccentric masses that can be repositioned along the driveshaft to change the vibration magnitude parameter. By moving the eccentric masses between different locations (such as forward and aft positions on the driveshaft), the system can adapt to varying pour conditions by modifying the eccentricity parameter, providing versatility without requiring a completely different exciter design for each application.
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 efficient adjustment of vibration magnitude for varying pour conditions, improving screed operation and extending the life of the exciter assembly by protecting it from concrete exposure.
Implementation Method 1
an exciter assembly configured to vibrate the screed member in response to receiving torque from the motor
Implementation Method 2
a tuned mass system coupled to the handle, the tuned mass system comprising an end cap coupled to the handle adjacent the end, a spring member having a first end coupled to the end cap; and a tuned mass coupled to an opposite, second end of the spring member, wherein the tuned mass system is configured to attenuate vibration emitted by the motor or the exciter assembly to the handle
Implementation Method 3
a spring member having a first end coupled to the end cap; and a tuned mass coupled to an opposite, second end of the spring member
Data Source
AI summary
A vibrating screed is disclosed and includes a screed member; a motor; an exciter assembly configured to vibrate the screed member in response to receiving torque from the motor; an electronic controller configured to operate the motor in response to an input signal received from an actuator; a first wire harness having a first end electrically connected with the actuator; a second wire harness having a first end electrically connected with the electronic controller; a wire connector electrically connecting the first wire harness to the second wire harness; and a connector housing surrounding the wire connector; wherein the first wire harness and the second wire harness are each electrically connected to the wire connector within the connector housing.