Vibratory Concrete Additive Broadcaster for Uniform Color Application
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adding pigments and colorants to concrete result in waste due to monolithic mixing, non-uniform color application, and health hazards from manual dispersion of powders, which are inefficient and unsafe.
Innovation Solution
A broadcaster device with a vibratory source attached to a float plate, allowing controlled dispensation of additives onto specific areas of a concrete surface, enabling precise application without prior mixing and minimizing waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If pigments are added to the entire batch of concrete mix prior to finishing, then the concrete achieves uniform color throughout, but this results in waste of pigment since portions of the concrete will remain hidden after finishing
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the concrete surface into treated and untreated zones by applying pigment only to the portion that will be visible after finishing. The conveyor system segments the concrete batch, allowing selective pigmentation of only the exposed surface layer rather than mixing pigment throughout the entire batch.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies pigment locally only to the surface layer of concrete that will be visible after finishing, rather than uniformly throughout the entire batch. This localized application ensures color uniformity where needed while avoiding waste in hidden portions.
2Ease of operation
If manual hand application of color hardener is used, then the worker can directly apply powder to the slab, but this causes erratic dispersion, non-uniform color, and health hazards from inhaling powder
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the manual mechanical action of hand-sprinkling with a controlled mechanical delivery system. A conveyor belt transports the color hardener powder to the slab surface, and a vibratory mechanism distributes it uniformly, eliminating the erratic dispersion and health hazards associated with manual hand application.
3Productivity
If color hardener is dispersed by hand into the air, then the powder can be applied to the slab, but substantial amounts are dispersed to other surfaces and go to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a conveyor belt as an intermediary mechanism between the color hardener storage and the slab surface. This intermediary system delivers the powder directly to the target area through controlled mechanical transport, preventing dispersion to surrounding surfaces and eliminating waste.
4Manufacturing precision
If pigments are added to the entire batch of concrete, then the entire batch can be colored, but if deeper color is required, the entire batch must be reintroduced to the coloring system, increasing time and waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the pigmentation process dynamic and adjustable by allowing the conveyor system to deliver varying amounts of color hardener powder as needed. This enables real-time control of color depth without requiring reintroduction of the entire batch, as the system can continuously adjust pigment delivery to achieve the desired color intensity.
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 solution allows for efficient, safe, and uniform application of colorants or additives to concrete surfaces, reducing waste and health risks while enabling targeted color patterns and improved operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a vibratory source attached thereto, the broadcaster device attached to a float plate... upon actuation of the vibratory source
Implementation Method 2
the float plate is operable to move in any direction along a horizontal surface in contact with the lowermost surface of the float plate
Data Source
AI summary
The apparatus and method comprise a concrete float with a vibratory additive broadcaster assembly attached therewith. The broadcaster assembly is suspended above the plane of the finishing tool with a vibratory source attached. The broadcaster assembly is filled with an additive and the apparatus is placed on a wet, concrete surface that is to be treated and finished, by a user. Actuation of a power switch by the user activates the vibratory source resulting in the substantial broadcast of additive on to the concrete surface at the desired location(s) on the slab as determined by the user. Vibration damper devices are utilized to minimize the vibrations experienced by the float. The additive is integrated into the concrete or other wet surface by passage of the float over the surface being treated.