Nuclear Density Gauge with Electromagnetic Moisture Detector

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Solution Overview

Problem

Nuclear density gauges used in construction face challenges due to the need for radioactive sources, which incur regulatory burdens and require time-consuming measurements, disrupting construction processes.

Innovation Solution

A system combining a nuclear density gauge with an electromagnetic moisture property gauge that uses a radiation source and detector to calculate material density and an electromagnetic field generator to determine moisture content, allowing for faster and more efficient density measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If nuclear density gauges are used to measure material density and moisture content, then measurement speed and accuracy are improved, but regulatory burdens and safety concerns increase due to the use of radioactive sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedensity and moisture content measurement accuracyVSAvoidregulatory burdens and safety concerns from radioactive sources

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the moisture measurement function from the nuclear density gauge system by introducing a separate electromagnetic moisture detector. This allows the nuclear source to be used solely for density measurement, reducing the overall radioactive material requirement while maintaining measurement capabilities. The electromagnetic detector handles moisture measurement without any radioactive materials, thereby reducing regulatory burdens and safety concerns.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines nuclear density measurement and electromagnetic moisture measurement into a single integrated system. This merging allows both measurements to be performed simultaneously or in close sequence, improving overall measurement efficiency while reducing the need for separate testing procedures that would require additional radioactive sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Speed

If nuclear density gauges are used for density measurement, then measurement speed is improved, but construction process disruption increases due to time-consuming procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidconstruction process efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic moisture detector performs moisture measurement simultaneously with or immediately before the nuclear density measurement, preparing the moisture data in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for sequential testing and reduces overall measurement time, thereby minimizing construction process disruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated system allows continuous measurement operations where the electromagnetic detector and nuclear gauge work in conjunction without interruption. This continuity ensures that both density and moisture data are obtained in a single operational sequence, maintaining construction workflow efficiency while improving measurement capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

This combination enables faster and more accurate density and moisture content measurements, reducing the need for radioactive material and minimizing construction delays.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation source adapted to emit radiation into a material and a radiation detector operable to produce a signal representing the detected radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Radiation

Implementation Method 2

an electromagnetic field generator configured to generate an electromagnetic field where the electromagnetic field sweeps through one or more frequencies and penetrates into the material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic field interaction with material: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10690578B2Methods and systems for measuring the density of material including a non-nuclear moisture property detector

Publication Date: 2020.06.23 TROXLER ELECTRONIC LABS INC

AI summary

The subject matter described herein includes methods, systems, and computer program products for measuring the density of a material. According to one aspect, a material property gauge includes a nuclear density gauge for measuring the density of a material. A radiation source adapted to emit radiation into a material and a radiation detector operable to produce a signal representing the detected radiation. A first material property calculation function may calculate a value associated with the density of the material based upon the signal produced by the radiation detector. The material property gauge includes an electromagnetic moisture property gauge that determines a moisture property of the material. An electromagnetic field generator may generate an electromagnetic field where the electromagnetic field sweeps through one or more frequencies and penetrates into the material. An electromagnetic sensor may determine a frequency response of the material to the electromagnetic field across the several frequencies.