Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a Reinforced Cement Concrete beam restoration device that is capable of detecting dimensions of cracks occurred in reinforced cement concrete beams and accordingly prepares a filling mixture to facilitate precise application of prepared filling mixture into cracks to restore structural uniformity in a precise and automated manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] In construction and infrastructure maintenance RCC beams are widely used due to their strength and durability. However, over time these beams develop cracks due to various factors such as load stress environmental conditions or material fatigue. If left untreated these cracks compromise the structural integrity of the beams, leading to potential safety hazards and costly repairs. Conventional methods of crack restoration are often labor-intensive, time-consuming and lack precision making them inefficient for large-scale or critical repair tasks.

[0003] Traditional restoration techniques typically involve manual identification of cracks, preparation of a repair mixture, application of the mixture and reinforcement with materials like Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP). These methods rely heavily on skilled labor are prone to human error and are not effectively address cracks in hard-to-reach areas. Additionally, the lack of automation in maintaining material quality, precise application of repair mixtures and ensuring proper reinforcement often results in suboptimal repair outcomes. There is a growing need for a device capable of addressing these challenges by integrating advanced detection, repair, and reinforcement mechanisms to ensure precise and durable restoration of RCC beams.

[0004] CN220319195U discloses about a high-rise building beam crack repairing device, and belongs to the technical field of beam crack repairing devices. The utility model relates to a high-rise building beam crack repairing device, which comprises a lifting mechanism and a repairing mechanism, wherein the lifting mechanism comprises a supporting seat, movable cavities are formed in two sides of the inside of the supporting seat, screw rods are rotatably connected in the movable cavities, sliding blocks are sleeved on the screw rods, the repairing mechanism comprises a box body, two sides of the box body are respectively connected with the sliding blocks, one side of the box body is provided with a pair of sliding grooves, a pair of sliding plates are slidably arranged between the sliding grooves, one side of each sliding plate is fixedly provided with a pair of telescopic rods, a connecting rod is fixedly arranged between the telescopic rods, an injection head is embedded in the center of each connecting rod, and a miniature camera is arranged at the upper end of each injection head.

[0005] CN113250483A discloses about a device and a method for restoring a crack of a building in a pre-buried and prefabricated magnetic attraction end guiding mode based on magnetic force, wherein the device comprises a reinforcing steel bar pre-buried in a reinforced concrete beam body, wherein a tinned copper wire is wound on the reinforcing steel bar, penetrates through a reserved wire interface preset on the reinforced concrete beam body and is connected with an electromagnetic induction device used for providing current; and a leading hole is arranged at the position of the reinforced concrete beam body where the crack is easy to crack, and is connected with a high-pressure jet grouting machine through a grouting pipe, so that magnetic mortar is injected into the crack. The magnetic mortar is injected to a required position under the guiding adsorption of different magnetic adsorption ends, so that the full grouting effect is achieved, and the crack repairing and filling rate is improved. The device has the advantages of simple required materials, low assembly cost, prefabrication, quick operation, strong crack repairing and guiding effect and long duration.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to address the restoration of cracks in reinforced cement concrete beams. These devices are often limited in functionality and focuses solely on specific tasks such as crack filling or reinforcement application. They frequently require manual operation and lack the ability to accurately detect cracks, assess their dimensions or automate the repair process. Additionally, conventional devices fail to ensure the proper quality of repair mixtures leading to inconsistent results and reduced structural durability.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to integrate advanced means for detecting cracks, preparing repair mixtures, filling the cracks with precision and applying reinforcement materials tailored to specific dimensions of the cracks. Additionally, the developed device needs to minimize manual intervention, ensures the quality and durability of repairs, and enhance the efficiency of the restoration process.

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 detects dimensions of cracks developed over reinforced cement concrete beams and accordingly prepares a filling mixture to facilitate precise application of the prepared filling mixture into the cracks to restore structural uniformity in a precise and automated manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that maintains the temperature of materials within a predetermined temperature range to prevent deterioration of the materials for the preparation of filling mixture.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that assists a user to apply CRFP sheet as per the dimension of the crack for reinforcement of the cracks in the beam.

[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 Reinforced Cement Concrete beam restoration device that is designed to detect cracks in RCC beams, measure the beam dimensions and automatically prepare and apply a suitable filling mixture to facilitate precise restoration of the structural integrity of RCC beams by automating the entire process, ensuring accurate crack repair and uniform restoration.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a Reinforced Cement Concrete beam restoration device, comprises of a cuboidal housing having a plurality of chambers for storing of raw materials having a scissor lift mechanism disposed underneath the housing for a lifting of the housing, a Peltier unit disposed in each of the chambers for maintaining temperature of the materials within a predetermined temperature range to prevent deterioration of the materials, a mixing box disposed within the housing for receiving the raw materials from the chambers by means of conduits connected with the box, a circular sliding unit is mounted with an inner upper surface of the housing, having an articulated arm with a motorized stirrer provided at an end of the arm for mixing the materials in the box to prepare a filling mixture, an L-shaped articulated telescopic bar having a nozzle at an end, connected with the box via a pipe configured with a pump to fill cracks with the mixture, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the housing in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the housing to determine cracks in RCC beams, position and dimensions of the cracks to actuate the bar, the pump and the nozzle to fill cracks of the beam, wherein the scissor lift mechanism is actuated to reach the crack.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an L-shaped articulated link having a rectangular plate attached at an end by means of a dual axis primary lead screw mechanism for finishing the cracks filled with the mixture, a platform provided within the housing, wherein a motorised roller having a spool of CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymer) is unrolled on the platform, a laser cutting unit disposed on the platform cuts the CFRP as per dimensions of the crack, a speaker is provided on the housing to generate an audio alert regarding applying the CFRP on the crack for reinforcement, a weight sensor embedded in the chamber detects a weight of the seeds and water to actuate the speaker to generate an audio warning regarding refilling the chamber if the detected weight is below a threshold weight and the laser cutting unit comprises a cuboidal frame having a dual axis secondary lead screw mechanism having a downwardly directed laser for cutting the CFRP.

[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 internal view of a Reinforced Cement Concrete beam restoration 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 Reinforced Cement Concrete beam restoration device that integrates advanced means for detecting cracks, preparing repair mixtures, filling the cracks with precision and applying reinforcement materials tailored to specific dimensions of the cracks. Additionally, the proposed device minimizes manual intervention, ensures the quality and durability of repairs, and enhance the efficiency of the restoration process.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an internal view of a Reinforced Cement Concrete beam restoration device is illustrated, comprising a cuboidal housing 101 having a plurality of chambers 102 configured with a scissor lift mechanism 103 disposed, a Peltier unit 104 disposed in each of the chambers 102, a mixing box 105 disposed within the housing 101, a circular sliding unit 106 is mounted with an inner upper surface of the housing 101 having an articulated arm 107 with a motorized stirrer, an L-shaped articulated telescopic bar 108 having a nozzle at an end connected with the box 105, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 installed on the housing 101, an L-shaped articulated link 110 having a rectangular plate attached at an end by means of a dual axis primary lead screw mechanism 111, a platform 112 provided within the housing 101, a motorised roller 113 positioned on the platform 112, a laser cutting unit 114 disposed on the platform 112, a speaker 115 provided on the housing 101.

[0023] The proposed device herein comprises of a cuboidal housing 101 developed to be positioned on a ground surface, wherein a scissor lift mechanism 103 is arranged underneath the housing 101 to lift or lower the housing 101. The housing 101 is designed to provide robust storage and operational functionality for the RCC beam restoration device. The housing 101 is made up of but not limited to durable materials such as high-strength aluminum alloy, stainless steel or reinforced polymer composites, chosen for their corrosion resistance, lightweight properties and high structural integrity. Within the housing 101, plurality of chambers 102 are arranged for storing raw materials.

[0024] A user is required to press a push button integrated with the device, such that when the user presses the push button, it initiates an electrical circuit mechanism. Inside the push button, there is a spring-loaded contact mechanism that, under normal circumstances, maintains an open circuit. When the button is pressed, it compresses the spring, causing the contacts to meet and complete the circuit. This closure then sends an electrical signal to an inbuilt microcontroller associated with the device to either power up or shut down. Conversely, releasing the button allows the spring to return to its original position, breaking the circuit and sending the signal to deactivate the device.

[0025] The microcontroller actuates the scissor lift mechanism 103 to lift or lower the housing 101 as per requirement. The scissor lift mechanism 103 consists of a series of interconnected, crisscrossing supports that expand and contract vertically. The mechanism 103 consists of durable metal arms, pivot points and a central electric actuator. When the actuator applies force, it pushes or pulls the arms at specific pivot points, causing the supports to extend or collapse. This motion translates into the vertical lifting or lowering of the attached housing 101.

[0026] A Peltier unit 104 is integrated within each of the chambers 102 that is activated by the microcontroller for maintaining temperature of the materials within a predetermined temperature range to prevent deterioration of the materials. The Peltier unit 104 operates based on the thermoelectric effect, specifically the Peltier effect, where a voltage applied across two dissimilar semiconductor materials causes heat to be absorbed on one side and released on the other. The unit consists of a series of thermoelectric modules, with each module comprising N-type and P-type semiconductors arranged in pairs and sandwiched between two ceramic plates. When current flows through the unit, it induces a temperature gradient: one side becomes cold while the opposite side becomes hot. This setup maintains the temperature within a predetermined range to prevent material deterioration.

[0027] A mixing box 105 is arranged within the housing 101 for receiving the raw materials from the chambers 102 by means of conduits connected with the box 105. the once the materials are received within the box 105, the microcontroller actuates a circular sliding unit 106 mounted with an inner upper surface of the housing 101 having an articulated arm 107 with a motorized stirrer provided at an end of the arm 107 for mixing the materials in the box 105 to prepare a filling mixture.

[0028] The circular sliding unit 106 operates based on a rotating platform that allows controlled horizontal movement along a circular track mounted on the inner upper surface of the housing 101. The sliding unit 106 consists of a central motor, a rotating base and a set of guiding rails that enable the platform to slide smoothly in a circular motion. The articulated arm 107 is attached to the sliding unit 106 which moves in coordination with the circular motion allowing the motorized stirrer at the end of the arm 107 to mix the materials within the mixing box 105. The microcontroller precisely controls the speed and direction of the circular movement, ensuring the stirrer moves across the entire surface area of the box 105.

[0029] The stirrer operates consists of an electric motor, a shaft and the stirring blade. The motor is controlled by the microcontroller which drives the shaft connected to the stirring blade causing it to rotate within the mixing box 105. The rotating blade generates turbulence in the raw materials, ensuring even distribution and thorough mixing, thereby effectively blend the raw materials to form a uniform filling mixture.

[0030] An artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 is installed on the housing 101 in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor embedded on the housing 101 to determine cracks in RCC beams, position and dimensions of the cracks. The imaging unit 109 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the vicinity, including the RCC beams, and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 109 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 109 also comprises of a processor that is integrated with artificial intelligence protocols, such that the processor processes the optical data and extracts the required data from the captured images. The extracted data is further converted into digital pulses and bits and are further transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received data to detect cracks, analyzing their position, shape and dimensions in real-time.

[0031] Simultaneously, the microcontroller actuates the ultrasonic sensor which operates by emitting ultrasonic waves from a transmitter. These waves travel through the air and hit the surface of the RCC beam and are reflected back. The reflected waves also known as echoes are captured by a receiver integrated within the sensor. The sensor converts the pattern of the received waves into an analog signal, representing the time delay and intensity of the echoes. This analog signal is further converted into a digital electrical signal and transmitted to the microcontroller. The microcontroller processes the received signal to analyze the surface features and detect cracks or irregularities, enabling precise identification of structural defects in the beam.

[0032] Based on which the microcontroller actuates the telescopic bar 108, the pump and the nozzle to fill cracks of the beam. The telescopic bar 108 is linked to a pneumatic unit, including an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves and piston which works in collaboration to aid in extension and retraction of the bar 108. The pneumatic unit is operated by the microcontroller. Such that the microcontroller actuates valve to allow passage of compressed air from the compressor within the cylinder, the compressed air further develops pressure against the piston and results in pushing and extending the piston. The piston is connected with the bar 108 and due to applied pressure, the bar 108 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the bar 108 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the bar 108 in order to position the nozzle towards the beam.

[0033] The microcontroller actuates the pump which include a motor, an impeller an inlet and an outlet. When the motor is actuated by the microcontroller, it drives the impeller to create a low-pressure zone at the inlet, drawing the mixture into the pump. As the impeller rotates, the mixture is pressurized and forced out through the outlet into the connected pipe leading to the nozzle. For diaphragm-based pumps the motor drives a diaphragm to create a reciprocating motion, alternately creating suction to draw the mixture in and compression to push it out. The pump ensures a steady and controlled flow of the filling mixture, enabling precise filling of cracks in the RCC beam.

[0034] An L-shaped articulated link 110 having a rectangular plate is attached at an end by means of a dual axis primary lead screw mechanism 111 for finishing the cracks filled with the mixture. The dual-axis lead screw mechanism 111 comprises of a pair of the lead screw i.e., one horizontal and one vertical, aligned perpendicular to each other. The lead screw mechanism 111 is a type of mechanical power transmission that is used for high-precision actuation. The nut of the lead screw remains stationary and a rotational motion is delivered to the shaft by employing a DC (Direct Current) motor. The lead screw mechanism 111 converts the rotational motion into linear motion. The vertical lead screw delivers an upward and downward motion to the plate and the horizontal lead screw mechanism 111 provides horizontal movement to the plate. The direction of rotation of the shaft determines the direction of linear motion provided to the shaft. The shaft is rotated in a specific direction in order to deliver motion to the plate for finishing the cracks filled with the mixture.

[0035] A platform 112 is provided within the housing 101 having a motorized roller 113 configured with a spool of CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymer) is unrolled on the platform 112. The roller 113 is linked with a DC (direct current) motor to provide the required power to the roller 113 to rotate in a clockwise or an anticlockwise direction in order to roll or unroll the CFRP. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus providing the required power to the roller 113 to rotate on its own axis thereby unrolling the CFRP as required.

[0036] The microcontroller then actuates a laser cutting unit 114 disposed on the platform 112 to cut the CFRP as per dimensions of the crack. The laser cutting unit 114 comprises of a cuboidal frame having a dual axis secondary lead screw mechanism having a downwardly directed laser for cutting the CFRP. The secondary lead screw mechanism operates in the same manner as that of the primary lead screw mechanism 111 disclosed above, thus the secondary lead screw mechanism enables precise movement of the laser over the CFRP surface. The laser cutting employs a high-powered laser beam emitted from a laser source. The beam is then directed through a series of mirrors and lenses, focusing it into a concentrated point of intense heat. The focused laser beam makes contact with the CFRP surface which rapidly heats and vaporizes the CFRP surface, thereby creating a precise cut in the CFRP. The microcontroller then actuates a speaker 115 provided on the housing 101 to generate an audio alert regarding applying the CFRP on the crack for reinforcement.

[0037] The device is associated with a battery for providing the required power to the electronically and electrically operated components including the microcontroller, electrically powered sensors, motorized components and alike of the device. The battery within the device is preferably a lithium-ion-battery which is a rechargeable battery and recharges by deriving the required power from an external power source. The derived power is further stored in form of chemical energy within the battery, which when required by the components of the device derive the required energy in the form of electric current for ensuring smooth and proper functioning of the device.

[0038] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the microcontroller actuates the imaging unit 109 and ultrasonic sensor which works in synchronization to identify cracks in the RCC beam. The captured data is processed to trigger the microcontroller which actuates the scissor lift mechanism 103 to position the housing 101 at the crack's location. The chambers 102 within the cuboidal housing 101 store raw materials for the filling mixture maintained at optimal temperature by integrated Peltier unit 104 to prevent deterioration. The materials are dispensed through conduits into the mixing box 105, where the motorized stirrer mounted on the circular sliding unit 106 thoroughly blends the materials to prepare the filling mixture. The prepared mixture is then transported via the pipe connected to the L-shaped articulated telescopic bar 108 with the nozzle driven by the pump to precisely fill the cracks. Simultaneously, the articulated link 110 with the rectangular plate finishes the surface, ensuring smooth restoration. For reinforcement, the motorized roller 113 unrolls CFRP material on the platform 112 and the laser cutting unit 114 precisely cuts it to the crack’s dimensions using a dual-axis lead screw mechanism. An audio alert from the speaker 115 signals the user to apply the CFRP patch for added strength.

[0039] 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 Reinforced Cement Concrete beam restoration device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 having a plurality of chambers 102 for storing of raw materials, possessing a scissor lift mechanism 103 disposed underneath said housing 101 to lift said housing 101;
ii) a Peltier unit 104 disposed in each of said chambers 102 for maintaining temperature of said materials within a predetermined temperature range to prevent deterioration of said materials;
iii) a mixing box 105 disposed within said housing 101 for receiving said raw materials from said chambers 102 by means of conduits connected with said box 105, wherein a circular sliding unit 106 is mounted with an inner upper surface of said housing 101, having an articulated arm 107 with a motorized stirrer provided at an end of said arm 107 for mixing said materials in said box 105 to prepare a filling mixture;
iv) an L-shaped articulated telescopic bar 108 having a nozzle at an end, connected with said box 105 via a pipe configured with a pump to fill cracks with said mixture;
v) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109, installed on said housing 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said housing 101, in synchronization with an ultrasonic sensor embedded on said housing 101, to determine cracks in RCC beams, position and dimensions of said cracks to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said bar 108, said pump and said nozzle to fill cracks of said beam, wherein said scissor lift mechanism 103 is actuated to reach said crack;
vi) an L-shaped articulated link 110 having a rectangular plate attached at an end by means of a dual axis primary lead screw mechanism 111 for finishing said cracks filled with said mixture; and
vii) a platform 112 provided within said housing 101, wherein a motorised roller 113 having a spool of CFRP (carbon fibre reinforced polymer), is unrolled on said platform 112, wherein a laser cutting unit 114 disposed on said platform 112 cuts said CFRP as per dimensions of said crack, wherein a speaker 115 is provided on said housing 101 to generate an audio alert regarding applying said CFRP on said crack for reinforcement.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said laser cutting unit 114 comprises a cuboidal frame having a dual axis secondary lead screw mechanism having a downwardly directed laser for cutting said CFRP.