Flotation machine having pan support structure configured for conforming the shape of a float pan
A support structure for a float pan for floating a concrete surface provides an interface between the float pan and a rotating machine. The support structure is characterized by a hub configured for concentric attachment to a rotor, and by a plurality of trusses that extend radially from the hub, each providing a planar contact surface. A mounting plate attaches between each planar contact surface and a top surface of the float pan and is radially adjustable along the planar contact surface. A truss beam structure cross-links the trusses together. A walk-behind or ride-on machine may incorporate the support structure and operate as a dedicated power flotation machine. Under weight of the machine, the planar contact surfaces of the trusses conform the float pan to a desired shape or radius of curvature for optimizing a flotation process.
1. A support structure for a float pan, comprising:
a hub having a rotational axis and configured for concentric attachment to a rotor;
a plurality of first trusses each having a radial length L, a hub attachment end, and a planar contact surface opposite the hub attachment end, the planar contact surface extending radially from the hub;
a plurality of second trusses each having a radial length that is greater or less than L, a hub attachment, and a planar contact surface opposite the hub attachment end, the planar contact surface extending radially from the hub;
at least one mounting plate configured for attachment between the float pan and the planar contact surface of at least one of the trusses; and
at least one truss beam linking two or more of the trusses.
2. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the at least one truss beam further comprises an attachment arm extending substantially radially with respect to the hub and configured to attach to a mounting bracket mounted on the float pan.
3. The support structure of claim 2 wherein the attachment arm is radially separated from the hub.
4. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the at least one truss beam comprises a forked arm and a singular arm.
5. The support structure of claim 4 wherein the truss beam links one of the first trusses to one of the second trusses.
6. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the first trusses and second trusses are positioned in an alternating angular sequence about the hub.
7. The support structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first trusses and second trusses comprises a pair of parallel truss arms supporting the planar contact surface therebetween.
8. The support structure of claim 7 wherein the at least one of the first and second trusses further comprises at least one cross brace connecting the parallel truss arms.
9. The support structure of claim 8 wherein the cross brace connects the parallel truss arms along at least a portion of the radial length.
10. The support structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of the planar contact surfaces of the first and second trusses defines a plurality of radially displaced mounting holes configured for adjustable attachment of the at least one mounting plate.
11. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the at least one mounting plate has a surface area greater than a surface area of the planar contact surface of any of the first and second trusses.
12. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the at least one mounting plate has a generally rectangular shape.
13. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the plurality of first and second trusses are angularly spaced about the axis of the hub at regular intervals.
14. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the plurality of first trusses comprises four trusses and wherein the plurality of second trusses comprises four trusses.
15. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the planar contact surfaces of the first and second trusses have identical form.
16. The support structure of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first trusses has a total radial length and wherein the planar contact surface of the at least one first truss has a total radial length less than the total radial length of the at least one first truss.
17. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the radial length of the second trusses is equal to about 0.75L.
18. The support structure of claim 1 wherein the hub further comprises a cylindrical surface configured for mounting the plurality of first and the plurality of second trusses.
19. A support structure for a float pan, comprising:
a hub having a rotational axis and configured for concentric attachment to a rotor;
a plurality of trusses each having a radial length, a hub attachment end, and a planar contact surface opposite the hub attachment end, the planar contact surface extending radially from the hub;
at least one mounting plate configured for attachment between the float pan and the planar contact surface of at least one of the trusses; and
at least one truss beam linking two or more of the trusses between planar contact surfaces.
20. A support structure for a float pan, comprising:
a hub having a rotational axis and configured for concentric attachment to a rotor;
a plurality of trusses having a radial length, a hub attachment end, and a planar contact surface opposite the hub attachment end, the planar contact surface extending radially from the hub;
at least one mounting plate configured for attachment between the float pan and the planar contact surface of at least one of the trusses, wherein the mounting plate has a float pan contact surface greater than a surface area of the planar contact surface of any of the trusses; and
a truss beam linking at least two trusses, wherein each truss beam comprises a forked arm and a singular arm, wherein the forked arm attaches to one of the two trusses and the singular arm attaches to another of the two trusses.