Compression Guide Device for Precision Pile Hole Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for creating holes in the ground, such as drilling, can lead to soil collapse in weak soils and are undesirable on contaminated sites, as they generate spoils and lack precision.

Innovation Solution

A guide device comprising a compression hammer with a shaft and a guide frame member, where the movement control assembly moves the hammer to compress soil, increasing density and creating a more rigid and accurate hole without spoils, and can be used with an alignment system for precise placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional drilling methods are used to create holes in the ground, then holes can be formed, but soil collapse occurs in weak soils and spoils are generated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole stabilityVSAvoidspoil generation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of removing soil to create a hole (drilling/boring), the invention inverts the approach by compressing and densifying the soil in place to form a rigid hole structure. The compression hammer applies downward force to compact soil particles, eliminating voids and creating a stable hole without generating spoils.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical state of soil from loose and porous to dense and rigid through compression. By applying mechanical compression forces, the soil particles are packed together, increasing density and eliminating the voids that cause collapse, thereby transforming the soil's mechanical properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If drilling methods are used to create holes, then holes can be formed, but manufacturing precision is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole dimensional toleranceVSAvoidguide device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide frame acts as an intermediary structure between the compression hammer and the ground. It provides a rigid framework that guides the hammer's movement, ensures proper alignment, and maintains dimensional tolerances during hole formation, thereby improving precision without requiring an overly complex device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device is segmented into functional components: the guide frame for positioning, the movement control assembly for motion control, and the compression hammer for soil compaction. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function optimally while maintaining overall simplicity and precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If compression hammer is moved manually along guide frame, then hole formation is simple, but productivity is low

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehole formation speedVSAvoidmovement control assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces manual mechanical operation with automated control systems. The movement control assembly uses hydraulic, pneumatic, or electric actuators to automatically position and operate the compression hammer, significantly increasing productivity while keeping the overall device structure manageable through modern actuation technology.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 guide device forms holes with higher dimensional tolerances and increased soil density, reducing the risk of collapse and spoil generation, while allowing for precise placement and versatility in different soil conditions.

Implementation Method 1

By compressing soil materials, which has the effect of increasing soil density around the hole, a more rigid and accurate hole is created

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS9797199B1High speed precision guide device for creating holes for piles or other support members

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 GOCHIS BERNARD J

AI summary

A guide device and associated methods for forming a hole in the ground using compression or other means. In one example, the guide device includes a compression hammer having a hammer tip; a guide frame member for guiding the compression hammer into one or more positions along the guide frame member; and a movement control assembly securing the compression hammer to the guide frame, the movement control assembly selectively moving said compression hammer along said guide frame, so that said compression hammer forms the hole in the ground. By compressing soil materials, which has the effect of increasing soil density around the hole, a more rigid and accurate hole (i.e., within higher dimensional tolerances) is created when compared with holes created by drilling/boring/excavation.