Rotating Container Force Sensor for Concrete Rheology
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for characterizing the rheological behavior of concrete, such as Abrams cone and V-Funnel tests, are limited by their static nature and inability to measure intrinsic physical behavior, particularly during transportation and mixing, which restricts the frequency and accuracy of measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device and process that allow for the characterization of a mixed substance, like concrete, within a rotating container using an effort sensor and signal processing system to determine volume, composition variations, and rheological characteristics, such as viscosity and flow threshold, while the substance is in motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If static measurement methods (Abrams cone, V-Funnel tests) are used to characterize concrete, then measurement simplicity is improved, but measurement precision and representativeness of intrinsic physical behavior deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical static testing systems (Abrams cone, V-Funnel) with a rotational rheological measurement system. A force sensor mounted on the rotating container wall measures shear stress and torque of concrete in motion, enabling direct measurement of intrinsic rheological properties (viscosity, yield stress) rather than indirect technological tests. This substitution transforms the measurement paradigm from static geometric tests to dynamic rheological characterization.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from static measurement conditions to dynamic measurement conditions by conducting rheological measurements on rotating concrete within the mixing drum. The force sensor captures real-time data during rotation, allowing characterization of concrete's flow behavior under actual transport and mixing conditions rather than artificial static test setups.
2Measurement precision
If concrete is extracted from the mixer for testing, then measurement capability is improved, but productivity and continuity of delivery deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures rheological properties (viscosity, yield stress), monitors concrete volume through sensor immersion depth, and can detect composition variations. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate extraction-based testing procedures, allowing continuous delivery operations to proceed uninterrupted while comprehensive measurements are taken in-situ.
Solution Approach 2:
The mixing drum itself becomes the measurement apparatus - its rotation provides the shear conditions needed for rheological measurement, and the force sensor mounted on its wall directly measures concrete properties during normal operation. The system uses the existing transport and mixing motion to perform measurements without requiring external testing equipment or concrete extraction.
3Measurement precision
If measurements are taken on stationary concrete, then measurement control is improved, but adaptability to actual mixing and transport conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is designed to operate during drum rotation, capturing rheological data under dynamic conditions that replicate actual transport and placing operations. The force sensor measures shear stress and torque while concrete is in motion, providing adaptability to real-world conditions rather than controlled static environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The system measures rheological parameters (viscosity, yield stress) under varying shear rates generated by drum rotation at different speeds. This allows characterization of concrete's non-Newtonian flow behavior across a range of shear conditions, making the measurements adaptable to various transport and placing scenarios rather than fixed static conditions.
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
Enables continuous and dynamic measurement of concrete properties during transportation and mixing, providing more representative and accurate data on its rheological behavior, overcoming the limitations of static tests and allowing for real-time monitoring of changes in composition and flow properties.
Implementation Method 1
a force sensor fixed to a wall of the container, the sensor extending inside said container along an axis substantially normal to said wall
Implementation Method 2
The protective cover is fixed exclusively and immovably to a free end of the sensor so that, during the relative movement of the substance with respect to the container, the cover is subjected to a resistance pressure imparted by the substance and the resistance pressure is concentrated on the free end of the sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for characterizing a substance mixed inside a container such that the substance is in relative rotational motion with respect to the container. The device comprises: - a force sensor fixed to a wall of the container, the sensor extending inside said container along an axis substantially normal to said wall; - a protective cover over the sensor and fixed exclusively and immovably to a free end of the sensor such that, during rotation of the container, the cover is subjected to a resistance pressure conferred by the substance and such that the resistance pressure is concentrated on the free end of the sensor; and - means for transmitting a signal delivered by the sensor to signal recording and processing means arranged to determine, from the signal, a volume, a change in composition, and at least one rheological characteristic of the substance.