Automatic surface moisture measuring instrument and batch automatic surface moisture measuring system using the same

Abstract

The fixed parts are on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder. The weight sensor is installed on one of the fixed parts to measure the weight in the measuring cylinder and output a plurality of weight information. The liquid level sensor senses whether the water in the cylinder reaches a predetermined liquid level. The calculation unit is electrically connected to the weight sensor, receives the weight information, and calculates the surface moisture of the sanding material based on the weight information and the and the volume corresponding to the predetermined liquid level.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of concrete, and in particular to an automated surface moisture content measuring instrument and a batch automated surface moisture content measuring system using the same. Prior Technology

[0002] When people think of building materials, they usually think of the strength of concrete. Indeed, concrete is currently the most basic raw material in various constructions, and it includes cement, sand, gravel, anti-curing agents, and other products. However, concrete is not a product of planned mass production, but rather produced in batches. If the strength is high, but the overall variability is also high, it is more likely to cause stress concentration effects on the weak points of the structure.

[0003] Because these are batch-produced products, the raw materials vary greatly from batch to batch. For example, the source of sand and gravel can cause variations in the final product quality. Currently, the common method is to conduct manual testing for each batch, but this cannot provide continuous inspection or identify the causes of variation through data analysis. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems, an automated surface moisture content measuring instrument is provided. The automated surface moisture content measuring instrument includes a measuring cylinder, a weight sensor, a liquid level sensor, and a calculation unit. The measuring cylinder includes a feed opening and a plurality of fixed portions. The feed opening is located at one end of the measuring cylinder and is used to inject sand and water in batches, wherein the diameter of the feed opening is 1 / 7 to 1 / 2 of the height of the measuring cylinder. The fixed portions are located on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder. The weight sensor is mounted on one of the fixed portions to measure the weight in the measuring cylinder and outputs a plurality of weight information. The liquid level sensor is mounted on the measuring cylinder to sense whether the water in the measuring cylinder has reached a predetermined liquid level height. The calculation unit is electrically connected to the weight sensor, receives the weight information and the volume corresponding to the predetermined liquid level height, and calculates the surface moisture content of the sand.

[0005] In some embodiments, the measuring cylinder further includes a discharge opening, a bottom plate, and a drainage component. The discharge opening is relative to the inlet opening, the bottom plate is located at the discharge opening, and the drainage component is installed on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder and communicates with the measuring cylinder. The bottom plate and the drainage component can be selectively opened or closed.

[0006] More specifically, in some embodiments, the periphery of the feed opening and the discharge opening further includes a rim, which overlaps with the base plate when the base plate is closed.

[0007] More specifically, in some embodiments, the measuring cylinder further includes a second fixing part and a pneumatic assembly. The second fixing part is located on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder and is in a different position from the fixing part. The pneumatic assembly is installed between the second fixing part and the base plate and is controlled to open or close the base plate.

[0008] In some embodiments, the measuring cylinder is a metal cylinder, and an inner wall surface of the measuring cylinder has a ceramic coating.

[0009] In some embodiments, the measuring cylinder is a ceramic cylinder.

[0010] Here, a batch automated surface moisture content measurement system is also provided. The batch automated surface moisture content measurement system includes a measuring cylinder, a weight sensor, a liquid level sensor, a feeding device, a water injection device, a computing unit, and a control device.

[0011] The measuring cylinder includes a feed opening and a plurality of fixed parts. The feed opening is located at one end of the measuring cylinder, and the fixed parts are located on the surface of the measuring cylinder. The measuring cylinder is suspended by a plurality of suspension members mounted on the fixed parts, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the feed opening to the height of the measuring cylinder is 1 / 7 to 1 / 2. A weight sensor is mounted on one of the suspension members. A level sensor is mounted on the measuring cylinder to sense whether the water level in the measuring cylinder has reached a predetermined height. A feeding device, corresponding to the feed opening, is controlled to inject sand into the measuring cylinder through the feed opening. A water injection device, adjacent to the feed opening, is controlled to inject water into the measuring cylinder through the feed opening. A calculation unit is electrically connected to the weight sensor. A control device is electrically connected to the weight sensor, level sensor, feeding device, and water injection device, and the control device controls the start and stop of the feeding device and the water injection device.

[0012] The control device first controls the water injection device to inject water through the feed opening. When the weight sensor detects a first weight, the control device stops the water injection device and starts the feeding device to inject sand through the feed opening. When the weight sensor detects a second weight, the control device stops the feeding device and starts the water injection device until the liquid level sensor detects that the water has reached a predetermined liquid level height, and records the third weight detected by the weight sensor. The calculation unit calculates the surface moisture content of the sand based on the first weight, second weight, third weight, and the volume corresponding to the predetermined liquid level height.

[0013] In some embodiments, the measuring cylinder further includes a discharge opening, a bottom plate, and a drainage assembly. The measuring cylinder further includes a second fixing part and a pneumatic assembly. The second fixing part is located on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder and at a different position than the fixing part. The bottom plate is located at the discharge opening. The drainage assembly is installed on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder and communicates with the measuring cylinder. The pneumatic assembly is installed between the second fixing part and the bottom plate. The control device is further electrically connected to a first control valve and a second control valve. The first control valve is connected to the pneumatic assembly, and the second control valve is disposed on the drainage assembly. The control device sends a signal to control the first control valve to operate the pneumatic assembly to open or close the bottom plate, and the control device controls the opening or closing of the second control valve to control the opening or closing of the drainage assembly.

[0014] In some embodiments, the feeding device is a screw conveyor connected to a sand trough.

[0015] In some embodiments, the feeding device includes a plurality of screw conveyors connected to a fine sand trough and a coarse sand trough respectively. When the weight sensor detects a fourth weight value, the control device switches the feeding from the fine sand trough to the coarse sand trough, or switches the feeding from the coarse sand trough to the fine sand trough, wherein the fourth weight value is less than the second weight.

[0016] In some embodiments, the measuring cylinder is a metal cylinder, and an inner wall surface of the measuring cylinder has a ceramic coating.

[0017] In some embodiments, the measuring cylinder is a ceramic cylinder.

[0018] As described in the previous embodiments, by automatically detecting the moisture content of each batch of sand, variability can be identified, and adjustments can be made to the proportion of raw materials to maintain the quality standard for each batch of concrete, thereby stabilizing the construction quality each time. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0019] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional view of an automated surface moisture content meter. Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a batch automated surface moisture content measurement system. Figure 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a batch automated surface moisture content measurement method. Figure 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the batch automated surface moisture content measurement system. Figure 5 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the batch automated surface moisture content measurement method. Implementation

[0020] In the following description, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or part from another, and not to indicate a necessary sequence. Furthermore, relative terms such as "lower" and "upper," "inner" and "outer" may be used herein to describe the relationship between one element and another. It should be understood that relative terms are intended to include different orientations of the device beyond those shown in the figures. For example, if a device in a figure is flipped, an element described as being "lower" than other elements would be oriented "upper" than other elements. This indicates only a relative orientation, not an absolute one.

[0021] In the accompanying drawings, the widths of some elements, areas, etc., have been enlarged for clarity. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals denote the same elements. It should be understood that when an element is referred to as being "on" or "connected" to another element, it may be directly on or connected to the other element, or intermediate elements may also be present. Conversely, when an element is referred to as being "directly on" or "directly connected" to another element, no intermediate elements are present.

[0022] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an automated surface moisture content meter. As shown in Figure 1, the automated surface moisture content meter 1 includes a measuring cylinder 10, a weight sensor 20, a liquid level sensor 30, and a calculation unit 40. The measuring cylinder 10 includes a feed opening 11 and a plurality of fixing parts 13. The feed opening 11 is located at one end of the measuring cylinder 10 and is used to inject sand and water in batches. The ratio (R / H) of the diameter D of the feed opening 11 to the height H of the measuring cylinder 10 is 1 / 7 to 1 / 2, preferably 1 / 6 to 1 / 4. The fixing parts 13 are located on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder 10. The measuring cylinder 10 is typically suspended by a suspension member 500 to measure the weight inside the measuring cylinder 10. The suspension member 500 is assembled and installed on the fixing parts 13. Here, the measuring cylinder 10 is typically made of metal or ceramic to ensure impact resistance.

[0023] A weight sensor 20 is mounted on one of the fixing parts 13 to measure the weight in the measuring cylinder 10 and continuously output multiple weight information. Furthermore, the weight sensor 20 can be mounted on the suspension member 500. In some embodiments, multiple weight sensors 20 can be provided to quickly detect damage or significant weight shifts in an average manner without causing deviation.

[0024] A liquid level sensor 30 is mounted on the measuring cylinder 10, either inside the measuring cylinder 10 or embedded in the wall of the measuring cylinder 10, to sense whether the water level in the measuring cylinder 10 has reached a predetermined liquid level height L. The liquid level sensor 30 can be optical or ultrasonic. It determines whether the water level has reached the predetermined liquid level height L by detecting light blocking, changes in refractive index, or changes in sound velocity. The calculation unit 40 is electrically connected to the weight sensor 20, receives weight information, and calculates the surface moisture content of the sand based on the capacity of the measuring cylinder 10. A more detailed measurement method will be described later. More specifically, the calculation unit 40 may also include a display panel 41 to display data such as feed rate and surface moisture content.

[0025] More specifically, the measuring cylinder 10 further includes a discharge opening 15, a base plate 17, and a drainage assembly 19. The discharge opening 15 is opposite to the inlet opening 11, the base plate 17 is located at the discharge opening 15, and the drainage assembly 19 is installed on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder 10 and communicates with the measuring cylinder 10. The base plate 17 and the drainage assembly 19 can be selectively opened or closed. In some embodiments, the periphery of the inlet opening 11 and the discharge opening 15 further includes rims 111 and 151. For example, when the base plate 17 is closed, the rims 151 overlap with the base plate 17, thereby achieving a higher seal and preventing water leakage. The drainage assembly 19 may include a side opening of the measuring cylinder 10, a pipeline 191, and a pump 193. The pipeline 191 connects to the side opening and communicates with the measuring cylinder 10. However, this is only an example and is not intended to limit the scope of the measurement cylinder 10.

[0026] In some embodiments, the measuring cylinder 10 further includes a second fixing part 12 and a pneumatic assembly 14. The second fixing part 12 is located on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder 10 and is in a different position from the fixing part 13. The pneumatic assembly 14 is installed between the second fixing part 12 and the base plate 17 and is controlled to open or close the base plate 17. More specifically, in order to avoid sand residue when opening the base plate 17 to drain water and sand from the measuring cylinder 10, the interior of the measuring cylinder 10 is usually coated with a ceramic film. Through its hydrophobic properties, it prevents sand from adhering.

[0027] Figure 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a batch automated surface moisture content measurement system. As shown in Figure 2, and also referring to the structure shown in Figure 1, the batch automated surface moisture content measurement system 100 includes a measuring cylinder 10, a weight sensor 20, a liquid level sensor 30, a feeding device 50, a water injection device 60, a calculation unit 40, and a control device 70. The structure of the measuring cylinder 10 is as described above and will not be repeated here. The feeding device 50 corresponds to the feeding opening 11 and is controlled to inject sand into the measuring cylinder 10 through the feeding opening 11. The water injection device 60 is adjacent to the feeding opening 11 and is controlled to inject water into the measuring cylinder 10 through the feeding opening 11. The calculation unit 40 is electrically connected to the weight sensor 20. The control device 70 is electrically connected to the weight sensor 20, the liquid level sensor 30, the feeding device 50, and the water injection device 60, and controls the start or stop of the feeding device 50 and the water injection device 60. Here, the control device 70 and the computing unit 40 can be implemented through an industrial computer.

[0028] Figure 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a batch automated surface moisture content measurement method. As shown in Figure 3, and referring to Figures 1 and 2, the control program of the control device 70 and the method for calculating the surface moisture content of the sand will be described below. The batch automated surface moisture content measurement method S1 includes steps S10 to S40. Step S10 involves injecting water to a first weight. The control device 70 first controls the water injection device 60 to inject water through the feed opening 11. When the weight sensor 20 senses that the first weight has been reached, the control device 70 controls the water injection device 60 to stop. Next, step S20 involves injecting sand to a second weight. The control device 70 controls the feeding device 50 to start injecting sand through the feed opening 11. When the weight sensor 20 senses that the second weight has been reached, the control device 70 controls the feeding device 50 to stop. Step S30 involves injecting water to a predetermined liquid level height L. The control device 70 again controls the water injection device 60 to start until the liquid level sensor 30 senses that the water has reached the predetermined liquid level height L, and records the third weight sensed by the weight sensor 20. Here, the first weight and the second weight are preset thresholds set in the weight sensor 20.

[0029] Step S40 is to calculate the surface moisture content of the sand. The calculation unit 40 calculates the surface moisture content of the sand based on the first weight, the second weight, the third weight, and the volume corresponding to the predetermined liquid level height L. Here, the surface moisture content of the sand follows the calculation standard of CNS-489, and the surface moisture content P (%) is calculated using the following equation.

[0030] Equation 1: Ws = W2 - W1, where Ws is the weight of the test sand, W1 is the first weight, and W2 is the second weight.

[0031] Equation 2: Ww = W3 - Ws, where Ww is the total weight of water and W3 is the third weight.

[0032] Equation 3: Vs = W3 + Ws - W, where Vs is the weight of water displaced by the test sand, and W is the weight of water when the container is filled to the predetermined liquid level height L, which is the bottom area of ​​the measuring cylinder 10 * the predetermined liquid level height L * the water density.

[0033] Equation 4: Vd = Ws / SSD, where Vd is the sample mass (Ws) / the volumetric specific gravity of the fine granules in the surface-dry saturated state, and SSD is the fine material state, indicating that the granules are surface-dry and saturated with moisture.

[0034] Equation 5: P(%)=(Vs-Vd) / (Ws-Vs)*100, where P is the surface water content.

[0035] Here, the feeding device 50 may include a screw conveyor 51 connected to the sand trough 300, through which sand is transported and injected into the measuring cylinder 10.

[0036] Furthermore, the batch automated surface moisture content measurement method also includes step S50. Step S50 is to remove sand and water. Here, the base plate 17 can be opened to remove sand and water. More specifically, referring again to Figures 1 and 2, in some embodiments, the batch automated surface moisture content measurement system 100 also includes a first control valve 81 and a second control valve 83. The control device 70 is electrically connected to the first control valve 81 and the second control valve 83. The first control valve 81 is connected to the pneumatic assembly 14, and the second control valve 83 is disposed in the drainage assembly 19. The control device 70 sends a signal to control the first control valve 81 to operate the pneumatic assembly 14 to open or close the base plate 17, and the control device 70 controls the opening or closing of the second control valve 83 to control the opening or closing of the drainage assembly 19. Through automatic control, after the calculation is completed, the control device 70 can control the opening of the base plate 17 to remove sand and water. Furthermore, the water injection device 60 can also be controlled for rinsing. The control device 70 can also control the drainage component 19 to adjust the water level when the water level exceeds the predetermined liquid level height L.

[0037] Figure 4 is a block diagram of another embodiment of the batch automated surface moisture content measurement system. Figure 5 is a flowchart of another embodiment of the batch automated surface moisture content measurement method. As shown in Figures 4 and 5, and referring again to Figures 2 and 3, in this embodiment, the difference from the previous one is that the feeding device 50 includes a plurality of screw conveyors 51, which are respectively connected to the fine sand trough 310 and the coarse sand trough 330, and are electrically connected to the control device 70. In addition, step S20 is replaced by steps S21 and S23.

[0038] Step S21 involves injecting fine or coarse sand to a fourth weight. The control device 70 controls the injection of coarse or fine sand from the coarse sand trough 330 or the fine sand trough 310 until the weight sensor 20 senses that the weight has reached the preset fourth weight. Step S23 involves injecting coarse or fine sand to a second weight. In steps S21 and S23, the control device 70 controls the start / stop of different screw conveyors 51, switching the feeding from the coarse sand trough 330 to the fine sand trough 310, or vice versa. This continues until the weight sensor 20 senses that the weight has reached the preset fourth or second weight, where the fourth weight is less than the second weight.

[0039] In summary, the moisture content of each batch of sand can be automatically tested on-site, allowing for adjustments to the raw material ratios and maintaining consistent concrete quality for each batch, thus ensuring stable construction quality. Furthermore, it allows for the identification of variations in sand composition, enabling a more stable supply source.

[0040] Although the technical content of the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications and refinements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the present invention should be included within the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention shall be determined by the appended claims.

[0041] 1: Automated surface moisture content measuring instrument 10: Measuring cylinder 11: Feed opening 111: Wheel Edge 12: Second fixing part 13: Fixing part 14: Pneumatic assembly 15: Discharge opening 151: Wheel Edge 17: Base Plate 19: Drainage components 191: Pipeline 193: Pump 20: Weight sensor 30: Liquid level sensor 40: Computing Unit 41: Display panel 50: Feeding device 51: Screw Conveyor 60: Water injection device 70: Control device 81: First control valve 83: Second control valve 100: Batch Automated Surface Moisture Content Measurement System 300: Sand trough 310: Fine Sand Tank 330: Coarse Sand Tank 500: Suspension components D: Diameter of the feed opening H: Height of the measuring cylinder L: Preset liquid level height S1: Batch Automated Surface Moisture Content Measurement Method S10: Add water to the first weight. S20: Inject sand to the second weight S21: Inject coarse / fine sand to the fourth weight. S23: Inject fine / coarse sand to the second weight. S30: Inject water to the predetermined liquid level. S40: Calculate the surface moisture content of sand. S50: Remove sand and water

Claims

1. An automated surface moisture content measuring instrument, comprising: a measuring cylinder, including: a feed opening located at one end of the measuring cylinder for batch injection of sand and water, wherein the diameter of the feed opening is 1 / 7 to 1 / 2 the height of the measuring cylinder; a plurality of fixing parts located on an outer surface of the measuring cylinder; a discharge opening relative to the feed opening; a bottom plate located at the discharge opening; and a drainage assembly installed on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder and communicating with the measuring cylinder, wherein the bottom plate and the drainage assembly are selectively openable or closed; and a weight sensor installed on one of the fixing parts for measuring the weight in the measuring cylinder and outputting a plurality of weight information. A liquid level sensor is installed on the measuring cylinder to sense whether the water in the measuring cylinder has reached a predetermined liquid level height; and a calculation unit is electrically connected to the weight sensor to receive the weight information and calculate the surface moisture content of a sand material based on the volume corresponding to the predetermined liquid level height.

2. The automated surface moisture content measuring instrument as described in claim 1, wherein the periphery of the feed opening and the discharge opening further includes a rim that overlaps with the base plate when the base plate is closed.

3. The automated surface moisture content measuring instrument as described in claim 1, wherein the measuring cylinder further includes a second fixing part and a pneumatic component, the second fixing part being located on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder and at a position different from that of the fixing part, and the pneumatic component being installed between the second fixing part and the base plate and being controlled to open or close the base plate.

4. The automated surface moisture content measuring instrument as described in claim 1, wherein the measuring cylinder is a metal cylinder and a ceramic coating is provided on an inner wall surface of the measuring cylinder.

5. The automated surface moisture content measuring instrument as described in claim 1, wherein the measuring cylinder is a ceramic cylinder.

6. A batch automated surface moisture content measurement system, comprising: a measuring cylinder including a feed opening, a plurality of fixed portions, a discharge opening, a base plate, and a drainage assembly, wherein the feed opening is located at one end of the measuring cylinder, the fixed portions are located on an outer surface of the measuring cylinder, wherein the measuring cylinder is suspended by a plurality of suspension members mounted on the fixed portions, wherein the ratio of the diameter of the feed opening to the height of the measuring cylinder is 1 / 7 to 1 / 2, the discharge opening is opposite to the feed opening, the base plate is located at the discharge opening, the drainage assembly is mounted on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder and communicates with the measuring cylinder, and the base plate and the drainage assembly are selectively openable or closed; a weight sensor mounted on one of the suspension members; and a liquid level sensor mounted on the measuring cylinder to sense whether the water in the measuring cylinder has reached a predetermined liquid level height. A feeding device, corresponding to the feeding opening, is controlled to inject sand into the measuring cylinder through the feeding opening; a water injection device, adjacent to the feeding opening, is controlled to inject water into the measuring cylinder through the feeding opening; a computing unit is electrically connected to the weight sensor; and a control device is electrically connected to the weight sensor, the liquid level sensor, the feeding device, and the water injection device, the control device controlling the start or stop of the feeding device and the water injection device; The control device first controls the water injection device to inject water through the feed opening. When the weight sensor senses a first weight, the control device stops the water injection device and starts the feed device to inject sand through the feed opening. When the weight sensor senses a second weight, the control device stops the feed device and starts the water injection device until the liquid level sensor senses that the water has reached the predetermined liquid level height and records a third weight sensed by the weight sensor. The calculation unit calculates the surface moisture content of the sand based on the first weight, the second weight, the third weight, and the volume corresponding to the predetermined liquid level height.

7. The batch automated surface moisture content measurement system as described in claim 6, wherein the measuring cylinder further includes a second fixing part and a pneumatic assembly, the second fixing part being located on the outer surface of the measuring cylinder and at a position different from that of the fixing part, the pneumatic assembly being installed between the second fixing part and the base plate, the control device being further electrically connected to a first control valve and a second control valve, the first control valve being connected to the pneumatic assembly, the second control valve being disposed on the drainage assembly, the control device sending a signal to control the first control valve to operate the pneumatic assembly to open or close the base plate, and the control device controlling the opening or closing of the second control valve to control the opening or closing of the drainage assembly.

8. The batch automated surface moisture content measurement system as described in claim 6, wherein the feeding device includes a screw conveyor connected to a sand hopper.

9. The batch automated surface moisture content measurement system as described in claim 6, wherein the feeding device includes a plurality of screw conveyors respectively connected to a fine sand trough and a coarse sand trough, and the control device switches feeding from a fine sand trough to a coarse sand trough or from the coarse sand trough to the fine sand trough when the weight sensor senses a fourth weight, wherein the fourth weight is less than the second weight.

10. The batch automated surface moisture content measurement system as described in claim 6, wherein the measuring cylinder is a metal cylinder and a ceramic coating is provided on an inner wall surface of the measuring cylinder.

11. The batch automated surface moisture content measurement system as described in claim 6, wherein the measuring cylinder is a ceramic cylinder.

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