Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a structural defect detecting device for buildings that is capable of automatically analyzing structural defects in a building, such that categorizing them based on their shape and direction, along with estimating the likelihood of soil liquefaction during an earthquake by detecting the water content in the soil beneath the building.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Detecting structural defects in buildings is crucial for ensuring the safety, longevity, and functionality of a structure. Over time, buildings are subject to wear and tear from environmental factors such as weather conditions, ground movement, and natural aging processes. These factors can lead to cracks, shifts, and deterioration in the building’s structural components, such as walls, beams, foundations, and columns. If undetected, these defects can compromise the integrity of the building, leading to potential safety hazards, increased repair costs, or even catastrophic structural failure. Early detection of structural defects is essential for timely intervention and minimizing costly repairs.

[0003] Detecting structural defects in buildings is crucial for maintaining safety and ensuring the integrity of the structure. Common equipment used for this purpose includes ultrasonic testing devices, infrared thermography cameras, radiographic testing tools, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR). Ultrasonic testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect cracks, voids, and other defects within materials, providing a non-invasive way to assess structural integrity. Infrared thermography cameras detect temperature variations on surfaces, helping to identify hidden issues like moisture infiltration, insulation deficiencies, or structural anomalies. Radiographic testing involves X-rays or gamma rays to create detailed images of the internal structure, revealing potential issues such as corrosion or cracks. GPR is used to scan concrete and other materials, providing insight into the internal structure, including identifying voids or reinforcing bar corrosion. However, ultrasonic testing requires direct contact with surfaces, and results can be influenced by the material type and geometry, limiting its application. Infrared thermography can be ineffective if the surface is dirty or not at the correct temperature, and it may miss deeper structural issues. Radiographic testing involves exposure to radiation, requiring safety precautions and specialized expertise. GPR may struggle with deeper structural problems or in areas with dense reinforcement. Additionally, many of these methods are expensive and may require trained personnel to interpret results accurately.

[0004] US2013055816A1 relates to a method for providing a structural condition of a structure, comprising providing an excitation wave generator; providing an excitation wave sensor; injecting an excitation burst wave into the structure using the excitation wave generator; obtaining a measured propagated excitation burst wave using the excitation wave sensor; correlating the measured propagated excitation burst wave with one of a plurality of theoretical dispersed versions of the excitation burst wave; and providing an indication of the structural condition of the structure corresponding to the correlated measured propagated excitation burst wave. The method may offer a better localization of the reflection points and thus of the potential defects present in a structure under inspection, when compared with a group velocity-based or time-of-flight (ToF) approach. The method may be particularly useful for structural health monitoring (SHM) and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT). The method may also enable determination of the mechanical properties of the structure.

[0005] US2011071770A1 relates to a structural component, to a system and to a method for monitoring the integrity of a structure or a structural component. The structural component according to the invention has at least one elongated air duct which can be connected to a vacuum source and to a device for detecting the volumetric flow of air and/or the air pressure in the air duct, wherein, when the structure is intact in the region of the air duct, the air pressure in the air duct essentially corresponds to the air pressure of the vacuum source and there is essentially no volumetric flow of air through the air duct but, when a structural defect occurs in the region of the air duct, air from the region surrounding the structure or structural component enters the air duct and increases the air pressure and volumetric flow of air in the air duct in an identifiable manner.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to monitor structural defect of buildings, however these existing devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to examining the building’s material and design to propose alternative construction methods and materials aimed at improving earthquake resilience of the building.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to be capable of analyzing and categorizing structural defects in a building according to their shape and direction to estimate the risk of soil liquefaction during an earthquake by detecting water levels in the soil below the building and exerting repetitive force on the surrounding soil to gauge the building’s earthquake resistance. Additionally, the developed device needs to feature to inspect the building’s construction materials and design to recommend alternative approaches for strengthening building’s resistance to seismic activity.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of analyzing structural defect of building in an automated manner and categorise the defects as per shape and direction of the defects.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of providing estimation of probability of soil liquefaction in case of an earthquake by detecting water content in soil beneath the building and imparting repetitive force on soil adjacent to a building to record an echo to estimate a resistance of the building to an earthquake.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of scanning material and design of construction of the building to establish alternative designs and materials of construction for improving earthquake resistance of the building.

[0012] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0013] The present invention relates to a structural defect detecting device for buildings that is capable of determining structural defects of building by applying repetitive force to surrounding soil in order to evaluate the building’s earthquake resistance and examining the building’s material and design to propose alternative construction methods and materials for improving earthquake resilience.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a structural defect detecting device for buildings, comprises of a rectangular base having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods with motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends, attached underneath the base, for a locomotion of the base in and around a building, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the base and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of the base, in synchronisation with an acoustic sensor embedded in the base, to detect defects in the building and categorise the defects as per shape and direction of the defects detected by the imaging unit, the acoustic sensor determines if a specific defect is stable or growing based on sounds generated from cracks, a database linked with a microcontroller associated with the base, stores the detected defects in a categorised manner.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device comprises of a stability forecast is generated for the building in accordance with the defects, a GPR (ground penetrating radar) unit mounted on the base detects water content in soil beneath the building, to enable estimation of probability of soil liquefaction in case of an earthquake and save the probability in the database, a plurality of hydraulic units attached with edges of the base in an articulated manner, to impart repetitive force on soil adjacent to a building to record an echo generated by means of the acoustic sensor, to estimate a resistance of the building to an earthquake, points of the building vulnerable to earthquake are stored in the database, the imaging unit scans material and design of construction of the building to establish alternative designs and materials of construction for improving earthquake resistance, the alternative designs and materials of construction being stored in the database.

[0016] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a holographic projection unit mounted on the base in an articulated manner, to generate images onto the points of the building vulnerable to earthquake along with alternatives, for reference of user, an articulated L-shaped telescopic link mounted on the base and provided with a moisture sensor, to detect a moisture level of soil in vicinity of foundation of the building to determine construction material suitable for the moisture level to ensure a stable foundation, the determined material are stored in the database, a GPS (global positioning system) unit provided in the base, in synchronisation with a weather module, determines a weather in the location of the building to gauge if construction design and material of the building are feasible for the weather, else generate suggestions regarding alternative feasible designs and materials, to be stored in the database.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a structural defect detecting device for buildings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a structural defect detecting device for buildings that is designed to automatically detect and categorize structural defects in a building by examining shape and direction of crack in the building. Additionally, the proposed device evaluates the likelihood of soil liquefaction during an earthquake by detecting soil water content and applying repetitive force to adjacent soil, measuring the building’s earthquake resilience.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a structural defect detecting device for buildings is illustrated, comprises of a rectangular base 101 having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 installed on the base, a GPR (ground penetrating radar) unit 105 mounted on the base, plurality of hydraulic units 106 attached with edges of the base, a holographic projection unit 107 mounted on the base, and an articulated L-shaped telescopic link 108 mounted on the base 101 and provided with a moisture sensor 109.

[0024] The proposed invention includes a base 101 preferably in portable rectangular shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The base 101 is configured in a way such that comprise plurality of motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 positioned underneath the base 101 for translation of the base 101 as per requirement for locomotion in and around a building as per requirement.

[0025] The wheels 103 are connected with the base 101 by means of telescopic rods 102 which are pneumatically powered by a pneumatic arrangement associated with the device. The pneumatic arrangement constitutes extension/retraction of the rod such that elevate the height of the base 101 as per requirement. The base 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or alloy that ensures rigidity of the base 101 for longevity of the device.

[0026] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the base 101 to activate the device for associated processes of the device. The switch button when pressed by the user, opens up an electrical circuit and allows currents to flow for powering an associated microcontroller of the device for operating of all the linked components for performing their respective functions upon actuation.

[0027] The microcontroller, mentioned herein, is preferably an Arduino microcontroller. The Arduino microcontroller used herein controls the overall functionality of the components linked to it. The Arduino microcontroller is an open-source programming platform.

[0028] After the activation of the device, the microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104 integrated on the base 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the base. The imaging unit 104 works in synchronization with an acoustic sensor to detect defects in the building. The imaging unit 104 incorporates a processor that is encrypted with an artificial intelligence protocol. The artificial intelligence protocol operates by following a set of predefined instructions to process data and perform tasks autonomously. Initially, data is collected and input into a database, which then employs protocol to analyze and interpret the captured images. The processor of the imaging unit 104 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0029] Simultaneously, the microcontroller powers an associated direct current (DC) motor connected with the wheels 103. The omnidirectional wheels 103 have small discs or rollers around the circumference of the wheel that are powered by the motor, enabling the wheels 103 to move in required direction, which provide the base 101 with the required movement for maneuvering around the building to enable the imaging unit 104 to capture all points of the building.

[0030] The microcontroller actuates an air compressor and air valve associated with the pneumatic arrangement consisting of an air cylinder, air valve and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the rods 102. The air valve allows entry/exit of compressed air from the compressor. Then, the valve opens and the compressed air enters inside the cylinder thereby increasing the air pressure of the cylinder. The piston is connected to the rods 102 and due to the increase in the air pressure, the piston extends. For the retraction of the piston, air is released from the cylinder to the air compressor via the valve. Thus, providing the required extension/retraction of the rods 102 for adjusting the height of the base 101 for positioning the imaging unit 104 at proper height. All the pneumatically operated components associated with the device comprises of the same type of pneumatic arrangement.

[0031] The microcontroller categorises the defects as per shape and direction of the defects detected by the imaging unit 104. The database linked with the microcontroller stores the detected defects in the categorised manner. As per the recorded data, the microcontroller generates a stability forecast for the building in accordance with the defects.

[0032] The acoustic sensor includes a small diaphragm and a moving coil. The small diaphragm is connected to the moving coil. The sound waves hit the diaphragm which causes vibrations thereby, causing the coil to move back and forth in magnetic field of the coil. Hence, generating an electrical current which is further converted into coinciding audio signals for detecting sounds generated from cracks. The microcontroller accordingly analyses if the specific defect is stable or propagating.

[0033] The microcontroller is associated with a timer to record time taken for progression of defects which are detected by the imaging unit 104. The timer includes a RTC (real time clock) comprises of a controller, oscillator and an embedded quartz crystal resonator. The function of RTC (real time clock) is to keep accurate track of time even when a power supply is turned off or the device is placed in low power mode. In relation to the recorded time by the timer the microcontroller accordingly generate stability forecast.

[0034] The base 101 is arranged with a GPR (ground penetrating radar) unit 105. The microcontroller actuates the GPR unit 105 to detects water content in soil beneath the building by emitting radio waves and analyzing the reflected signals. The GPR unit 105 detects water content in the soil beneath a building by emitting high-frequency electromagnetic waves into the ground. These waves travel through the soil and reflect off subsurface materials, with the reflected signals being captured by the GPR receiver.

[0035] The presence of water alters the reflection patterns due to its unique dielectric properties, causing a change in signal return times. By analyzing these reflected signals, the GPR unit 105 identify areas of higher moisture content within the soil. This data helps assess the moisture distribution and potential risks of water-related issues beneath the building. The microcontroller analyzes the signal if the GPR unit 105 such that enable estimation of probability of soil liquefaction. The microcontroller saves the probability of an earthquake in the database.

[0036] The base 101 is equipped with multiple hydraulic units 106 which are attached with edges of the base 101 in an articulated manner. The hydraulic units 106 are powered by a hydraulic arrangement associated with the device to provide extension/retraction of the hydraulic units 106 as per requirement.

[0037] The hydraulic units 106 impart repetitive force on soil adjacent to a building to record an echo generated by means of the acoustic sensor. The microcontroller actuates a hydraulic pump and hydraulic valve associated with a hydraulic arrangement consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the hydraulic units 106 to allow passage of hydraulic fluid from the pump within the cylinder, the hydraulic fluid further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the hydraulic units 106 and due to applied pressure, the hydraulic units 106 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the hydraulic units 106 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the hydraulic units 106 thereby imparting repetitive force on the soil to generate echo.

[0038] The recorded echo by the acoustic sensor estimates a resistance of the building to an earthquake. The microcontroller evaluates the points of the building where the echoes are recorded. The microcontroller stores the data points of the building vulnerable to earthquake, in the database.

[0039] The imaging unit 104 scans material and design of construction of the building to establish alternative designs and materials of construction for improving earthquake resistance, the alternative designs and materials of construction being stored in the database.

[0040] An articulated L-shaped telescopic link 108 is arranged on the base. The link 108 is integrated with a moisture sensor 109 to detect a moisture level of soil in vicinity of foundation of the building. The link 108 positions the moisture sensor 109 in articulated manner to monitor the moisture level. The link 108 is powered by the pneumatic arrangement to provide extension/retraction of the link 108 such that works similar to the working of the rods 102 as mentioned above.

[0041] The moisture sensor 109 operates by emitting electromagnetic waves or infrared radiation towards soil of the foundation of the building. When these waves encounter moisture, they are absorbed or reflected differently compared to dry surfaces. The moisture sensor 109 then measures the changes in reflection or absorption and send the signal to the microcontroller in order to determine the moisture content of the soil of the foundation of the building. The microcontroller analyses the signal of the moisture sensor 109 to determine construction material suitable for the moisture level to ensure a stable foundation, wherein the determined material is stored in the database.

[0042] The base 101 incorporates a holographic projection unit 107 which is mounted in the articulated manner. The projection unit 107 generate images onto the points of the building vulnerable to earthquake along with alternatives, for reference of user. The holographic projection unit 107 uses interference patterns of light to create realistic three-dimensional images in mid-air. It typically consists of a laser source, beam splitters, mirrors, and a holographic screen or projection surface. The projection unit 107 projects light onto a surface from multiple angles, using the interference of light waves to produce 3D images visible from different perspectives. In an educational setting, this allows the user to view and understand the points of the building with weak infrastructure.

[0043] The base 101 is provided with a GPS (global positioning system) unit to investigate location of the building. The GPS (Global Positioning System) module working in sync with a magnetometer provides enhanced positioning and orientation information of the building. The GPS module receives signals from multiple satellites in orbit around the Earth. These satellites transmit precise timing and position information of the building. The GPS module receives these signals and uses the time delay between transmission and reception to calculate the distance between the GPS module and each satellite. By triangulating the distances from multiple satellites, the GPS module determines its own position on the Earth's surface. This position is typically given in latitude and longitude coordinates.

[0044] The magnetometer of the GPS module measures the strength and direction of the magnetic field in its vicinity. The magnetometer detects the Earth's magnetic field, which is approximately aligned with the Earth's geographic north-south axis. By utilizing the magnetometer's measurements, the GPS module determine the band heading or orientation relative to magnetic north. The magnetometer provides information about the direction of the Earth's magnetic field, which is compared with the band position information obtained from the GPS module. The outputs of the GPS module and the magnetometer are combined and processed by the microcontroller in order to determine the location of the building.

[0045] The GPS works in sync with a weather module incorporated in the microcontroller to detect weather condition in the location of the building. The microcontroller evaluates feasibility of the construction design and material of the building as per the weather condition. In case the microcontroller evaluates issue in the construction design and material of the building, the microcontroller generates suggestions regarding alternative feasible designs and materials, which are to be stored in the database.

[0046] The microcontroller is linked with a wireless communication module. The communication module enables the microcontroller to establish wireless connection with a computing unit which is accessed by concerned officials. The officials are allowed to access the database in order to view detected issues with the buildings and generated suggestions for the issues.

[0047] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the device.

[0048] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be equipped with four telescopic rods 102 and motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 for easy mobility around the building. The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, integrated with the processor, captures and processes images in the vicinity of the base, working in tandem with the acoustic sensor to detect and categorize defects in the building, including cracks, and determine their stability. These detected defects, including their shape, direction, and growth status, are stored in the linked database, which also generates the stability forecast for the building. The GPR unit detects water content in the soil beneath the building, estimating the probability of soil liquefaction in case of the earthquake, which is also saved in the database. Hydraulic units 106 mounted on the base 101 apply repetitive force to the soil, recording echoes through the acoustic sensor to evaluate the building’s earthquake resistance and identify vulnerable areas, which are stored in the database along with suggested alternative designs and materials. Additionally, the holographic projection unit 107 displays images of these vulnerable points with alternatives for improvement. The device further includes the moisture sensor 109 to assess soil moisture levels near the building’s foundation, guiding the selection of suitable construction materials. The GPS unit and weather module provide information about the local climate, generating suggestions for optimal construction designs.

[0049] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A structural defect detecting device for buildings, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having four perpendicularly installed telescopic rods 102 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends, attached underneath said base, for a locomotion of said base 101 in and around a building;
ii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 104, installed on said base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base, in synchronisation with an acoustic sensor embedded in said base, to detect defects in said building and categorise said defects as per shape and direction of said defects detected by said imaging unit 104, wherein said acoustic sensor determines if a specific defect is stable or growing based on sounds generated from cracks;
iii) a database linked with a microcontroller associated with said base, stores said detected defects in a categorised manner, wherein a stability forecast is generated for said building in accordance with said defects;
iv) a GPR (ground penetrating radar) unit 105 mounted on said base 101 detects water content in soil beneath said building, to enable estimation of probability of soil liquefaction in case of an earthquake and save said probability in said database;
v) a plurality of hydraulic units 106 attached with edges of said base 101 in an articulated manner, to impart repetitive force on soil adjacent to a building to record an echo generated by means of said acoustic sensor, to estimate a resistance of said building to an earthquake, wherein points of said building vulnerable to earthquake are stored in said database, wherein said imaging unit 104 scans material and design of construction of said building to establish alternative designs and materials of construction for improving earthquake resistance, said alternative designs and materials of construction being stored in said database;
vi) a holographic projection unit 107 mounted on said base 101 in an articulated manner, to generate images onto said points of said building vulnerable to earthquake along with alternatives, for reference of user; and
vii) an articulated L-shaped telescopic link 108 mounted on said base 101 and provided with a moisture sensor 109, to detect a moisture level of soil in vicinity of foundation of said building to determine construction material suitable for said moisture level to ensure a stable foundation, wherein said determined material are stored in said database.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a GPS (global positioning system) unit provided in said base, in synchronisation with a weather module, determines a weather in the location of said building to gauge if construction design and material of said building are feasible for said weather, else generate suggestions regarding alternative feasible designs and materials, to be stored in said database.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller and provided in said base, to enable wireless connection with a computing unit to access said database to view detected issues with said buildings and generated suggestions for said issues.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a timer is associated with said microcontroller to record time taken for progression of defects detected by said imaging unit 104 to accordingly generate stability forecast.