GROUT MIXTURE INSPECTION DEVICE

Abstract

A grout mixture inspection device, comprising a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 for a locomotion of the base 1, a telescopic arm 4 installed on the base 1 via ball and socket joint 5 to provide movement to the bucket 6, a hollow hemispherical bucket 6 attached with arm 4 by a motorized hinge joint 5 for a collection of a grout mixture, an iris lid 7 configured underneath the bucket 6 for pouring of the grout mixture on rectangular sloped inspection platform 8 installed on the base 1 and an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 9 installed on the base 1 to determine area of spread of the grout mixture on the platform 8 and a rate of downward flow of the grout mixture.

Specification

Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a grout mixture inspection device that is capable of collecting a grout mixture from the specified location and accordingly inspect the mixture as per a user command in view of evaluating the viscosity of the grout mixture in a precise and an automatic manner.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The viscosity of the grout mixer is an important performance index of the mixer for the metamorphic concrete, and the performance of the slurry directly influences the construction performance and the hardened performance of the metamorphic concrete. The viscosity of the slurry is measured by a mahalanobis funnel viscometer method, which is a method for expressing the viscosity of the slurry by the time required for a certain amount of slurry to freely flow out of a fixed-shape funnel under the action of gravity.

[0003] Traditionally, the viscosity of the grout mixture is measured manually by using marsh funnel method. In this method, the user manually poured the grout into the funnel and then the times to takes for certain volume of grout to flow through the funnel is measured, the longer takes for the grout to flow, the higher the viscosity. While this traditional method offer some benefits but they also pose several challenges and drawbacks. This methods involves manual measurement of the viscosity of the grout mixture which is labor intensive and time consuming. Also manual measurement is not much efficient which might result human error in measurement, which cause difficult to apply, leading to incomplete adhesion ecetra.

[0004] CN215492980U The discloses about an invention that is a kind of the invention and method for measuring viscosity of the slurry testing device for abnormal concrete, which belongs to the technical field of building test detection equipment and comprises a supporting frame, a chassis and a funnel, wherein the bottom end of the supporting frame is fixedly connected with the chassis, the funnel is arranged on the supporting frame, the lower end of the funnel is connected with a slurry guide pipe, an extension line of the central line of the slurry guide pipe is intersected with the center of the chassis, and a measuring cylinder for receiving slurry is arranged on the chassis. The slurry viscosity testing device for the metamorphic concrete has the advantages of uniform test plane, accurate measuring cylinder position, accurate slurry volume, convenience and sanitation in operation. Although, CN215492980U is capable of measuring the viscosity of the grout mixture, but this device is not capable of detecting a temperature of mixture in real time, which may cause variability in the viscosity measured value.

[0005] CN114383974A discloses about an invention that is a kind of the invention and a method for measuring the viscosity of low-fluidity paste. This measuring device utilizes vacuum negative pressure to make low fluidity cream thick liquid can follow the funnel end opening and flow to flow the required time of certain volume cream thick liquid through the record, contrast standard time, thereby carry out the accurate measurement to the cream thick liquid relative viscosity that awaits measuring, can be used for wellbeing in the measurement and the evaluation of 50~175mPa.s to cream thick liquid apparent viscosity. The vacuum measurement environment eliminates measurement errors caused by bubbles generated by paste slurry in the measurement process, and reduces instrument errors. The measuring device provided by the invention has the advantages of simple structure and convenience in operation, provides a feasible method for quantitatively measuring the viscosity of the existing paste slurry, and can realize the measurement of the viscosity values of other various types of slurry. Although, CN114383974A is capable of measuring the viscosity of the grout mixture, but this device is not capable of detecting a temperature of mixture in real time, which may cause variability in the viscosity measured value.

[0006] Conventionally, many devices exist that are capable of inspecting viscosity of the grout mixture, however these devices fail in evaluating a temperature of the grout mixture in real time and accordingly inspect the mixture in view of evaluating the viscosity of the grout mixture in a precise and an automatic manner, and also failed in performing inspection processes of the grout mixture through the user voice command.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a device that is capable of detecting a temperature of a grout mixture in real time and accordingly inspect the mixture in order to determine the viscosity of the grout mixture.

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 collecting a grout mixture from the specified location and accordingly inspect the mixture as per a user command in view of evaluating the viscosity of the grout mixture in a precise and an automatic manner.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is capable of monitoring the temperature of the grout mixture in and accordingly calculate the viscosity of the liquid, thereby ensure the mixture achieve the desired consistency or quality.

[0011] Yet another object of the present invention is to develop a device that is easy to use and able to inspect the viscosity of the grout mixture through the user voice command.

[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 grout mixture inspection device that is capable of evaluating a temperature of a grout mixture in real time and accordingly determine viscosity of the grout mixture. Additionally, the device is capable of evaluating the weight of the mixture, thereby ensure the mixer achieves the desired consistency or quantity.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a grout mixture inspection device, comprising of a rectangular base having four telescopic rods with motorized omnidirectional wheels underneath the housing for a locomotion of the base, an L-shaped telescopic arm having a hollow hemispherical bucket attached by a motorized hinge joint, the arm attached on the base by a ball and socket joint, for a collection of a grout mixture, a microphone linked with the microcontroller, provided on the base for receiving an audio command from a user regarding inspection of the grout mixture, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit determines a location of the grout mixture to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the motorized wheels to position the base adjacent to the grout mixture and actuate the telescopic arm, the ball and socket joint and the hinge joint to fetch the grout mixture in the bucket, an iris lid provided underneath the bucket for pouring of the grout mixture on rectangular sloped inspection platform provided on the base, a flow sensor provided in the bucket detects a flow rate of the grout mixture through the iris lid to trigger a microcontroller to actuate the iris lid to pour a predetermined quantity of the grout mixture on the platform, a temperature sensor provided on the platform to detect a temperature of the poured grout mixture on the platform, a weight sensor provided on the platform to detect a weight of the poured grout mixture on the platform, the artificial intelligence-based imaging unit in synchronization with the temperature sensor and the weight sensor to determine a viscosity of the grout mixture by capturing an area of spread of the grout mixture on the platform and a rate of downward flow of the grout mixture to trigger the microcontroller to refer to a database stored on an electronic memory unit linked with the microcontroller to fetch a viscosity value corresponding to the detected temperature, weight and the area of spread, to accordingly actuate a display unit provided on the base to display the detected viscosity value.

[0015] 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

[0016] 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 grout mixture inspection device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] 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.

[0018] 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.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The present invention relates to a grout mixture inspection device that is capable of collecting a grout mixture from the specified location and accordingly inspect the mixture as per a user command in view of evaluating the viscosity of the grout mixture in a precise and an automatic manner.

[0021] Referring to Figure 1 an isometric view of a grout mixture inspection device is illustrated, comprising a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 present underneath the base 1, an L-shaped telescopic arm 4 attached on the base 1 by a ball and socket joint 5, a hollow hemispherical bucket 6 attached with the arm 4, an iris lid 7 provided underneath the bucket 6, rectangular sloped inspection platform 8 provided on the base 1, an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 9 installed on the base 1, a display unit 10 provided on base 1, a microphone 11 installed on the base 1.

[0022] The present invention is comprises of a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2. The base 1 is cast with highly durable materials and is rigid in nature with a flat cuboidal shape, offering a large space to accommodate multiple mechanical and electrical units. The base 1 is constructed from sturdy and robust materials that may include but not limited to stainless steel, aluminum. These materials offer rigidness and robustness to the platform 8 making the platform 8 resistant to mechanical stress and pressure. Further a motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 configured underneath the base 1 and attached with the rods 2 for a locomotion of the base 1.

[0023] After then, an inbuilt microcontroller activate an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 9 installed on the base 1 to determine a location of the grout mixture. The imaging unit 9 comprises of an image capturing arrangement including a set of lenses that captures multiple images of the surrounding and the captured images are stored within a memory of the imaging unit 9 in form of an optical data. The imaging unit 9 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 and determines location of the grout mixture to trigger the microcontroller to actuate the motorized wheels 3 to position the base 1 adjacent to the grout mixture.

[0024] The motorized wheel comprises a disc coupled with a motor via a shaft, wherein upon receiving the command from the microcontroller by the motor, the motor starts to rotate in clockwise or anti-clockwise direction in order to provide movement to the wheel via the shaft. The wheel thus maneuver the base 1 adjacent to the grout mixture.

[0025] Upon positioning the base 1 adjacent to the mixture, the microcontroller activate a microphone 11 installed on the base 1 for receiving an audio command from a user regarding inspection of the grout mixture. The microphone 11 works as a transducer that converts sound waves into audio signal. The microphone 11 on receiving the input from the user converts the input signal into electrical signal and sends to the microcontroller. The microcontroller on receiving the signals activate an L-shaped telescopic arm 4 having a hollow hemispherical bucket 6 attached by a motorized hinge joint 5 and installed on the base 1 via ball and socket joint 5 for collection of the a grout mixture.

[0026] The ball and socket joint 5 present between the arm 4 and base 1 to provide movement to the rods 2 in 360 degree direction. The ball and socket joint 5 provides a rotation to the rods 2 for aiding the rods 2 to turn at a desired angle. The ball and socket joint 5 is a coupling consisting of a ball joint 5 securely locked within a socket joint 5, where the ball joint 5 is able to move in a 360-dgree rotation within the socket thus, providing the required rotational motion to the rods 2 The ball and socket joint 5 is powered by a DC (direct current) motor that is actuated by the microcontroller thus providing multidirectional movement to the rods 2, that further move the bucket 6 in the determined direction of the mixture.

[0027] Upon positioning the bucket 6 in the determined direction of the mixture, the microcontroller actuate the rods 2 to extend and position the hollow hemispherical bucket 6 in proximity to the mixture. The extension of the link is powered by a pneumatic unit associated with the device and includes an air compressor, air cylinder, air valves and piston. The air compressor used herein extract the air from surrounding and increases the pressure of the air by reducing the volume of the air. The air compressor is consist of two main parts including a motor and a pump. The motor propels the compressor pump which uses the energy from the motor drive to draw in atmospheric air and compress to elevated pressure. The compressed air is then sent through a discharge tube into the cylinder across the valve. The compressed air in the cylinder tends to pushes out the piston to extend which extends the link to position the bucket 6 near to the mixture for the collection of a grout mixture.

[0028] Upon positioning the bucket 6 near to the mixture, the microcontroller actuate the motorized hinge joint 5 to fetch the grout mixture in the bucket 6. The motorized hinge joint 5 comprises of a pair of leaf that is screwed with the surfaces of the bucket 6. The leaf are connected with each other by means of a cylindrical member integrated with a shaft coupled with a DC (Direct Current) motor to provide required movement to the hinge. The rotation of the shaft in clockwise and anti-clockwise aids in opening and closing of the hinge respectively. Hence the microcontroller actuates the hinge that in turn provides movement to the bucket 6 for a collection of the grout mixture.

[0029] Upon collecting the mixture inside the bucket 6, the microcontroller actuate an iris lid 7 provided underneath the bucket 6 for pouring of the grout mixture on rectangular sloped inspection platform 8 provided on the base 1. The iris lid 7 typically refers to the iris or aperture mechanism in the camera or optical instruments for pouring of the grout mixture. The iris consists several thin and overlapping blades that forms an adjustable opening of the lid 7. Upon actuation of the iris lid 7 by the microcontroller the blades move apart resulting in the widening of mouth portion, allowing the pouring of the grout mixture on the platform 8.

[0030] Simultaneously, the microcontroller activate a flow sensor provided in the bucket 6 detects a flow rate of the grout mixture through the iris lid 7. The flow sensor is equipped with a sensing element, positioned in the path of the flowing mixture. As the mixture passes through the lid 7, impinges on the sensing element, causing to rotate. This rotational motion is then translated into an electrical signal by a magnetic or optical encode attached to the sensing element. The frequency or amplitude of these signals is directly proportional to the flow rate of the mixture. This data is then sent to the microcontroller for processing, thereby pour a predetermined quantity of the grout mixture on the platform 8.

[0031] Upon poured the mixture over the platform 8, the microcontroller activate a temperature sensor provided on the platform 8 to detect a temperature of the poured grout mixture on the platform 8. The temperature sensor is composed of metal that generate an electrical voltage or resistance when experienced to temperature changes. The senor works by measuring the voltage across the diode terminals. The resistance of the diode is detected and transformed into readable values in order to measure the temperature of the mixture . The measured temperature is then converted into electrical signal which is received by the microcontroller. The microcontroller further processes the measured temperature and saved in the data base 1 stored on an electronic memory unit that is linked with the microcontroller.

[0032] Then, the microcontroller activate a weight sensor install on the platform 8 to detect a weight of the poured grout mixture on the platform 8. The weight sensor comprises of a convoluted diaphragm and a sensing module. Due to the weight of mixture on the platform 8, the size of the diaphragm changes which is detected by the sensing module. The sensing module detects the weight of the mixture and on the basis of the changes in sizes of the diaphragm, the acquired data is forwarded to the microcontroller in the form of a signal to process and stored the determined data in a database.

[0033] Upon determining the weight and temperature of the poured mixture on the platform 8, the microcontroller reactivate the imaging unit 9 to capture the images of an area of spread of the grout mixture on the platform 8. The imaging unit 9 also comprises of 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 and determines a rate of downward flow of the grout mixture and stored in the database for further process.

[0034] Thereafter, the microcontroller analyzed the determined physical parameter of the mixer including temperature and rate of downward flow of the grout mixture. Once the microcontroller analyzed this data, refer to the database. This database is stored in an electronic memory that is connected to the microcontroller through a wireless communication module. The database contains range of viscosity values corresponding to different combination of temperature weight and area of spread. Now, using the gathered data, the microcontroller retrieves a specific viscosity value from the database. This value represents the viscosity of the mixture.

[0035] Upon determining the viscosity of the mixture, the microcontroller activate a display unit 10 installed on the base 1 to display the detected viscosity value. The bottom surface of the display panel is fabricated with LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) and linked with the internal circuitry. The internal circuitry of the display panel in association with the microcontroller, wherein the microcontroller is pre-configured with a set of information. The microcontroller transmits the information towards the internal circuitry of the display panel in the form of an electric signal, therefore the information is that translation of the viscosity value of the mixture. The internal circuitry upon receiving the signal and actuates LEDs to display the information in human readable form. The display panel displays the information regarding determined value of viscosity of the mixture. With this value, the user ensure the mixer achieves the desired consistency or quality.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The present invention work well in the following manner, where the rectangular base 1 as disclose in invention is having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3 for a locomotion of the base 1. Further, the microcontroller activate the microphone 11 for receiving an audio command from a user regarding inspection of the grout mixture. Then, the imaging unit 9 determines a location of the grout mixture. Upon determining the location of the mixture the microcontroller activate the wheels 3 to position the base 1 adjacent to the grout mixture. Thereafter, the telescopic arm 4 position the bucket 6 in proximity to the mixture and then, the hinge joint 5 tilt the bucket 6 in order to fetch the grout mixture in the bucket 6. Then, the iris lid 7 actuated by the microcontroller to poured the grout mixture on rectangular sloped. Simultaneously, the flow sensor detects the flow rate of the grout mixture through the iris lid 7 to pour a predetermined quantity of the grout mixture on the platform 8. Upon pouring the mixture over the platform 8, the microcontroller actuate simultaneously both temperature sensor and weight sensor to detect the temperature and weight of the mixture. Furthermore, the imaging unit 9 also determine the rate of downward flow of the grout mixture. After then, the microcontroller refer to a database stored on an electronic memory unit linked with the microcontroller to fetch a viscosity value corresponding to the detected temperature, weight and the area of spread. Upon determining the viscosity of the mixture the microcontroller actuate the display unit 10 to display the detected viscosity value.

[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 grout mixture inspection device, comprising:

i) a rectangular base 1 having four telescopic rods 2 with motorized omnidirectional wheels 3, underneath said base 1 for a locomotion of said base 1;
ii) an L-shaped telescopic arm 4 having a hollow hemispherical bucket 6 attached by a motorized hinge joint 5, said arm 4 attached on said base 1 by a ball and socket joint 5, for a collection of a grout mixture;
iii) an iris lid 7 provided underneath said bucket 6 for pouring of said grout mixture on rectangular sloped inspection platform 8 provided on said base 1;
iv) a flow sensor provided in said bucket 6 detects a flow rate of said grout mixture through said iris lid 7 to trigger a microcontroller to actuate said iris lid 7 to pour a predetermined quantity of said grout mixture on said platform 8;
v) a temperature sensor provided on said platform 8 to detect a temperature of said poured grout mixture on said platform 8;
vi) a weight sensor provided on said platform 8 to detect a weight of said poured grout mixture on said platform 8; and
vii) an artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 9, in synchronization with said temperature sensor and said weight sensor, installed on said base 1 and integrated with a processor for recording and processing images in a vicinity of said base 1, to determine a viscosity of said grout mixture by capturing an arear of spread of said grout mixture on said platform 8 and a rate of downward flow of said grout mixture, to trigger said microcontroller to accordingly actuate a display unit 10 provided on said base 1 to display said detected viscosity.

2) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said artificial intelligence-based imaging unit 9 determines a location of said grout mixture to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said motorized wheels 3 to position said base 1 adjacent to said grout mixture and actuate said telescopic arm 4, said ball and socket joint 5 and said hinge joint 5 to fetch said grout mixture in said bucket 6.

3) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a microphone 11, linked with said microcontroller, provided on said base 1 for receiving an audio command from a user regarding inspection of said grout mixture to trigger said microcontroller to actuate said L-shaped telescopic arm 4 and said motorized hinge joint 5 to fetch said grout mixture and actuate said iris lid 7 to pour said grout mixture on said inspection platform 8.

4) The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein a wireless communication module, linked with said microcontroller, is provided on said base 1 for enabling said user to remotely trigger said microcontroller, by connecting with a computing unit, to actuate said L-shaped telescopic arm 4 and said motorized hinge joint 5 to fetch said grout mixture and actuate said iris lid 7 to pour said grout mixture on said inspection platform 8.

5) 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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