Vibrating Screen for Concrete Aggregate Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cast-in-place concrete wall construction methods result in rough surface textures due to inconsistencies in formwork, finishing, and concrete placement, leading to undesirable aesthetic issues and the need for labor-intensive finishing processes.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus featuring a vibrating inclined screen with uniformly sized mesh openings separates larger aggregate from a first concrete mixture, producing a second concrete mixture with a smoother texture, which can be used to create a finishing layer for concrete walls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional cast-in-place concrete construction methods are used, then the wall structure is formed, but the surface texture becomes rough with inconsistencies and holes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by removing large aggregate from the concrete mixture before the finishing layer is applied to the wall. This pre-separation prevents large aggregate from appearing in the final surface, eliminating the need for subsequent chipping or grinding operations and directly achieving a smooth surface texture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs the extraction principle by using a screening apparatus to separate and remove large aggregate particles from the concrete mixture. The screen extracts only the problematic large aggregate while allowing smaller aggregate and cementitious materials to pass through, creating a refined mixture suitable for smooth surface applications.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual screening methods are used to separate aggregate, then some aggregate separation is achieved, but the process becomes very labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical screening with a powered vibrating screen apparatus. The vibration mechanism automatically agitates the screen surface to facilitate aggregate separation, eliminating the need for workers to manually shake screening boxes and significantly increasing the rate at which finished mixture can be produced.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanical vibration directly to the screening apparatus to enhance aggregate separation efficiency. The vibrating screen creates oscillating motion that prevents material buildup on the screen surface and accelerates the separation process, allowing continuous high-volume processing without manual intervention.
3Reliability
If concrete mixture is allowed to hydrate and harden during the screening process, then the concrete sets, but the time window for applying finishing mixture becomes limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous processing by operating the vibrating screen apparatus in an ongoing manner, continuously feeding concrete mixture through the screening process and immediately producing separated finished mixture. This continuous operation minimizes idle time and ensures the concrete mixture remains in a workable state throughout the separation and application process.
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 apparatus efficiently separates aggregate, reducing the time and labor required for finishing concrete surfaces while ensuring a smooth, uniform texture and consistent color, thereby enhancing the aesthetic appeal of cast-in-place concrete walls.
Implementation Method 1
An apparatus featuring a vibrating inclined screen with uniformly sized mesh openings separates larger aggregate from a first concrete mixture
Implementation Method 2
An apparatus featuring a vibrating inclined screen with uniformly sized mesh openings separates larger aggregate from a first concrete mixture
Data Source
AI summary
A base supports an inclined screen having a uniform mesh selected to remove larger aggregate from a first cement mixture to form a second cement mixture that passes through the screen. A powered vibrator vibrates the screen to separate the concrete mixtures and larger aggregate. Springs and/or dampers in support legs isolate the vibrating screen from the base. A guide frame on the top surface of the screen guides the first concrete mixture along the screen and guide the separated aggregate out a bottom opening into an aggregate container. A support frame on the bottom surface of the screen stiffens the screen to help support the weight of the concrete. A concrete container, preferably wheeled, is below the screen to collect the second concrete mixture and move it to its use location.