Concrete Workability Meter with Vibrator-Based Impedance Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current concrete workability testing equipment is imprecise and requires careful practice to ensure accurate results, lacking a reliable method for predicting and measuring concrete workability.

Innovation Solution

A concrete workability meter assembly with a frame assembly and a vibrator system, including a variable speed motor, that generates an electrical load impedance curve through a looping circuit, allowing for precise measurement and reporting of concrete workability via a smartphone or tablet.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional Kelly ball test or slump test is used, then the testing procedure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkability measurement precisionVSAvoidtesting equipment complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical measurement systems (manual ball penetration measurement, slump cone visual assessment) with an electrical measurement system. The vibrator motor's electrical characteristics (current, voltage, impedance) are measured and correlated to concrete workability, providing objective, precise, and repeatable measurements without relying on manual observation or interpretation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electrical circuit as an intermediary between the mechanical vibration system and the concrete workability measurement. The motor's electrical parameters serve as a mediator that translates mechanical interaction with concrete into measurable electrical signals, enabling precise workability assessment through electrical rather than direct mechanical measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional workability testing methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but the reliability and accuracy of results require careful practice and experience

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest result reliabilityVSAvoidoperation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-measurement through the motor's inherent electrical characteristics during normal operation. The motor automatically provides measurement signals (current, voltage, impedance changes) as it operates, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices or operator interpretation. The concrete's effect on the motor's electrical performance is directly captured and correlated to workability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates electrical feedback from the motor's operation to continuously monitor and assess concrete workability. Changes in electrical parameters provide real-time feedback about the concrete's resistance to vibration and flow, enabling reliable measurement without requiring operator experience or manual assessment skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If electrical load impedance curve measurement is implemented, then workability prediction accuracy is improved, but the device complexity and measurement system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveworkability prediction accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor serves multiple functions: it provides the vibrating force needed for the Kelly ball test and simultaneously serves as the measurement sensor through its electrical characteristics. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement equipment, reducing overall system complexity while achieving precise workability prediction through electrical load impedance curve analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Provides accurate and predictive concrete workability measurements by tracking process variability and identifying changes in workability through well-defined indexing, reducing errors in slump cone tests and improving construction practices.

Implementation Method 1

The vibrating Kelly ball test (VKelly) utilizes an apparatus having a ball attached to a vibrator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

the vibrator includes a variable speed motor and is controllable to manipulate the testing instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the shaft is configured to transfer vibrating energy from vibrator to the testing instrument

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical energy transmission: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS20250231170A1Concrete workability meter

Publication Date: 2025.07.17 MINNICH MFG

AI summary

A concrete testing system including a concrete testing instrument and a frame assembly. The frame assembly is configured to slidingly support the concrete testing instrument. The frame assembly further includes a plurality of legs rotatably and adjustably coupled to a slider plate of the frame assembly. The frame assembly is also configured to permit relative sliding between the frame assembly and the concrete testing instrument.