Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a concrete mixture pouring assistive device that is capable of providing a means to assist a user in pouring concrete mixture in a construction structure with proper amount that is required for the structure with a to-and-fro motion of the device in aiding the user in filling the mixture thereby ease in utilizing the concrete mixture for construction works.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Concrete mixture plays an important role in ensuring the correct ratio of materials for strength and durability, as well as proper hydration to achieve the desired consistency for construction projects. Additionally, the quality of ingredients used can greatly impact the overall performance and longevity of the finished structure. Therefore, it is crucial for construction professionals to carefully measure and mix the components to meet the specific requirements of each project. During pouring the concrete mixture, the problems occur relates to improper water-to-cement ratio or inadequate mixing of materials. These problems result in weak, cracked, or uneven surfaces in the finished product. It is important to carefully follow mixing instructions and ensure that all materials are properly combined for a successful pour.

[0003] Traditionally, the device available for pouring typically equipped with a pump or conveyor system to transport the concrete from the mixing truck to the desired location. It is a crucial piece of equipment for large-scale construction projects where precise pouring is essential for structural integrity. Another problem could be improper mixing of the concrete, leading to inconsistencies in strength and durability due to lacks in vibration of the concrete to remove air pockets and ensure thorough mixing and fails in achieving the desired strength and durability of the concrete.

[0004] US4268174A disclose a concrete mixer and the like adapted to be attached to the lifting system of a tractor or other vehicle. This mixer comprises a bucket having a cylindrical drum shape, the lateral wall of which is provided with an aperture having a maximum opening of one quarter of a circle. A shaft is mounted in the cylindrical drum along the longitudinal axis thereof and carries radial arms having mixing blades secured to their outer end. Drive means can rotate the shaft in either of the two opposite directions; that is in an unloading direction and in a mixing direction. The bucket is mounted on bearings to pivotally attach it to the lifting system and to pivot it between the unloading position in which the aperture faces downward and the loading and mixing position in which the aperture faces upward. Each mixing blade includes a bar provided along its outer edge with a flexible strip in sweeping engagement with the internal surface of the cylindrical drum and having along its inner edge a row of radial and spaced-apart fingers used to assist the mixing. The tractor is provided with a water tank at its opposite end relative to the bucket and which is used not only to supply water for the ingredients but also as a counterweight to the bucket. Although, US’174 provides way to pour concrete mixture more particularly of the type which is adapted to be attached to the lifting system of a tractor currently used to work and transport earth, sand and the like materials, however lacks in maintaining proper consistency for utilizing the concrete mixture.

[0005] US6042258A discloses an admixture dispensing and concrete mixer monitoring system which determines the correct amount of admixture, such as a stabilizer, to dispense in a load of unused concrete or for washing out a concrete mixer includes an admixture dispensing unit linked to a computer system. The computer system includes a processor which controls and monitors the operation of the dispensing unit which includes an admixture piping system and a water piping system. The processor is linked to various pumps, meters and valves in the admixture and water piping systems to control the flow of admixture and water into the concrete mixer. Additionally, the computer system provides questions and prompts to the user to assist in accurately and quickly determining the correct amount of admixture to deposit in the concrete mixer. The computer system also allows the tracking of multiple delivery or mixing trucks and their content status at multiple mixing plants to assist in the scheduling thereof. Although, US’258 provides way to dispensing concrete mixture by using a concrete mixer monitoring system which determines the correct amount of admixture, such as a stabilizer, to dispense in a load of unused concrete, however lacks in vibrating the concrete mixture to remove air pockets and ensure thorough mixing in achieving the desired strength.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices are disclosed in prior art that provides way to pour concrete mixture inn construction structure but lacks in lacks in vibrating the concrete mixture to remove air pockets and ensure thorough mixing and fails in achieving the desired strength and durability of the concrete during construction works.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that needs to be capable of pouring concrete mixture in a construction structure with vibrating the concrete mixture to remove air pockets and ensure thorough mixing in achieving the desired strength and durability of the concrete during construction works.

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 assisting a user in pouring concrete mixture in a construction structure with proper amount with proper consistency thereby ease in utilizing the concrete mixture for construction works.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting dimensions of shoulder portion of the user to easy in lifting the device for pouring the concrete mixture.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of generating vibrational sensations in view of mixing constituents of the concrete mixture.

[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 concrete mixture pouring assistive device that is capable of pouring concrete mixture in a construction structure with proper consistency, thereby make it easy ease for utilization of the concrete mixture for construction work.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a concrete mixture pouring assistive device, comprises of a cylindrical hollow body attached with a pair of inverted U-shaped handles gripped by a user for positioning free-end of body in contact with concrete mixture placed on ground surface, a computing unit installed with a user-interface wirelessly associated with the device for enabling the user to give input commands for aiding in filling of the concrete mixture in the body, a microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit that processes the input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit paired with a processor mounted on the body for detecting a construction structure within which the mixture is to be poured, multiple iris lids arranged within the body to close for partitioning the body in a manner to allow filling of the determined amount of the mixture within the body, a pair of motorized sliders installed between the handle and body to maintain an optimum gap between the handles for allowing the user to lift the body.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of a laser projection unit mounted on the body for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in positioning the free-ends within the mixture, a curved-shaped member is installed with the free-end via a motorized hinge that is actuated by the microcontroller for providing a to-and-fro motion to the member for aiding the user in filling the mixture within the body, weight sensor integrated with the body for monitoring change in weight of the body during filling of the mixture, a speaker mounted on the body for notifying the user to lift the body and pour the mixture in the structure, multiple vibrating units installed with the body for generating vibrational sensations in view of mixing constituents of the mixture, and a battery is associated with the device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with the device.

[0016] 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

[0017] 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 external view of a concrete mixture pouring assistive device in a stowed state; and
Figure 2 illustrates an internal view of the proposed device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] 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.

[0021] The present invention relates to a concrete mixture pouring assistive device that is capable of pouring concrete mixture in a construction structure with proper consistency without causing any mismanagement in filling the concrete mixture.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and 2, an external and internal view of a concrete mixture pouring assistive device, respectively are illustrated, comprising a cylindrical hollow body 101 attached with a pair of inverted U-shaped handles 102, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 mounted on the body 101, multiple iris lids 201 arranged within the body 101, a pair of motorized sliders 104 installed between the handle 102 and body 101, a laser projection unit 105 mounted on the body 101, a curved-shaped member 106 installed with the free-end via a motorized hinge 107, and a speaker 108 mounted on the body 101.

[0023] The proposed device comprises of a cylindrical hollow body 101 made up of any material selected from but not limited to metallic material and wooden material alike and further assembled with various components associated with the device arranged in sequential manner that aids in assisting a user in pouring a concrete mixture. Herein, the body 101 is integrated with a pair of inverted U-shaped handles 102 that is gripped by the user for placing free-end of body 101 in contact with concrete mixture placed on ground surface. The user now accesses a computing unit wirelessly associated with the device for the user to give input commands for aiding in filling of the concrete mixture in the body 101.

[0024] The computing unit herein includes but not limited to a mobile and laptop that comprises a processor where the alert received from the microcontroller is stored to process and retrieve the output data in order to display in the computing unit. A microcontroller is wirelessly linked with the computing unit via a communication module which includes but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module. GSM (Global System for Mobile communication). The communication module acts as a medium between various electronic unit for establishing communication between the user-interface and device to activate the device. After activating of the device by the user, a microcontroller associated with the device generates commands to operate the device accordingly.

[0025] Upon processing the input given by the user, the microcontroller activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 assembled with the body 101 for detecting a construction structure within which the mixture is to be poured. The imaging unit 103 comprises of a camera and processor that works in collaboration to capture and process the images of surroundings of the body 101. The camera firstly captures multiple images of the farm produce, wherein the camera comprises of a body 101, electronic shutter, lens, lens aperture, image sensor, and imaging processor that works in sequential manner to capture images of the surroundings. After capturing of the images by the camera, the shutter is automatically open due to which the reflected beam of light coming from the surrounding due to light is directed towards the lens aperture. After then the reflected light beam passes through the image sensor. The sensor now analyzes the beam to retrieve signal from the beams which is further calibrate by the sensor to capture images of the surrounding in electronic signal.

[0026] Upon capturing images, the imaging processor processes the electronic signal into digital image. When the capturing is done, the processor associated with the imaging unit 103 processes the captured images by using an artificial intelligence protocol to retrieve data from the captured image in the form of digital signal. The data is now transmitted to the microcontroller based on which the microcontroller acquires the data to detect the construction structure within which the mixture is to be poured and accordingly retrieve an amount of the mixture to be poured. After that the microcontroller actuates one of multiple iris lids 201 integrated within the body 101 for closing to partitioning the body 101 and allow filling of the retrieved amount of the mixture within the body 101.

[0027] The iris lid 201 comprises of a ring and blades having multiple protrusion. The ring is constructed with multiple grooves that are linked with the protrusion of the blade. The ring is attached with groove to pull the protrusion within the grooves by the rotation of the ring. The pulling of the protrusions provide movement to the blades for opening and closing of the lid 201. The ring is installed with the motor that is actuated by the microcontroller for rotating the ring with a specified speed. Based on the actuation, the ring regulates the opening and closing the lid 201 to partitioning the body 101 and allow filling of the retrieved amount of the mixture within the body 101.

[0028] Additionally, the microcontroller via the imaging unit 103 detects dimension of the user’s shoulder portion of the user, the microcontroller generates commands to actuate a pair of motorized sliders 104 integrated between the handle 102 and body 101 to translate the handle 102 and maintain an optimum gap between the handles 102. The slider 104, herein discloses consists of a rail unit that provides a guided path for linear movement. The rail unit usually includes a pair of parallel rails or tracks, along which the slider 104 moves. The slider carriage, also called a stage or platform equipped with a mechanism to minimize friction and ensure smooth motion. This involves the use of ball bearings. The slider 104 incorporates a motor and a drive mechanism to generate linear motion. The motor is connected to a drive mechanism, such as a belt, lead screw, or ball screw. The drive mechanism converts the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion, propelling the slider carriage along the rail unit to translate the handle 102 and maintain the optimum gap to aid the user to lift the body 101.

[0029] During lifting of the body 101 detected by the microcontroller via the imaging unit 103, the microcontroller generates commands to actuate a laser projection unit 105 integrated with the body 101 for projecting a laser beam and guide the user in placing the free-ends within the mixture. The laser projection unit 105 comprises of a shutter, beam splitters, diverging lenses and a mirror utilized to project laser beams. Firstly, the projector emits the laser beam and passed through the shutter to impact on the beam splitter. After the impact of laser beam, the splitter splits the laser beam into two directions.

[0030] First part is passes through a diverging lens where it scatters to impact on the mirror and produce reflected beam and another part is passed to another mirror directly where it reflects the beam and pass through another diverging lens. After then, the reflected beam from first part falls on the mixture to produce an image. Lastly, the projector compares the resultant beams projected to a pattern over the mixture to guide the user in placing the free-ends within the mixture. Upon placing the free-end within the mixture detected by the microcontroller via the imaging unit 103, the microcontroller generates commands to actuate a motorized hinge 107 integrated with a curved-shaped member 106 assembled with the free-end for providing a to-and-fro motion to the member 106 and allow the user to fill the mixture within the body 101.

[0031] The hinge 107 typically refers to a mechanical joint that allows rotational movement around a fixed axis using a motor or actuator which provides the rotational force required to move the hinge 107. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The hinge 107 consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation around a fixed axis to move the member 106 with to-and fro motion for aiding the user in filling the mixture within the body 101. Upon filling of the mixture within the body 101, the microcontroller generates commands to activate multiple vibrating units integrated with the body 101 for producing vibrational sensations for mixing constituents of the mixture. The vibrating unit works by converting electrical energy into mechanical energy which causes the unit to vibrate. The unit comprises of a motor, eccentric weight and shaft, as the microcontroller directs the motor the shaft rotates which in turn rotates the weight. The rotation of weigh creates the unbalanced forces which leads in vibration of the unit resulting in the providing vibrational sensations in the member 106 for mixing constituents of the mixture.

[0032] During filling of the mixture within the body 101, a weight sensor integrated with the body 101 detects change in weight of the body 101. The weight sensor comprises a weight transducer that convert weight of the body 101 due to mixture into an electrical signal that exert a downward force on the weight sensor. Within load cell of the sensor, there are strain gauges that deform slightly due to weight. The deformation causes changes in electrical resistance within the strain gauges. The sensor then calibrates the resistance to detect weight of the body 101 due to mixture. Upon detecting the weight of the body 101, the sensor transmitted the detected data to the microcontroller where it analyzes to detect the change in weight of the body 101 and accordingly evaluates amount of the mixture filled within the body 101.

[0033] The microcontroller now matches the evaluated amount with the filled amount and upon matching, if the evaluated amount matches the filled amount, then the microcontroller activates a speaker 108 integrated with the body 101 to notify the user for tilting the body 101 and accordingly pour the mixture in the structure. The speaker 108 includes a diaphragm, which is typically made of a lightweight and rigid material like paper, plastic, or metal. It is designed to vibrate and produce sound waves when electrical signals are fed to it. A voice coil (a tightly wound coil of wire) attached with the diaphragm of the speaker 108. The voice coil is suspended within a magnetic gap. When an electrical current flows through the coil, it interacts with the magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly, resulting in a force that moves the coil. The magnet assembly creates a magnetic field within the speaker 108. It consists of a permanent magnet and a metal structure, such as a pole piece or a magnet plate. The magnet assembly provides a fixed magnetic field through which the voice coil moves. The strength and configuration of the magnet assembly influence the performance and efficiency of the speaker 108.

[0034] The cone/diaphragm is connected to the speaker 108’s frame via a suspension unit, which includes the surround and spider. When the electrical signal passes through the voice coil, it generates a magnetic field that interacts with the fixed magnetic field produced by the magnet assembly. As the electrical current varies, the magnetic field produced by the voice coil changes, resulting in the voice coil and attached cone/diaphragm moving back and forth. This movement creates pressure variations in the surrounding air, generating sound waves to generate the audible sound to notify the user to lift the body 101 and pour the mixture in the structure.

[0035] A battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the device to offer power to all electrical and electronic components necessary for their correct operation. The battery is linked to the microcontroller and provides (DC) Direct Current to the microcontroller. And then, based on the order of operations, the microcontroller sends that current to those specific electrical or electronic components so they effectively carry out their appropriate functions.

[0036] The present invention works best in following manner, where the cylindrical hollow body 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be attached with a pair of inverted U-shaped handles 102 gripped by a user for positioning free-end of body 101 in contact with concrete mixture placed on ground surface. The user accesses the computing unit installed with a user-interface to give input commands for aiding in filling of the concrete mixture in the body 101 based on that the microcontroller wirelessly linked with the computing unit processes the input commands and activates the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 for detecting a construction structure within which the mixture is to be poured, in accordance to which the microcontroller determines an amount of the mixture to be poured and based on the determined amount of the mixture to be poured, the microcontroller actuates one of the iris lids 201 to close for partitioning the body 101 in a manner to allow filling of the determined amount of the mixture within the body 101. Further, the microcontroller via the imaging unit 103 detects dimensions of shoulder portion of the user, in accordance to which the microcontroller actuates the sliders 104 to maintain an optimum gap between the handles 102 for allowing the user to lift the body 101.

[0037] In continuation, the laser projection unit 105 is actuated by the microcontroller for projecting a laser beam to guide the user in positioning the free-ends within the mixture. After that the motorized hinge 107 is actuated by the microcontroller for providing a to-and-fro motion to the member 106 for aiding the user in filling the mixture within the body 101. Also, the weight sensor detects change in weight of the body 101 during filling of the mixture, in accordance to which the microcontroller evaluates amount of the mixture filled within the body 101, and as soon as the evaluated amount matches the determined amount, the microcontroller activates the speaker 108 for notifying the user to lift the body 101 and pour the mixture in the structure.

[0038] 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 concrete mixture pouring assistive device, comprising:

i) a cylindrical hollow body 101 attached with a pair of inverted U-shaped handles 102 gripped by a user for positioning free-end of body 101 in contact with concrete mixture placed on ground surface, wherein a computing unit installed with a user-interface wirelessly associated with said device for enabling said user to give input commands for aiding in filling of said concrete mixture in said body 101;
ii) a microcontroller wirelessly linked with said computing unit that processes said input commands and activates an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 103 paired with a processor mounted on said body 101 for capturing and processing multiple images of surroundings, respectively, for detecting a construction structure within which said mixture is to be poured, in accordance to which said microcontroller determines an amount of said mixture to be poured;
iii) plurality of iris lids 201 arranged within said body 101, wherein based on said determined amount of said mixture to be poured, said microcontroller actuates one of said iris lids 201 to close for partitioning said body 101 in a manner to allow filling of said determined amount of said mixture within said body 101;
iv) a pair of motorized sliders 104 installed between said handle 102 and body 101, wherein said microcontroller via said imaging unit 103 detects dimensions of shoulder portion of said user, in accordance to which said microcontroller actuates said sliders 104 to maintain an optimum gap between said handles 102 for allowing said user to lift said body 101;
v) a laser projection unit 105 mounted on said body 101 that is actuated by said microcontroller for projecting a laser beam to guide said user in positioning said free-ends within said mixture, wherein a curved-shaped member 106 is installed with said free-end via a motorized hinge 107 that is actuated by said microcontroller for providing a to-and-fro motion to said member 106 for aiding said user in filling said mixture within said body 101; and
vi) a weight sensor integrated with said body 101 for monitoring change in weight of said body 101 during filling of said mixture, in accordance to which said microcontroller evaluates amount of said mixture filled within said body 101, wherein as soon as said evaluated amount matches said determined amount, said microcontroller activates a speaker 108 mounted on said body 101 for notifying said user to lift said body 101 and pour said mixture in said structure.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein upon filling of said mixture within said body 101, said microcontroller activates plurality of vibrating units installed with said body 101 for generating vibrational sensations in view of mixing constituents of said mixture.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said microcontroller is wirelessly linked with said computing unit via a communication module which includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module, Bluetooth module.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a battery is associated with said device for supplying power to electrical and electronically operated components associated with said device.