Compactor Roller Drum Penetration Depth Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring soil strength during soil compaction are slow, labor-intensive, and lack accuracy, often resulting in inadequate compaction going undetected or feedback being provided too late for cost-effective corrections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that use the stroke depth of a compactor roller and dynamic data related to its displacement to determine soil strength, incorporating sensors like laser, infrared, ultrasonic, and accelerometers to measure penetration depth, bearing capacity, K-value, soil modulus, and energy absorption, with a processor for real-time data processing and visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional soil testing methods are used to measure soil strength, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the testing process becomes slow and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical soil testing methods with a sensor-based measurement system. Sensors mounted on the compactor roller drum detect penetration depth and soil reaction forces electronically, eliminating the need for manual mechanical testing procedures while maintaining measurement accuracy and enabling continuous real-time data collection across the entire compaction site.
Solution Approach 2:
The compactor roller itself serves as the measurement device. By mounting sensors directly on the compaction drum, the system uses the compaction process to generate measurement data automatically. The drum's interaction with the soil during compaction provides the necessary information about soil strength and compaction status without requiring separate testing operations.
2Device complexity
If discrete position soil tests are conducted, then measurement complexity is reduced, but measurement coverage and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms discrete, intermittent soil testing into a continuous measurement process. Sensors mounted on the compactor roller continuously monitor soil penetration depth and reaction forces throughout the entire compaction site during the compaction operation itself, providing comprehensive coverage and reliable data for every location passed by the roller.
Solution Approach 2:
The compactor roller system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it compacts the soil and measures soil strength parameters. The sensor system mounted on the drum provides universal measurement capability across the entire compaction area, eliminating the need for separate testing procedures and ensuring every location is assessed.
3Stability of the object's composition
If compaction passes are increased to ensure adequate compaction, then soil strength uniformity is improved, but time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements real-time feedback control by continuously measuring soil strength parameters during compaction and comparing them against target specifications. The system provides immediate feedback to operators about compaction status, allowing them to adjust the compaction process dynamically and stop when sufficient compaction is achieved, rather than requiring predetermined multiple passes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables dynamic adjustment of the compaction process based on real-time soil conditions and compaction progress. Rather than following a fixed multi-pass regimen, the compaction operation can be adapted dynamically - increasing or decreasing passes as needed based on actual measured soil strength, optimizing both uniformity and efficiency.
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, accurate, and efficient assessment of soil strength across large areas, ensuring uniform compaction and preventing premature failure of structures by providing immediate feedback on compaction status.
Implementation Method 1
Elastic deformation occurs when there is a temporary change in the shape of the soil which is fully recovered when the applied stress (the compactor drum) is removed
Implementation Method 2
the following compacting face applies an impact blow to the soil surface
Implementation Method 3
Plastic deformation occurs when there is a permanent change in the shape of the soil which is not recovered when the applied stress is removed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of, and system (200) for, obtaining an indication of the soil strength of soil (100) over which a compactor roller (10) travels. The method includes determining the depth to which a drum (14) of the compactor roller (10) penetrates into and depresses the soil (100) when the compactor roller (10) travels over a soil surface. The system (200) includes a compactor roller (10), a measuring arrangement (40) and a processor (50) which is operatively connected to the measuring arrangement (40) and which is configured to process data received from the measuring arrangement (40). The measuring arrangement (40) includes an inertia! measurement unit (70, 72, 74) which is operatively connected to the compactor roller (10), wherein the arrangement (40) is configured to obtain an indication of the soil strength of soil (100) over which the compactor roller (10) travels during operation, by determining the depth to which the drum (14) penetrates into and depresses the soil (100) over which it travels.