Static sounding device based on rigid chain transmission and application method

By introducing a rigid chain drive unit and a gap-eliminating stabilizing mechanism into the static cone penetration test equipment, the problems of complex structure and large axial space occupation of existing equipment have been solved, enabling the equipment to perform efficient and reliable detection operations in marine geotechnical exploration.

CN122013741APending Publication Date: 2026-05-12CHANGJIANG RIVER SCI RES INST CHANGJIANG WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
CHANGJIANG RIVER SCI RES INST CHANGJIANG WATER RESOURCES COMMISSION
Filing Date
2026-04-08
Publication Date
2026-05-12

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

In existing static cone penetration testing equipment, the chain is only used as a flexible transmission component, resulting in a complex structure and a large axial space occupation, making it difficult to meet the needs of marine geotechnical exploration operations.

Method used

The rigid chain drive unit includes a drive mechanism, a chain storage mechanism, a backlash elimination and stabilization mechanism, an installation and disassembly mechanism, and a cleaning mechanism. Combined with a T-section structure and backlash elimination and stabilization clamps, it achieves a balance between flexible storage and rigid insertion, eliminates cumulative errors and impurities in the chain assembly, and ensures the reliability of the equipment in complex marine environments.

Benefits of technology

It reduces the axial space occupied by the equipment, ensures the straightness and rigidity of the probe path, improves the operational reliability and detection accuracy of the equipment in complex marine environments, and enables convenient installation of the probe payload and real-time recording of formation data.

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Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of marine geotechnical investigation, and particularly discloses a static sounding device based on rigid chain transmission and an application method.The static sounding device based on rigid chain transmission is characterized in that a rigid chain transmission unit is formed by pushing and lifting occlusion chains with left and right building blocks mutually locked, and the double chains are combined at 90 degrees to form a T-shaped section structure; the direction retentivity and the unbalance loading resistance in the probing process are effectively improved; the anti-backlash stable hoops driven by the air cylinders are arranged on the chain set at intervals, so that the accumulative error of the multi-stage hinge is eliminated, and the overall rigidity of the chain set is recovered; and meanwhile, a multi-direction high-pressure water cleaning mechanism is arranged, and gravel impurities in hinge gaps are removed during recycling. The rigid chain mechanism solves the problems that an existing rigid chain mechanism is poor in axial stability and prone to clamping stagnation and blockage, and has the advantages of being high in probing straightness, high in environmental adaptability and compact in structure.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of marine geotechnical exploration technology, specifically a static cone penetration test device and its application method based on rigid chain drive. Background Technology

[0002] Marine geotechnical investigation is a crucial foundational task for the construction of offshore wind farms, cross-sea bridges, and submarine pipelines. Static cone penetration testing (CPPT), a commonly used in-situ testing method, involves uniformly pressing a probe into the seabed soil layer and measuring parameters such as penetration resistance in real time, providing key geological data for engineering design and construction.

[0003] Currently, some static cone penetration tests use chain drives to drive the probe through the ground. However, these devices have the following drawbacks:

[0004] First, the chain is only used as a flexible transmission component and is always in a flexible state, only able to transmit tension. The insertion process still requires a separate rigid probe, resulting in a relatively complex structure.

[0005] Secondly, as the detection depth increases, the number of probes increases, and the axial length of the equipment increases accordingly, which places higher demands on the carrying capacity and spatial adaptability of the offshore operation platform. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a static cone penetration test device and its application method based on rigid chain drive, thereby solving the problem that in the prior art, the chain is only used as a flexible transmission component, resulting in complex structure and large axial space occupation of the equipment, which makes it difficult to meet the needs of marine geotechnical exploration operations.

[0007] This invention provides a static cone penetrometer based on rigid chain drive, comprising a fuselage assembly, and further comprising:

[0008] A rigid chain drive unit is mounted on the body assembly. The rigid chain drive unit includes a drive mechanism, a chain storage mechanism, and a chain assembly. The chain assembly consists of a first chain and a second chain. Both the first chain and the second chain are formed by multiple blocks hinged together by connecting pins. There is a mutually locking cooperation structure between the blocks on the first chain and the blocks on the second chain.

[0009] A gap-eliminating and stabilizing mechanism is provided on the chain assembly to lock and eliminate the gaps between the blocks;

[0010] An installation and removal mechanism is provided on the machine body assembly for installing the backlash elimination and stabilization mechanism onto or removing it from the chain assembly.

[0011] A cleaning mechanism, located at the lower part of the machine body assembly, is used to clean the chain assembly during the recycling process;

[0012] The instrument compartment is fixedly installed at the end of the chain assembly and is used to install the detection payload.

[0013] Preferably, the first chain and the second chain are distributed at an angle, so that the cross-section of the chain group has a "T" shaped structure.

[0014] Preferably, the backlash stabilizing mechanism includes at least one backlash stabilizing clamp detachably mounted on the chain assembly.

[0015] Preferably, the gap-eliminating and stabilizing clamp is a pair of split clamp structures, and the inner side of the clamp is provided with a limiting structure that matches the shape of the chain assembly. The pair of clamps are locked to the outside of the chain assembly by an installation and disassembly mechanism.

[0016] Preferably, the cleaning mechanism includes multiple nozzles arranged in different directions, the spray direction of the nozzles being aligned with the hinge holes and block gaps of the chain assembly, and the nozzles being connected to an external water source.

[0017] Preferably, the instrument compartment is made of high-strength material, and the instrument compartment is equipped with a power supply unit and a data storage unit.

[0018] Preferably, a plurality of gap-eliminating and stabilizing mechanisms are provided at intervals along the extension direction of the chain assembly.

[0019] The present invention also provides an application method for a static cone penetrometer based on a rigid chain drive, applied to the static cone penetrometer as described above, comprising the following steps:

[0020] Step S1: Start the drive mechanism, the chain storage mechanism releases the chain assembly, and the drive mechanism drives the first chain and the second chain to extend synchronously;

[0021] Step S2: During the chain extension process, the backlash stabilizing mechanism is installed on the chain group through the installation and disassembly mechanism to eliminate the cumulative error of the current segment of the chain group;

[0022] Step S3: Continue extending the chain assembly and repeat step S2 until the instrument chamber reaches the predetermined detection depth to perform static cone penetration testing.

[0023] Step S4: After the detection operation is completed, start the drive mechanism to retrieve the chain assembly, and at the same time start the cleaning mechanism to clean the chain assembly;

[0024] Step S5: The cleaned chain assembly is stored in the chain storage mechanism.

[0025] Preferably, in step S2, the gap-eliminating stabilizing mechanism is arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the chain assembly, with an interval distance of 1 meter to 3 meters.

[0026] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] By introducing a rigid chain drive unit into the field of static penetration testing, and using a push-and-lock chain composed of interlocking left and right blocks, a balance between flexible storage and rigid penetration is achieved. This not only significantly reduces the axial space occupied by the equipment, but also ensures the push force and structural rigidity required for deep penetration testing.

[0028] By combining the double chains at a 90° angle to form a T-shaped cross-section structure, the directional stability and resistance to non-axial moments of the chain assembly in soft soil are significantly improved, effectively ensuring the straightness of the exploration path.

[0029] Meanwhile, by using gap-eliminating and stabilizing clamps spaced apart along the extension direction of the chain assembly, the clamps are locked to the outside of the chain assembly by applying pressure with a cylinder, eliminating the cumulative error and fit clearance caused by the multi-stage hinge structure, restoring the overall rigidity of the chain assembly, and enabling it to maintain stable axial performance even when extended over a long distance.

[0030] In addition, a multi-directional high-pressure water cleaning mechanism is installed at the lower part of the fuselage assembly to thoroughly clean the hinge holes and block gaps during chain retrieval, avoiding jamming and clogging caused by sand and gravel residue, and ensuring the reliability of the equipment in complex marine rock and soil environments.

[0031] The instrument compartment is fixed at the end of the chain assembly and integrates power supply and data storage units, enabling convenient installation of the detection payload and real-time recording of formation data. Attached Figure Description

[0032] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0033] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the rigid chain drive unit of the present invention;

[0034] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the chain block structure of the present invention;

[0035] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the chain assembly of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 5 This is a two-dimensional schematic diagram of the present invention;

[0037] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the installation and disassembly mechanism of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the fuselage assembly of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the cleaning mechanism of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 9 This is a bottom view of the cleaning mechanism of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the chain storage mechanism of the present invention.

[0042] In the diagram: 1. Body assembly; 2. Rigid chain drive unit; 21. Drive mechanism; 22. Chain storage mechanism; 23. Chain assembly; 24. Block; 3. Backlash elimination and stabilization mechanism; 4. Installation and disassembly mechanism; 5. Cleaning mechanism; 6. Instrument compartment; a. First chain; b. Second chain. Detailed Implementation

[0043] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0044] Example 1:

[0045] like Figure 1 and 2 As shown, a static penetrometer based on rigid chain drive includes a main body assembly 1, a rigid chain drive unit 2, an installation and disassembly mechanism 4, and a cleaning mechanism 5 disposed thereon; an instrument compartment 6 is provided at the end of the rigid chain drive unit 2, and a backlash elimination and stabilization mechanism 3 is provided on the rigid chain drive unit 2.

[0046] The rigid chain drive unit 2 is mounted on the body assembly 1 and includes a drive mechanism 21, a chain storage mechanism 22, and a chain assembly 23.

[0047] The chain assembly 23 is composed of a first chain a and a second chain b; both the first chain a and the second chain b are formed by multiple blocks 24 hinged together by connecting pins; there is a mutual locking mechanism between the blocks 24 on the first chain a and the blocks 24 on the second chain b.

[0048] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 21 is a combination of a servo motor and a reducer, installed on the upper part of the body assembly 1, to provide power for insertion and retrieval; the chain storage mechanism 22 is a chain box, located on the upper side of the body assembly 1, to accommodate the flexible chain group 23 during retrieval.

[0049] The instrument compartment 6 is fixedly installed at the end of the chain assembly 23 and is made of high-strength material to meet the complex working conditions of reciprocating friction in sand and gravel media.

[0050] The instrument compartment 6 is equipped with a power supply unit (such as a lithium battery) and a data storage unit (such as a high-capacity memory card) to power the probe and record geological data at the probe location.

[0051] Example 2: Locking structure of block 24

[0052] like Figure 3 As shown, the first chain a is formed by hinged connections of multiple first chain blocks via connecting pins, and the second chain b is formed by hinged connections of multiple second chain blocks via connecting pins. The first chain blocks have protruding structures, and the second chain blocks have groove structures that match the protrusions. When the chain assembly 23 is in a pushing state, the first and second chain blocks approach each other, and the protrusions are embedded in the grooves to form a locking state.

[0053] This locking structure allows the torque to be transmitted through the interlocking surfaces of the protrusions and grooves when subjected to non-axial torque, and part of the non-axial torque is balanced with each other, thereby reducing the lateral force on the hinge pin and improving the overall axial stability of the chain assembly 23.

[0054] Example 3: T-shaped cross-section structure of double chain

[0055] like Figure 4 As shown, the first chain a and the second chain b in the chain group 23 are distributed at an angle, so that the cross-section of the chain group 23 forms a "T" shaped structure; in this embodiment, the first chain a and the second chain b are set at a 90° angle, and the two cooperate with each other to form a T-shaped cross-section.

[0056] This T-shaped cross-section design enables the chain assembly 23 to maintain good directionality when penetrating soft soil, effectively preventing deflection and improving the straightness of penetration.

[0057] Example 4: Backlash Elimination and Stabilization Mechanism

[0058] like Figure 5 and 6 As shown, in order to solve the problems of gap between the blocks 24 and cumulative error of multi-stage hinges, the present invention provides a gap-eliminating and stabilizing mechanism 3; this mechanism is set on the chain group 23 and is used to lock and eliminate the gap between the blocks 24.

[0059] In this embodiment, the backlash elimination and stabilizing mechanism 3 includes at least one backlash elimination and stabilizing clamp detachably mounted on the chain assembly 23; such as Figure 5 and 6 As shown, multiple gap-eliminating stabilizing mechanisms 3 are provided at intervals along the extension direction of the chain assembly 23.

[0060] The gap-eliminating and stabilizing clamp adopts a split structure. The inner side of the clamp is provided with a limiting structure that matches the shape of the block 24. During installation, the clamp is fastened to the outside of the chain assembly 23. Pressure is applied by the installation and disassembly mechanism 4 to lock the clamps together and fix them on the chain assembly 23. Under the action of pressure, the clamp applies clamping force to the chain assembly 23, thereby compressing and eliminating the fit gap between the blocks 24 and restoring the overall rigidity of this section of the chain assembly.

[0061] The installation and disassembly mechanism 4 can be installed and disassembled using conventional mechanical clamping, pushing or automatic assembly structures in the art, and its power source can be provided by a cylinder.

[0062] Example 5: Installation and disassembly mechanism

[0063] like Figure 1 As shown, the installation and disassembly mechanism 4 is disposed on the body assembly 1 and is used to install the backlash elimination stabilizing mechanism 3 onto the chain assembly 23 or disassemble it from the chain assembly 23.

[0064] In this embodiment, when the chain assembly 23 extends to a preset length, the drive mechanism 21 pauses operation, and the backlash-eliminating stabilizing clamp is installed on the outside of the currently extended section of the chain assembly 23 by the installation and disassembly mechanism 4. The installation and disassembly mechanism 4 can use conventional mechanical clamping, pushing, or automatic assembly structures in the art to achieve its installation and disassembly functions.

[0065] Example 6: Cleaning Mechanism

[0066] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a cleaning mechanism 5 is provided at the lower part of the machine body assembly 1, which is used to clean the chain assembly 23 during the recycling process.

[0067] The cleaning mechanism 5 includes multiple nozzles arranged in different directions. The spray direction of the nozzles is aligned with the hinge holes of the chain assembly 23 and the gaps of the block 24. The nozzles are connected to an external water source (such as a high-pressure water pump) through pipelines, and the rinsing pressure is adjustable.

[0068] When the exploration operation is completed and the chain assembly 23 begins to be retrieved, the cleaning mechanism 5 is activated to rinse the chain assembly 23 during the retrieval process, removing sand, silt and other impurities remaining in the gaps, and preventing impurities from entering the chain storage mechanism 22 and causing jamming or blockage.

[0069] Example 7: Working Process

[0070] Combination Figures 1 to 10 The working process of the static cone penetrometer of the present invention is as follows:

[0071] Step S1, Extension Stage:

[0072] When the drive mechanism 21 is activated, the chain storage mechanism 22 releases the chain assembly 23. The drive mechanism 21 drives the first chain a and the second chain b to extend synchronously. In this embodiment, the drive mechanism 21 ensures the synchronous movement of the two chains through conventional synchronous transmission methods (such as mechanical synchronization or electrical synchronization).

[0073] Step S2, Installation of the gap elimination mechanism:

[0074] During the extension of the chain assembly 23, when the extension length reaches a preset threshold, the gap-eliminating and stabilizing mechanism 3 is installed on the chain assembly 23 by the installation and disassembly mechanism 4 to eliminate the cumulative error of the current segment of the chain assembly 23. In this embodiment, the gap-eliminating and stabilizing mechanism 3 is set at intervals along the extension direction of the chain assembly 23, and the interval distance can be adjusted according to the actual working conditions within the range of 1 meter to 3 meters.

[0075] Step S3: Repeat installation to the predetermined depth:

[0076] Continue extending the chain assembly 23 and repeat step S2 until the instrument chamber 6 reaches the predetermined detection depth; at this time, multiple gap-eliminating stabilizing mechanisms 3 are installed at intervals on the chain assembly 23, and the straightness and resistance to non-axial torque of the entire chain assembly are significantly improved.

[0077] Step S4, Detection Operation:

[0078] The detection payload inside instrument compartment 6 begins to work, recording data such as formation resistance and pore water pressure, and the data is stored in the data storage unit in real time.

[0079] Step S5, Recycling and Cleaning:

[0080] After the detection operation is completed, the drive mechanism 21 is started to reverse and the chain assembly 23 is retrieved. At the same time, the cleaning mechanism 5 is started to rinse the chain assembly 23. In this embodiment, the cleaning mechanism 5 rinses the chain assembly 23 from multiple different directions, and the rinsing pressure can be adjusted in the range of 5MPa to 20MPa according to the actual working conditions.

[0081] Step S6, End:

[0082] The cleaned chain assembly 23 is stored sequentially in the chain storage mechanism 22, and the equipment returns to its initial state, ready for the next operation.

[0083] The embodiments of the present invention are given for the purposes of illustration and description. Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Any changes, modifications, substitutions and variations made by those skilled in the art to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A static penetrometer based on rigid chain drive, comprising a fuselage assembly (1), characterized in that, Also includes: A rigid chain drive unit (2) is disposed on the body assembly (1). The rigid chain drive unit (2) includes a drive mechanism (21), a chain storage mechanism (22), and a chain group (23). The chain group (23) is composed of a first chain (a) and a second chain (b). Both the first chain (a) and the second chain (b) are formed by multiple blocks (24) hinged together by connecting pins. There is a mutual locking cooperation structure between the blocks (24) on the first chain (a) and the blocks (24) on the second chain (b). A gap-eliminating stabilizing mechanism (3) is provided on the chain assembly (23) for locking and eliminating the gap between the blocks (24); The installation and removal mechanism (4) is provided on the body assembly (1) and is used to install the backlash elimination stabilizing mechanism (3) onto the chain group (23) or remove it from the chain group (23); A cleaning mechanism (5) is located at the lower part of the body assembly (1) and is used to clean the chain assembly (23) during the recycling process; The instrument compartment (6) is fixedly installed at the end of the chain assembly (23) and is used to install the detection payload.

2. The static cone penetrometer based on rigid chain drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chain (a) and the second chain (b) are distributed at an angle, so that the cross-section of the chain group (23) has a "T" shaped structure.

3. A static cone penetrometer based on rigid chain drive according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The backlash stabilizing mechanism (3) includes at least one backlash stabilizing clamp that is detachably mounted on the chain assembly (23).

4. A static cone penetration test device based on rigid chain drive according to claim 3, characterized in that, The gap-eliminating and stabilizing clamp is a pair of split clamp structures. The inner side of the clamp is provided with a limiting structure that matches the shape of the chain group (23). The pair of clamps are locked to the outside of the chain group (23) by the installation and disassembly mechanism (4).

5. A static cone penetrometer based on rigid chain drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning mechanism (5) includes multiple nozzles arranged in different directions. The spray direction of the nozzles is aligned with the hinge holes of the chain assembly (23) and the gaps of the blocks (24). The nozzles are connected to an external water source.

6. A static cone penetrometer based on rigid chain drive according to claim 1, characterized in that, The instrument compartment (6) is made of high-strength material, and the instrument compartment (6) is equipped with a power supply unit and a data storage unit.

7. A static cone penetrometer based on rigid chain drive according to claim 2, characterized in that, Along the extension direction of the chain group (23), a plurality of gap-eliminating stabilizing mechanisms (3) are provided at intervals.

8. A method for applying a static cone penetrometer based on a rigid chain drive, applied to the static cone penetrometer as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Step S1: Start the drive mechanism (21), the chain storage mechanism (22) releases the chain group (23), and the drive mechanism (21) drives the first chain (a) and the second chain (b) to extend synchronously; Step S2: During the extension of the chain assembly (23), the gap elimination stabilizing mechanism (3) is installed on the chain assembly (23) through the installation and disassembly mechanism (4) to eliminate the cumulative error of the current segment of the chain assembly (23); Step S3: Continue extending the chain assembly (23) and repeat step S2 until the instrument chamber (6) reaches the predetermined detection depth to perform static penetration testing. Step S4: After the detection operation is completed, start the drive mechanism (21) to retrieve the chain assembly (23), and at the same time start the cleaning mechanism (5) to clean the chain assembly (23); Step S5: The cleaned chain assembly (23) is stored in the chain storage mechanism (22).

9. The application method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In step S2, the gap-eliminating stabilizing mechanism (3) is arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the chain group (23), with an interval distance of 1 meter to 3 meters.