Concrete Volume Reporting via Rheology-Based RTD and VPRUD
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for calculating the remaining concrete load in a mixing drum after partial discharge are neither accurate nor convenient, relying on assumptions about constant drum rotations and discharge rates, which lead to imprecision in measuring the volume of concrete remaining in the drum.
Innovation Solution
A novel method using an automated rheology monitoring system that calculates the remaining concrete load by determining the Revolution-To-Discharge value (RTD) and Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge value (VPRUD), which are functions of load size and concrete rheology, respectively, allowing for precise measurement and reporting of the remaining concrete volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the number of drum rotations is used to calculate discharged concrete volume, then the calculation process is simplified, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to variable discharge rates and load sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for calculation from simple drum rotation count to a multi-parameter model including Revolution-To-Discharge (RTD) value, Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge (VPRUD) value, load size, and concrete rheology. This transforms the calculation from a single-parameter estimate to a comprehensive multi-parameter determination, resolving the contradiction by maintaining operational simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision through rheology-based corrections.
2Measurement precision
If weight scales are used to measure concrete load, then the measurement is direct, but the reliability deteriorates due to scale imprecision and fuel tank fluctuations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces concrete rheology as an intermediary parameter that mediates between direct measurement (drum rotations) and the target measurement (remaining volume). By measuring rheology properties and using them to correct the rotation-based calculation, the system achieves reliable and consistent measurements without the drawbacks of weight scales, as rheology measurements are not affected by scale imprecision or fuel tank variations.
3Ease of operation
If visual approximation is used to estimate remainder load, then the method is convenient, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates due to rough estimation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/visual estimation method with an automated rheology monitoring system that uses sensors and computer processing. This substitution maintains the convenience of automated operation while dramatically improving precision by replacing subjective visual approximation with objective rheology-based calculations, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and manufacturing precision.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed are method and system for treating concrete in mixing drums of delivery vehicles having automated rheology (e.g., slump) monitoring systems programmed to dose fluids into concrete based on the monitored rheology. The present invention takes into account a Revolution-To-Discharge value ("RTD") which reflects drum rotations needed to move concrete towards and through the mixing drum opening from which concrete is discharged, and also takes into consideration a Volume-Per-Revolution-Upon-Discharge ("VPRUD") value which reflects the relation between the rate of discharge and rheology (e.g., slump) of concrete upon discharge. The invention is especially useful for reclaiming concrete in the drum after delivery and can confirm rheology based upon peak (maximum) discharge pressure. The present inventors found surprisingly that discharge pressure readings are useful for recalibrating automated rheology monitoring systems as well as for reporting and/or treating the remainder concrete.