Automated Dynamic Cone Penetrometer for Soil Compaction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic cone penetrometers (DCPs) are manual and cumbersome, lacking automation for data collection and transmission, which leads to user error and inaccurate soil compaction assessment, especially in small openings like keyhole openings where accurate readings are difficult to obtain.
Innovation Solution
An automated device with a sensor assembly, data acquisition, and transmitter for DCPs, featuring distance sensing, data processing, and wireless communication to enable remote monitoring and data logging, including weight detection and position verification, allowing for accurate and efficient soil compaction data collection and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual operation and recording methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but user error increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic systems. A sensor assembly with distance sensor, data acquisition circuitry, and wireless transmitter automatically measures penetration depth and transmits data, eliminating manual recording and reducing user error while improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The DCP system performs self-measurement and self-recording through integrated sensors and electronics. The system automatically detects weight position, measures penetration distance, records blow counts, and transmits data without requiring manual intervention, thereby improving accuracy while keeping the core mechanical penetration function simple.
2Measurement precision
If automated sensor assemblies are added to DCP, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a sensor target attached to the shaft, a sensor assembly containing the distance sensor and electronics, and a wireless transmitter. This modular segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies integration while maintaining measurement precision.
3Loss of information
If remote data transmission is implemented, then information loss is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a wireless transmitter as an intermediary device that bridges the DCP measurement system and remote data logging. The transmitter receives data from the sensor assembly and wirelessly transmits it to external devices, eliminating manual data transfer and ensuring complete information capture without requiring complex integrated processing systems.
4Measurement precision
If automated weight detection is added, then measurement precision improves, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a weight detection assembly with a sensor that provides automatic feedback when the drop weight is in the upper position. This feedback mechanism automatically records blow counts and verifies proper weight positioning, improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of operation through automated detection rather than manual counting.
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 automated system reduces user error, provides real-time data monitoring, and enables secure, tamper-proof record-keeping of soil compaction data, facilitating accurate assessments even in small openings by automating the data collection and transmission process.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor assembly features a distance sensor, data acquisition circuitry, and a wireless transmitter. The sensor target is attached to the shaft of the DCP between the conically shaped tip and the anvil. In operation, the distance between the sensor and the sensor target is detected and streamed as an electronic signal from the transmitter.
Implementation Method 2
The weight is then released and permitted to fall freely by gravity. The driving energy generated by the weight hitting the anvil causes the tip of the DCP to move in a downward direction into the soil.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention includes a device and method for more particularly evaluating the compaction of soil by automating the use of a prior art dynamic cone penetrometer such that user error and error caused by field conditions are eliminated. Recordation of penetrometer data previously not recorded is made more precise by the present invention such that standardized measurement results. The device further includes means for facilitating the determination of compaction of soils through keyhole openings and a means for automating the collection and processing of the generated compaction data.