CONCRETE STRUCTURE SUPPORT DEVICE

Abstract

A concrete structure support device, comprises of a rectangular base 101 having four telescopic rods 102 underneath the base 101 each configured with motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends for locomotion of the base 101, a pair of L-shaped telescopic links 104 having rectangular plates 106 attached at the ends for creating a closed region for filling concrete, a pair of L-shaped telescopic members 201 positions an inverted U-shaped telescopic structures 202 configured at the ends of the members 201 around the plates 106, a hydraulic pusher at the ends of the structures 202 provides rigidity to the plates 106 while filling concrete, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 determine incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete, a robotic arm 107 provided on the base 101 correctly positions reinforcement bars, and a microphone 109 provided on the base 101 for receiving an audio command from a user.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a concrete structure support device that is capable of assisting a user in building concrete structures by creating a closed region for filling of concrete and also provide a means to support the concrete structure with an appropriate amount of pressure as per the concrete moisture level, thus preventing any distortion in the shape of the structure due to extra pressure.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A concrete structure is a construction made primarily from concrete, which is a mixture of cement, water, and aggregates like sand and gravel. The concrete is reinforced by materials like steel bars or mesh. The reinforcement enhances the strength and durability of the concrete. Supports are necessary during the construction of concrete structures to ensure that the concrete properly set and cure without deforming or collapsing under its own weight. The support provides stability and shape to the concrete as it hardens. They also help distribute the weight of the wet concrete evenly, preventing uneven settling or cracking. Additionally, supports allow workers to safely access and work on the structure during the construction process.

[0003] Traditionally, supports for concrete structures are provided using timber or steel formwork. These formworks are further supported by wooden sticks or bamboos. In many cases people also use bricks to form a closed space for pouring concrete and then remove the bricks after the concrete get hardened. While these traditional methods offer some benefits but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks. Constructing formwork for support is labor-intensive and time-consuming. The material required for formwork is expensive and also the timber formwork is often used only a few times before it becomes damaged. In traditional support methods the reinforcement bars in the filled concrete gets dislocated and needs to be positioned in place manually. This requires extra attention while constructing concrete structure.

[0004] WO2022029618A1 discloses about an invention which includes a pair of containment walls substantially plate-like and with assemblable modular structure, which are adapted to be arranged one in front of the other so as to form a gap adapted to contain the concrete or liquid cement; and a plurality of transversal spacers, which extend bridging the two containment walls and are fixed to both containment walls so as to connect said containment walls rigidly to one another; at least one of the two containment walls being made up of a series of assemblable infill boards, substantially parallelogram-shaped and with a modular structure, which are arranged one adjoined another so as to form substantially the whole containment wall; and a plurality of interconnection joints, separated and distinct from the infill boards, which are distributed along the edges of the various infill boards, and are adapted to rigidly connect the infill boards to each other in pairs. Although WO'618 discloses about an invention that relates to a modular formwork for reinforced concrete walls. However, the cited invention lacks in detecting the moisture level of the concrete and fails to provide support to the concrete structure with an appropriate amount of pressure as per the concrete moisture level.

[0005] CN203905488U discloses about an invention which includes main body steel structure beams and formworks, and is characterized in that height-adjustable main keels are arranged at intervals between the two opposite main body steel structure beams; auxiliary keels are arranged at intervals on the main keels; the formworks are arranged on the auxiliary keels; nuts are rotated to move upright screws upward or downward, so that the ascending or descending of horizontal beams is realized; the whole main keels are eventually arranged between the two steel structure beams stably and fixedly by replacing upper cushion blocks and/or lower cushion blocks of different heights or thicknesses; the pouring requirements of a slab or a storey clapboard are met, and moreover, the embedment of spools, wire boxes and other embedded parts in the pouring course is facilitated. By applying the concrete formwork supporting device, the cross construction such as the construction of masonries can be implemented; when the construction quality is guaranteed, the working efficiency is effectively improved, the construction progress is sped up, and the formwork removal and the frame detachment are quite convenient and rapid; the device has the advantages of convenience in construction, safety and reliability in cross construction, short construction period, convenience in detachment or installation, repeated use, low cost and the like. Although CN'488 discloses about an invention that relates to a supporting device, in particular to a concrete formwork supporting device for floor slab pouring. However, the cited invention lacks in determining incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete and fail to correct position of reinforcement bars in the concrete.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices have been developed that are capable of assisting a user in supporting a concrete structure. However, these devices are incapable of detecting the moisture level of the filled concrete and fails in providing support to the concrete structure with an appropriate amount of pressure as per the concrete moisture level. Additionally, these existing devices also lack in determining incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the concrete and are not equipped to correct the position of the bars.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of assisting a user in building concrete structures by creating a closed region for filling of concrete while also provide a means to support the concrete structure with an appropriate amount of pressure as per the concrete moisture level. In addition, the developed device should also determine incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete and corrects the position of reinforcement bars.

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 aiding a user in building concrete structures by creating a closed region for filling of concrete, thereby reducing manual efforts and consumption of time in manually creating the filling space.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of detecting the moisture level of the concrete and accordingly provide a means to support the concrete structure with an appropriate amount of pressure as per the concrete moisture level, thus preventing any distortion in the shape of the structure due to extra pressure.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of determining incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete and accordingly provide a means for correctly positioning reinforcement bars in the filled concrete, therefore ensuring proper strength of the concrete structure and avoid any deformities in the structure.

[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 structure support device that is capable of assisting a user in building concrete structures by creating a closed region for filling of concrete. Additionally, the proposed device detects the moisture level of the concrete and accordingly support the concrete structure with an appropriate amount of pressure as per the concrete moisture level.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a concrete structure support device, comprises of a rectangular base having four telescopic rods underneath the base, the rods having motorized omnidirectional wheels at the ends for a locomotion of the base, a pair of L-shaped telescopic links attached on the base by a ball and socket joints, the links having rectangular plates attached at the ends by hinge joints, the plates are positioned with respect to a surface or with respect to each other for creating a closed region for filling of concrete in the region, a microphone provided on the base for receiving an audio command from a user regarding supporting the plates, and a pair of L-shaped telescopic members disposed on the base having inverted U-shaped telescopic structures at the ends for positioning the structures around the plates.

[0015] According to another embodiment of the present invention, the proposed device further comprises of hydraulic pusher at the ends of the structures for providing rigidity to the plates while filling concrete between the region between the plates, a moisture sensor provided on the plate detects a moisture level in the concrete and accordingly the hydraulic pushers support the plates, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit installed on the base to determine incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete, a robotic arm provided on the base to reposition the bars in correct positions, a wireless communication module is provided on the base for enabling the user to remotely operate the device by connecting with a computing unit, and a battery is associated with the device for powering up 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 isometric view of a concrete structure support device.
Figure 2 illustrates another orientation of rectangular plates associated with 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 structure support device that is capable of creating a closed region for filling of concrete in order to make concrete structure. Additionally, the proposed device supports the concrete structure with an appropriate amount of pressure as per the concrete moisture level, thus preventing any distortion in the shape of the structure due to extra pressure.

[0022] Referring to Figure 1 and Figure 2, an isometric view of a concrete structure support device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 101 having four telescopic rods 102 underneath the base 101, motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends of rods 102, a pair of L-shaped telescopic links 104 attached on the base 101 by a ball and socket joints 105, rectangular plates 106 attached at the ends of the links 104, a pair of L-shaped telescopic members 201 disposed on the base 101, inverted U-shaped telescopic structures 202 at the ends of the members 201, a robotic arm 107 provided on the base 101, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 installed on the base 101, and a microphone 109 provided on the base 101.

[0023] The device disclosed herein comprises of a rectangular base 101 having four telescopic rods 102 underneath the base 101 having motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends for a locomotion of the base 101. The telescopic rods 102 are 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 omnidirectional wheels 103. 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 omnidirectional wheels 103 and due to applied pressure, the omnidirectional wheels 103 extends and similarly, the microcontroller retracts the telescopically rods 102 by closing the valve resulting in retraction of the piston. Thus, the microcontroller regulates the extension/retraction of the omnidirectional wheels 103. Whereas the omnidirectional wheel is designed to move the base 101 in any direction without changing the orientation of the base 101 offering exceptional maneuverability to the base 101. The wheels 103 enable the base 101 to move seamlessly in any direction, making it valuable for the locomotion of the base 101.

[0024] Upon locomotion of the base 101, a pair of L-shaped telescopic links 104 attached on the base 101 by first ball and socket joints 105 having rectangular plates 106 attached at the ends by hinge joints are positioned with respect to a surface or with respect to each other for creating a closed region for a filling of concrete in the region. The L-shaped telescopic links 104 works similar to telescopic rods 102 mentioned above creating a closed region for a filling of concrete in the region. Whereas the ball and socket joint provide a rotation to the L-shaped telescopic links 104 for aiding the rectangular plates 106 to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint are a coupling consisting of a ball joint securely locked within a socket joint, where the ball joint is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the L-shaped telescopic links 104. The ball and socket joint are powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to L-shaped telescopic link creating a closed region for a filling of concrete in the region.

[0025] Further, a microphone 109, linked with the microcontroller, provided on the base 101 receive an audio command from a user regarding supporting the plates 106. The microphone 109 contains a small diaphragm connected to a moving coil. When sound waves of the user hit the diaphragm, the coil vibrates. This causes the coil to move back and forth in the magnet's field, generating an electrical current. The signal of which are sent to the microcontroller. Upon receiving the signal microcontroller actuate a pair of L-shaped telescopic members 201 disposed on the base 101 having inverted U-shaped telescopic structures 202 at the ends for positioning the structures 202 around the plates 106. The L-shaped telescopic member's works similar to L-shaped telescopic link ab mentioned above for positioning the structures 202 around the plates 106.

[0026] Synchronously, a wireless communication module, linked with the microcontroller, is provided on the base 101 for enabling the user to remotely trigger the microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit. The computing unit is linked with a microcontroller embedded within the housing via an integrated communication module that includes but is not limited to a GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module which is capable of establishing a wireless network between the microcontroller and the computing unit.

[0027] Further, a moisture sensor provided on the plate detects a moisture level in the concrete. The moisture sensors work on the principle of measuring electrical conductivity or capacitance by using probes or electrodes that come in contact with the area, and the level of moisture affects the electrical properties of the moisture. By analyzing these changes, moisture sensor accurately determines the moisture level in the concrete.

[0028] Upon determining the moisture level in the concrete, the microcontroller accordingly actuate the hydraulic pushers as per the detected moisture level to support the plates 106. The pusher is equipped with the telescopic unit that is activated by the microcontroller to provide extension and retraction of the pusher for support the plates 106. Upon supporting the plates 106, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108, installed on the base 101 is activated by the microcontroller, which records and processes images in a vicinity of the base 101, to determine incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete.

[0029] The artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108 comprises of a camera lens and a processor, wherein the 360-degree rotatable camera captures multiple images of the base 101 and then the processor carries out a sequence of steps including pre-processing, feature extraction and segmentation. In pre-processing, the unwanted data like noise, background is removed out and the image is converted into a format recommended for feature extraction. The features like pixel intensities of the foreground image are extracted and are sent for classification to determine incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete.

[0030] Upon determining the incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete, the microcontroller actuate a robotic arm 107 provided on the base 101 to reposition the bars in correct positions. The robotic arm 107 comprises of a robotic link and a clamp attached to the link. The robotic link is made of several segments that are attached together by joints also referred to as axes. Each joint of the segments contains a step motor that rotates and allows the robotic link to complete a specific motion of the arm. Upon actuation of the robotic arm 107 by the microcontroller, the motor drives the movement of the clamp to position bars in the filled concrete.

[0031] Lastly, a battery is installed within the device which is connected to the microcontroller that supplies current to all the electrically powered components that needs an amount of electric power to perform their functions and operation in an efficient manner. The battery utilized here, is generally a dry battery which is made up of Lithium-ion material that gives the device a long-lasting as well as an efficient DC (Direct Current) current which helps every component to function properly in an efficient manner. As the device is battery operated and do not need any electrical voltage for functioning. Hence the presence of battery leads to the portability of the device i.e., user is able to place as well as moves the device from one place to another as per the requirements.

[0032] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the rectangular base 101 as disclosed in the invention possesses four telescopic rods 102 underneath the base 101, the rods 102 having motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends for a locomotion of the base 101. Further, the pair of L-shaped telescopic links 104 having rectangular are positioned with respect to the surface or with respect to each other for creating the closed region for filling of concrete in the region. Upon creating a closed region for filling of concrete in the region. The microphone 109 receives an audio command from the user regarding supporting the plates 106. Upon supporting the plate to the microcontroller actuate the pair of L-shaped telescopic member's position the structures 202 around the plates 106. Further the hydraulic pusher provides rigidity to the plates 106 while filling concrete between the regions between the plates 106. Further, moisture sensor detects the moisture level in the concrete to trigger the microcontroller to accordingly actuate the hydraulic pushers as per the detected moisture level to support the plates 106. Upon detected moisture level to support the plates 106 the robotic arm 107 correctly positioning reinforcement bars in the filled concrete. Further, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108, records and processing images in the vicinity of the base 101, to determine incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in the filled concrete to trigger the microcontroller to actuate a robotic arm 107 to reposition the bars in correct positions.

[0033] 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 structure support device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 101 having four telescopic rods 102 underneath said base 101, said rods 102 having motorized omnidirectional wheels 103 at the ends for a locomotion of said base 101;
ii) a pair of L-shaped telescopic links 104 attached on said base 101 by a ball and socket joints 105, said links 104 having rectangular plates 106 attached at the ends by hinge joints, wherein said plates 106 are positioned with respect to a surface or with respect to each other for a creating a closed region for a filling of concrete in said region;
iii) a pair of L-shaped telescopic members 201 disposed on said base 101, said members 201 having inverted U-shaped telescopic structures 202 at the ends for positioning said structures 202 around said plates 106, ends of said structures 202 having hydraulic pusher for providing rigidity to said plates 106 while filling concrete between said region between said plates 106;
iv) a moisture sensor provided on said plate detects a moisture level in said concrete to trigger a microcontroller to accordingly actuate said hydraulic pushers as per said detected moisture level to support said plates 106;
v) a robotic arm 107 provided on said base 101 for correctly positioning reinforcement bars in said filled concrete; and
vi) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 108, installed on said base 101 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 101, to determine incorrectly positioned reinforcement bars in said filled concrete to trigger a microcontroller to actuate a robotic arm 107 provided on said base 101 to reposition said bars in correct positions.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 109, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 101 for receiving an audio command from a user regarding supporting said plates 106 to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said telescopic members 201 with inverted U-shaped telescopic structures 202 to position said structures 202 around said plates 106, and actuate hydraulic pusher for providing rigidity to said plates 106 while filling concrete between said region between said plates 106 in accordance with said moisture level of said concrete filled between said plates 106.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 101 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, actuate said telescopic members 201 with inverted U-shaped telescopic structures 202 to position said structures 202 around said plates 106, and actuate hydraulic pusher for providing rigidity to said plates 106 while filling concrete between said region between said plates 106 in accordance with said moisture level of said concrete filled between said plates 106.

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

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