Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a concrete testing device that is capable of automatically testing concrete samples according to user specifications, ensuring the sample is securely fixed during the testing phase and notifies the user of the applied force at which the sample deforms, providing insight into its strength properties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Testing concrete samples is crucial for assessing the material's strength, durability, and suitability for construction purposes. Concrete is widely used in various structures, from buildings to roads, due to its strength and versatility. However, its performance can vary based on factors such as mix proportions, curing conditions, and environmental influences. Regular testing ensures that the concrete meets the required specifications and safety standards. The most common test is compressive strength testing, where a concrete sample is subjected to a controlled load until it deforms or fails, revealing its structural capacity. Additional tests, like flexural strength, tensile strength, and durability assessments, are conducted to evaluate the concrete's resistance to cracking, moisture, and temperature changes, which can affect the long-term stability of structures. Furthermore, identifying internal flaws, such as micro-cracks, is vital for early detection of potential weaknesses that could compromise the integrity of a structure. Accurate and timely testing is essential to prevent construction failures and ensure the longevity and safety of concrete infrastructure. As standards and regulations evolve, innovative testing methods, such as AI-based imaging and thermography, provide enhanced capabilities to analyze concrete’s behavior under stress, ensuring more reliable results and improved construction quality control.

[0003] Various equipment is used for testing concrete samples to assess their strength, durability, and other properties. Common tools include the compression testing machine, which measures the compressive strength of concrete by applying a load until failure, and the slump test apparatus, used to determine the workability or consistency of fresh concrete. Ultrasonic pulse velocity testers assess the internal integrity of concrete by measuring the speed of sound waves passing through it, helping identify cracks or voids. Additionally, vibration table is employed to test the compaction and density of concrete, while load sensors measure the deformation under stress. Infrared thermography is used to detect internal cracks by visualizing temperature changes caused by structural anomalies. However, each of these methods has limitations. The compression testing machine can only test small, cylindrical samples, not accounting for variability in larger structures. The slump test is subjective and affected by the operator’s technique. Ultrasonic pulse velocity requires a trained operator for accurate interpretation and can be influenced by surface moisture or temperature. Vibration tables are time-consuming and may not perfectly simulate real-world conditions. Additionally, infrared thermography might struggle with detecting cracks in dense or heavily reinforced concrete. Each testing method also requires careful calibration to ensure reliable results.

[0004] JPH0666694A discloses a sample mortar obtained by sieving concrete, strength of which after setting is to be determined, is packed into a mold and steamed, while being compressed, at 100 deg.C or above for a predetermined time in an enclosed pressure oven. Pressure in the oven is subsequently lowered to atmospheric pressure level and the mold is taken out from the oven and released to produce a test piece.

[0005] CN203606223U relates to a bending-resistant testing device of a concrete core sample. The bending-resistant testing device is characterized by comprising a machine frame; a tension tester is arranged on the machine frame; a pull ring is arranged in the machine frame; the pull ring is connected to the tension tester through a pull rod. The bending-resistant testing device of the concrete core sample, which is disclosed by the utility model, not only has the advantages of being smart in design, convenient for maintenance and lower in cost but also has the characteristics of being high-efficiency, rapid, accurate, low in structure damage and the like in the event of testing the steel dense part in a concrete component.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed to test concrete sample, however the devices mentioned in the prior arts have limitations pertaining to providing real time feedback of applied force deforming the sample and detecting internal cracks within the sample to assess deformation of the sample when force is applied.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that requires to automatically execute testing of concrete samples based on user instructions, with the sample securely positioned for testing, and also needs to provide a real-time feedback on the force causing sample deformation, helping the user understand the strength characteristics of the sample.

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 testing concrete sample in accordance to user instructions in an automatic manner by safely securing the sample to carry out testing phase.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of informing the user regarding an applied force at which the sample is deformed in view of enabling the user to educate about the strength characteristics of the sample.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting internal cracks developed in the concrete sample to determine deformation of the sample when force is applied.

[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 testing device that is capable of conducting automated testing of concrete samples following user guidelines, ensuring the sample is safely held throughout the testing process, accordingly informs the user of the force at which the sample begins to deform, allowing for an understanding of its strength.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a concrete testing device, comprises of a cuboidal housing adapted to be positioned on a ground surface, a rectangular tray attached within the housing by means of a drawer mechanism, enabling a sliding in and out of the tray for holding a concrete sample for testing, by means of a plurality of telescopic arms having clippers at the ends, arranged along edges of the tray, a rigid elongated bar, attached with an inner upper surface of the housing by means of a pin joint, and a hydraulic pusher having a circular flap at a bottom end, is downwardly attached at an end of the bar for applying pressure on the concrete sample until the sample is deformed.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit, installed on the housing, in synchronisation with a load sensor embedded in the tray, to determine a deformation of the sample to trigger the microcontroller to actuate touch interactive display panel mounted on the housing to display the force applied by the hydraulic pusher to deform the sample and save the force reading in a database linked with the microcontroller, an infrared thermography unit mounted within the housing detects internal cracks developed in the concrete sample to determine deformation of the sample when force is applied by the hydraulic pusher, and accordingly record the force applied, humidity and temperature sensor embedded in the housing detects ambient humidity and temperature to trigger a speaker provided on the housing to generate an audio alert regarding unsuitable testing conditions if the detected humidity and temperature are outside of predetermined ranges of humidity and temperature.

[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 isometric view of a concrete testing 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 testing device that is capable of testing concrete samples in line with user instructions, by securely fixing the sample for the testing phase and reports the force at which deformation occurs, aiding the user in learning about the sample’s strength.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a concrete testing device is illustrated, comprises of a cuboidal housing 101 arranged with a rectangular tray 102 positioned inside the housing, multiple telescopic arms 103 having clippers 104 at the ends, arranged along edges of the tray 102, a rigid elongated bar 105 attached with an inner upper surface of the housing 101 by means of a pin joint 106, a hydraulic pusher 107 having a circular flap 108 at a bottom end, is downwardly attached at an end of the bar, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 installed on the housing, a touch interactive display panel 110 mounted on the housing, and a speaker 111 provided on the housing.

[0023] The proposed invention includes a housing 101 preferably in portable cuboidal shape incorporating various components associated with the device, developed to be positioned on a ground surface. The housing 101 is made up of any material selected from but not limited to metal or alloy that ensures rigidity of the housing 101 for longevity of the device.

[0024] A user is required to access and presses a switch button arranged on the housing 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] A tray 102 preferably in rectangular shape is arranged at bottom portion of the housing 101 by means of a drawer mechanism. The tray 102 slides in and out by the drawer mechanism as per requirement such that hold a concrete sample for testing. The lateral edges of the tray 102 are configured with plurality of telescopic arms. The end of the arms 103 are integrated with clippers 104 for holding the concrete sample for testing. The arms 103 are pneumatically powered by a pneumatic arrangement associated with the device providing extension/retraction of the arms 103 as per requirement to hold the sample.

[0027] An inner upper portion of the housing 101 is arranged with a rigid elongated bar 105 by means of a pin joint 106. The bar 105 features to get rotated along the pin joint 106 in a horizontal plane for testing the sample as and when required. The bottom end of the bar 105 is configured with a hydraulic pusher 107 integrated with a circular flap 108. The pusher 107 is attached downwards from the end of the bar 105 The pusher 107 is powered by a hydraulic arrangement associated with the device providing extension/retraction of the pusher 107 for applying pressure on concrete sample for testing.

[0028] After the activation of the device, the user accesses a touch interactive display panel 110 installed over the housing 101 for providing input regarding testing of a concrete sample. When the user touches the surface of the touch interactive display panel 110 to enter the input details, then an internal circuitry of the touch interactive display panel 110 senses the touches of the displayed option and synchronically, the internal circuitry converts the physical touch into the form of electric signal. The microcontroller processes the received signal from the display panel 110 in order to process the signal and determine the user selection and store the user response to a linked database for further associated functions related to the user input.

[0029] Alternatively, the user is enabled to provide input for execution of testing a concrete sample via an application module which is installed in a computing unit linked with the microcontroller wirelessly by means of a communication module. The communication module includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module.

[0030] In accordance to the user’s input, the microcontroller actuates the drawer mechanism to open the tray 102 from the housing 101 such that enables the user to place the concrete sample for testing. The drawer mechanism consists of a motor, hollow compartment and multiple compartments that are connected with sliders. After actuating by the microcontroller, an electric current pass through the motor of the drawer mechanism and energized the motor. The energized motor further actuates the compartments which are initially at the stowed condition to move in a successive manner within the hollow compartment and extends length of the compartments. Simultaneously, each of the compartments having a fixed groove track, wherein upon actuation of the slider, the motor of the slider gets energized and provides a movement to the compartment to move in a linear direction on the groove track of the successive compartment as directed by the microcontroller and extends length of the tray 102.

[0031] The microcontroller generates a command to activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 109 integrated on the housing 101 for capturing multiple images in a vicinity of the housing 101 to determine the presence of concrete sample in proximity. The imaging unit 109 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 109 via the artificial intelligence protocol processes the captured images and sent the signal to the microcontroller.

[0032] The microcontroller then actuates the telescopic arms 103 via the pneumatic arrangement to position clippers 104 in position to hold the sample. 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 arms. 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 arms 103 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 arms 103 for positioning the clippers 104 at adjusted height to hold the sample and works in sync with the imaging unit 109.

[0033] Post adjustment of the height of the arms, the microcontroller actuates the clippers 104 to grip the sample in position for testing. The motorized clippers 104 are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller by providing required electric current to the motor. The motor comprises of a coil that converts the received electric current into mechanical force by generating magnetic field, thus the mechanical force provides the required power to the clippers 104 for holding the sample in secured manner.

[0034] In relation to execute the testing procedure, the microcontroller actuates the pin joint 106 to revolve such that positions the bar 105 out of the housing. The pin joint 106 comprises of a ring and cylindrical portion that are linked with each other to provide rotational movement to the bar. The ring is powered by a motor that is activated by the microcontroller to the rotate the ring to move the cylindrical portion due to which the bar 105 tilts. The motor is typically controlled by an electronic control unit that regulates its speed and direction. The joint consists of a hinge mechanism that enables rotation of the shaft that results in the rotational motion of the bar 105 such that positions the hydraulic pusher 107 in place to carry out the testing activity.

[0035] The microcontroller then actuates the hydraulic pusher 107 to apply pressure on the concrete sample. The microcontroller actuates a hydraulic pump and hydraulic valve associated with the hydraulic arrangement consisting of a hydraulic cylinder, hydraulic valve and piston that work in collaboration for providing the required extension/retraction to the pusher 107 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 pusher 107 and due to applied pressure, the pusher 107 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the pusher 107 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. The microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the pusher 107 for applying force on the concrete sample until the sample is deformed.

[0036] The imaging unit 109 determines the deformation of the sample and works in relation to a load sensor embedded in the tray 102. The load sensor measures the deformation of the concrete sample by detecting changes in the applied load. When the force is applied to the concrete by the pusher 107, the sensor records the load value, which causes a deformation in the material. This deformation is in the form of compression, tension, or bending, depending on the force direction. The sensor typically consists of a strain gauge that detects strain (change in length) caused by the load. This strain is converted into an electrical signal, which is then analyzed by the microcontroller to determine the extent of the deformation, helping assess the sample's structural integrity.

[0037] The applied force to deform the sample is kept monitored by the load sensor and the readings are being recorded into the database. An infrared thermography unit mounted within the housing 101 detects internal cracks developed in the concrete sample to determine deformation of the sample when force is applied by the hydraulic pusher 107, and accordingly record the force applied. The Infrared Thermography unit detects internal cracks in concrete by utilizing thermal imaging. When the concrete is subjected to stress during the testing phase, heat is generated due to deformation or friction at crack sites. The infrared camera captures temperature variations across the surface of the concrete, revealing the presence of cracks or voids. These temperature differences are analyzed to determine the location, size, and extent of internal cracks, which are indicative of the concrete's deformation. This non-destructive testing method helps assess the structural integrity of concrete materials effectively. The microcontroller via the display panel 110 displays the force readings at which the concrete sample being deformed.

[0038] While the execution of the testing of the sample, the microcontroller via a humidity and temperature sensor embedded in the housing 101 detects ambient humidity and temperature. The humidity sensor includes a pair of electrodes in a salt medium. As humidity changes, so does the resistance of the electrodes change on either side of the salt medium. Two thermal sensors conduct electricity based upon the humidity of the surrounding air. One sensor is encased in dry nitrogen while the other measures ambient air. The difference between the two measures the humidity and the humidity sensor send the signals to the microcontroller.

[0039] The temperature sensor used herein, is composed of two type of metal wire joint together when the sensor experiences a heat then a voltage is generated in the two terminal of the temperature sensor that is proportional to the temperature and the signal is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller calibrates the voltage in terms of temperature from the received signal of the temperature sensor in order to monitor the temperature of surroundings of the housing.

[0040] The microcontroller analyzes the combined signal of the humidity and the temperature sensor to determine the ambient weather condition. In case the microcontroller evaluates detected humidity and temperature are outside of predetermined ranges of humidity and temperature, the microcontroller alerts the user regarding unsuitable testing conditions via a speaker 111 mounted over the housing.

[0041] The speaker 111 works by taking the input signal from the microcontroller, it then processes and amplifies the received signal through a series of equipment in a specific order within the speaker 111, and then sends the output signal in form of audio notification through the speaker 111 for alerting the user regarding unfavorable weather conditions for execution to test the concrete sample.

[0042] 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.

[0043] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the cuboidal housing 101 as disclosed in the invention is developed to be positioned on the ground surface, within which the rectangular tray 102 is attached using the drawer mechanism, allowing it to slide in and out for holding the concrete sample. The tray 102 is secured by telescopic arms 103 with clippers 104 at the edges. The rigid bar, pinned at the upper surface of the housing, supports the hydraulic pusher 107 with the circular flap 108 that applies downward pressure on the sample to induce deformation. The imaging unit 109 integrated with the processor captures images, synchronized with the load sensor in the tray 102 to measure deformation. The touch display shows the applied force and records it in the database. the infrared thermography unit detects internal cracks, complementing the force measurement. Additionally, the humidity and temperature sensor ensure optimal test conditions, triggering the alert if conditions are unsuitable. The wireless communication unit allows remote operation, and the dedicated application module on the user’s computing unit enables interaction and report generation.

[0044] 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 testing device, comprising:

i) a cuboidal housing 101 adapted to be positioned on a ground surface;
ii) a rectangular tray 102 attached within said housing 101 by means of a drawer mechanism, enabling a sliding in and out of said tray 102 for holding a concrete sample for testing, by means of a plurality of telescopic arms 103 having clippers 104 at the ends, arranged along edges of said tray 102;
iii) a rigid elongated bar, attached with an inner upper surface of said housing 101 by means of a pin joint 106, wherein a hydraulic pusher 107 having a circular flap 108 at a bottom end, is downwardly attached at an end of said bar 105 for applying pressure on said concrete sample until said sample is deformed;
iv) 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, in synchronisation with a load sensor embedded in said tray 102, to determine a deformation of said sample to trigger said microcontroller to actuate touch interactive display panel 110 mounted on said housing 101 to display the force applied by said hydraulic pusher 107 to deform said sample and save said force reading in a database linked with said microcontroller; and
v) an infrared thermography unit mounted within said housing 101 detects internal cracks developed in said concrete sample to determine deformation of said sample when force is applied by said hydraulic pusher 107, and accordingly record said force applied.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a humidity and temperature sensor embedded in said housing 101 detects ambient humidity and temperature to trigger a speaker 111 provided on said housing 101 to generate an audio alert regarding unsuitable testing conditions if said detected humidity and temperature are outside of predetermined ranges of humidity and temperature.
3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication unit provided in said housing 101 and linked with said microcontroller to enable a user to wirelessly connect by a computing unit to execute test of a concrete sample and generate a report for reference.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an application module associated with said device and configured to be installed on computing unit of said user enables said user to interact with said device.