Fresh Concrete Bubble Imaging for Curing-Stage Quality Assessment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the quality and spatial distribution of gas bubbles in cement-based construction materials are limited to uncured or hardened states, lacking the ability to provide continuous or intermittent analysis during the curing process, which is crucial for ensuring frost resistance and mechanical properties.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a transparent plate, light source, photosensitive sensor, and imaging device to analyze the size, shape, and spatial distribution of gas bubbles in construction materials before or during curing, enabling continuous quality control through spatial illumination encoding and computer analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual or digital image processing tools are used to determine air bubbles in hardened concrete, then measurement capability is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and cannot provide real-time feedback during curing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual or digital image processing methods with an optical measurement system that uses light sources, transparent plates, and photosensitive sensors to automatically detect and analyze bubble characteristics in real-time during the curing process
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates optical copies or images of the concrete sample using light transmission through a transparent plate, allowing the measurement system to capture bubble characteristics without physically disturbing the sample while enabling rapid automated analysis
2Quantity of substance
If air content meter is used to determine air content of fresh concrete, then air content measurement is achieved, but the method cannot provide spatial distribution information of bubbles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional air content measurement to two-dimensional spatial mapping by using light transmission through a transparent plate and capturing the light pattern with a photosensitive sensor, thereby obtaining both quantity and spatial distribution information simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent plate as an intermediary between the light source and the concrete sample, allowing light to pass through and carry information about bubble spatial distribution to the photosensitive sensor without disturbing the sample
3Productivity
If continuous quality control during curing is implemented, then real-time bubble assessment is achieved, but the measurement method becomes intrusive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the concrete sample to essentially measure itself by allowing light to pass through the transparent plate and interact with the bubbles naturally present in the sample, with the photosensitive sensor detecting the light pattern without requiring sample preparation or intrusion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional measurement system that can simultaneously determine air content, spatial distribution, bubble size, and other quality parameters using a single integrated apparatus, reducing overall system complexity despite the comprehensive measurement capabilities
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 non-intrusive, real-time assessment of bubble quality and quantity, improving frost resistance and mechanical properties by determining air volume and spacing factor, offering a competitive advantage in production and quality assurance.
Implementation Method 1
providing a photosensitive sensor on said second side of said plate for receiving light reflected from said sample through said transparent plate
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns method and an apparatus for analyzing the quality and quantity of bubbles or droplets of a dispersed phase in a construction material. The method may be used on construction materials before or during curing of the material, while in a non-solid state with the dispersed phase being entrapped therein. The inventive analyzing includes the steps of:applying a first side of an at least partially transparent plate in contact with a sample of said construction material to make a surface of said sample visible through said transparent plate;illuminating said surface of said sample through said plate from an opposite second side of said plate with at least one light source;providing a photosensitive sensor on said second side of said plate for receiving light reflected from said sample through said transparent plate,receiving from said photosensitive sensor electrical signals corresponding to said received reflected light and rendering from said electrical signals a visual representation of said surface of said sample using an imaging device;analyzing said visual representation with a computer system, by identifying bubbles or droplets of said dispersed phase from the surface of the sample by a spatial illumination encoding of the sample; and by determining the size and location of identified bubbles or droplets of said dispersed phase.Finally, an indication of the quality of said construction material is computed, based on the size and distribution of the identified bubbles or droplets of said dispersed phase in said sample.