Integrated Core Drilling and Pulling Machine for Concrete Strength Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete compressive strength testing methods using the direct pulling method are cumbersome, time-consuming, and prone to operator errors, with complex equipment that is not environmentally friendly and lacks precision.

Innovation Solution

An integrated machine for fully automatic core drilling and direct pulling, featuring a housing with a worm gear motor, tension sensor, and a pulling mechanism that includes a pulling joint, clamping member, and adjustable link block, allowing for handheld operation and real-time compressive strength measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the direct pulling method is used to test concrete strength with traditional equipment, then the testing can be performed, but the equipment is cumbersome and complex, making it inconvenient to carry on-site

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidequipment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines core drilling function and direct pulling testing function into a single integrated machine. The device includes a drilling mechanism with drill bit, a pulling mechanism with pulling joint, and a control system that coordinates both functions, eliminating the need for separate drilling equipment and testing equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated machine performs multiple functions: it can drill core samples from concrete structures, prepare the pulling joint by bonding epoxy resin, and perform the direct pulling strength test. This multi-functional design replaces traditional separate equipment while maintaining testing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Productivity

If the traditional direct pulling method is used, then concrete strength testing is performed, but the operating steps are cumbersome and operating time is long

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetesting efficiencyVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies preliminary action by automatically mixing and applying epoxy resin bonding material to the pulling joint before the pulling test. The control system pre-prepares the bonding interface between the concrete core and the pulling joint, eliminating manual preparation steps and reducing overall testing time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated machine performs operations automatically through its control system. The drilling mechanism, pulling mechanism, and bonding application work in sequence without requiring extensive manual intervention, reducing operating steps and enabling the device to service itself through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If traditional direct pulling testing is performed, then concrete compressive strength is measured, but detection precision is reduced due to operator factors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection precisionVSAvoidoperator dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates a force sensor that provides real-time feedback during the pulling test. The control system monitors the pulling force continuously and records the maximum force value, eliminating the need for operator judgment and ensuring consistent, precise measurements regardless of operator experience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with an automated control system. The control system electronically controls the drilling depth, pulling force application, and data recording, substituting operator mechanical skills with electronic control and sensor-based measurement for improved precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional testing equipment is used, then testing can be performed, but the equipment is not environmentally friendly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental impactVSAvoidtesting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device uses a disposable or easily replaceable pulling joint that is bonded to the concrete core and then discarded after the test. This eliminates the need for complex, heavy-duty equipment that requires extensive maintenance and resource consumption, reducing environmental impact while maintaining full testing capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

The integrated machine simplifies the testing process, reduces equipment weight, and enhances precision, making it more environmentally friendly and cost-effective, enabling intuitive and accurate on-site testing without requiring extensive operator experience.

Implementation Method 1

a worm gear motor set in a lower part of the housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a tension sensor set at the other end of the drive support rod... The tension sensor is configured to measure a tension data when the pulling joint direct pulls out of the test piece to break

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing:

Implementation Method 3

an ejector spring disposed between the limit member and the clamping member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

a metal direct pulling joint on a direct pulling instrument is bonded to a concrete tested piece by a binder (generally epoxy resin)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS20250003847A1Integrated machine for fully automatic core drilling and direct pulling and a detection method thereof
Publication Date: 2025.01.02 HUNAN ACADEMY OF BUILDING RESEARCH CO LTD
  • US20250003847A1 patent drawing
  • US20250003847A1 patent drawing
  • US20250003847A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated machine for fully automatic core drilling and direct pulling is disclosed, including a housing, a support member, a pulling mechanism, and a pulling joint. The pulling joint is configured to hold a top of a test piece for pulling testing. The pulling mechanism includes a worm gear motor, a drive screw set at an output end of the worm gear motor, a drive support rod, a tension sensor set at the other end of the drive support rod, an adjustable link block at one end connected to the tension sensor, and a pulling screw connected to the other end of the adjustable link block. The integrated machine has a simple structure, lightweight equipment, which can be handheld and easy to operate, thus do not need to have operating experience, thereby realizing core drilling and direct pulling test in one.