Articulated Arm Assembly for Auger Anchor Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for installing auger anchors in amphibious environments, such as marshes and swamps, face mobility limitations due to the size and weight of specialized equipment, making it difficult to maintain a consistent installation angle between the drill and the earthen surface during drilling.
Innovation Solution
An articulated arm assembly with a control system that allows a single linear actuator to maintain a constant installation angle by operating in a free-floating mode, enabling the drill to extend and retract freely, thereby simplifying the process and reducing operator complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heavy duty truck or large vehicle equipment is used for setting auger anchors, then installation capability is provided, but mobility is limited in amphibious environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the installation equipment into separable components: a lightweight articulated arm assembly that can be detached from the amphibious vehicle. This allows the vehicle to maintain mobility while the arm assembly provides installation capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulated arm assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: positioning the drill, maintaining installation angle, and facilitating auger anchor installation. The same arm assembly can be used for different installation locations and configurations.
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional equipment is used for auger anchor installation, then installation can be performed, but maintaining consistent installation angle becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The control system continuously monitors the installation angle through sensors and provides feedback to the linear actuator control. This closed-loop control automatically adjusts the arm position to maintain the desired installation angle throughout the drilling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-floating mode allows the linear actuator to automatically adjust the articulated arm position in response to drilling resistance and weight changes, maintaining installation angle without requiring continuous manual intervention from the operator.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple linear actuators are controlled to maintain installation angle, then angle precision is improved, but operator complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system merges the control of multiple linear actuators into a unified control architecture. The control system coordinates all actuators simultaneously, allowing a single operator to control the entire system through one interface rather than managing each actuator separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The free-floating mode enables the linear actuators to self-regulate their positions based on real-time drilling conditions and installation angle requirements, reducing the need for continuous manual adjustment and simplifying operator tasks.
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 efficient installation of auger anchors at a consistent angle in challenging environments by allowing the articulated arm assembly to maintain the installation angle with minimal operator effort, improving mobility and installation precision.
Implementation Method 1
a control system coupled to the articulated arm assembly and configured to operate the first linear actuator in a free-floating mode configured to maintain an installation angle between the drill and the earthen surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for installing a land anchor of a foundation in an earthen surface includes an articulated arm assembly including a first linear actuator and a drill configured to releasably couple to a helical member, and a control system coupled to the articulated arm assembly and configured to operate the first linear actuator in a free-floating mode configured to maintain an installation angle between the drill and the earthen surface as the helical member is drilled into the earthen surface.