Concrete Curing Probe with Locking Surface and Multi-Sensor Array
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for monitoring concrete curing lack simplicity and provide insufficient detailed data on the setting and hardening process, necessitating an improvement in data collection systems for concrete structures.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device with an elongate body and multiple sensor elements spaced along its length for measuring parameters like humidity and temperature, featuring a locking surface for secure insertion and a sacrificial material portion for easy installation, along with a controller and communication device for data storage and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a probe is inserted into liquid concrete for monitoring, then data collection on curing process is enabled, but the probe may be expelled due to buoyancy
Solution Approach 1:
The probe incorporates a locking surface that engages with the head end of the probe to counteract the buoyancy force acting on the probe in liquid concrete. This mechanical interlocking provides a counterbalancing force that prevents probe expulsion during the liquid concrete phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking surface and head end structure are designed in advance to engage before the concrete sets. This preliminary mechanical engagement ensures the probe remains securely positioned during the critical liquid and early setting phases when buoyancy forces are most significant.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensor elements are spaced along the probe for detailed data collection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The probe divides the sensing function into multiple discrete sensor elements positioned at different locations along the probe body. Each sensor element independently measures parameters such as temperature and humidity at its specific position, enabling detailed spatial profiling of the curing process without requiring a single complex sensor system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensor elements of the same type are used along the probe, each performing the same measurement function but at different positions. This universal approach simplifies the overall system design compared to using different specialized sensors, while still achieving high measurement precision through spatial distribution.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent probe expulsion, then probe retention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of designing a complex active locking mechanism that requires actuation, the probe uses a passive locking surface that automatically engages with the concrete matrix through natural pressure and friction during insertion. The locking function is inverted from an active system to a passive mechanical engagement that occurs automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking surface and head end structure are designed to self-engauge during the insertion process itself. The mechanical interlocking occurs automatically as the probe is pushed into the concrete, without requiring separate locking actions or complex activation mechanisms, thereby maintaining ease of operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables reliable, user-friendly, and detailed data collection on concrete curing, facilitating accurate estimation of curing rates and remaining curing time, while ensuring secure and easy installation even in partially set concrete.
Implementation Method 1
at least two first sensor elements, which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction, both of which being configured for sensing at least one first parameter relating to the material
Implementation Method 2
The first parameter may be humidity or temperature
Implementation Method 3
The locking surface counteracts undesired expulsion of the probe, as may be caused by its buoyancy in the material
Implementation Method 4
The locking surface may be formed on an exterior thread, which extends substantially helically along at least a portion of the sensor body
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device (1, 1′) for collecting data on a material in which the sensor device is inserted on concrete during a curing process of said concrete, comprises an elongate sensor body (10), extending along a longitudinal direction (L), and having a head end (102) and a tip end (101), at opposite axial ends of the sensor body (10); at least two first sensor elements (131a, 131b, 131c), which are spaced apart along the longitudinal direction (L), both of which being configured for sensing at least one first parameter relating to the concrete material at a respective position along the longitudinal direction (L), and a locking surface (11b) which faces towards the head end, an exterior thread extending helically along at least a portion (102) of the sensor body (10).