Cone Penetration Probe With Distributed Seismic Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cone penetration testing methods face challenges in efficiently capturing and transmitting seismic data to a data processing device, often requiring repeated interruptions in probe advancement for seismic measurements.

Innovation Solution

A cone penetration testing device equipped with a transport linkage featuring multiple seismic sensors integrated along its length, allowing for simultaneous or sequential seismic measurements at varying soil depths without interrupting probe advancement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single seismic sensor is used at the probe tip, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and depth information quality are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic data qualityVSAvoidsensor arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport linkage is divided into multiple elements with seismic sensors distributed at different positions along its length. This segmentation allows simultaneous seismic measurements at multiple depths, improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor at the probe tip.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a single-point measurement (one sensor at probe tip) to a distributed multi-dimensional measurement system. Sensors are arranged along the longitudinal dimension of the transport linkage, enabling depth-resolved seismic measurements that provide comprehensive subsurface information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If seismic measurements are performed with a single sensor, then the device operation is simple, but the productivity is reduced due to repeated interruptions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement efficiencyVSAvoidprobe advancement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple seismic sensors distributed along the transport linkage enable continuous seismic measurements during probe advancement. The system eliminates the need to stop and reposition a single sensor, maintaining continuous useful action for both penetration and measurement simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Seismic sensors are pre-positioned at various locations along the transport linkage before probing begins. This preliminary arrangement ensures that sensors are already at the correct depths when needed, eliminating the need for interruptions to reposition sensors during the probing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple seismic sensors are distributed along the transport linkage, then the measurement precision improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth resolutionVSAvoidtransport linkage structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transport linkage serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for probe advancement and simultaneously acts as a distributed sensor platform for seismic measurements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensor mounting structures, managing device complexity while enabling precise multi-depth measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This configuration enhances the acquisition of seismic data by enabling continuous probe advancement while obtaining meaningful measurement data at multiple soil depths, improving measurement quality and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a seismic measuring device for capturing seismic signals... multiple seismic sensors, which are integrated into multiple elements of the transport linkage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeismic wave detection: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS20250137987A1Device and method for cone penetration testing of grounds

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 FRAUNHOFER GESELLSCHAFT ZUR FORDERUNG DER ANGEWANDTEN FORSCHUNG EV

AI summary

The invention relates to a cone penetration testing device comprising a probe, which has a probing cone (1), and in particular a skin friction sleeve (2), as well as an inclinometer and a pore pressure gauge, and comprising a transport linkage (4, 5, 6), which is configured to be connected to the probe at a first of the ends (7) thereof and to push the probe by applying pressure, into a soil region to be probed, as well as a seismic measuring device (9, 10, 11, 12) for capturing seismic signals. The object of capturing the seismic measurement data via a plurality of channels is achieved by the seismic measuring device comprising a plurality of seismic sensors (for example pressure sensors, accelerometers, geophones) (9, 10, 11, 12), which are integrated into one or more elements (4, 5, 6) of the transport linkage and arranged spaced apart from one another along the longitudinal direction of the transport linkage. The various seismic pressure sensors can feed the measurement data thereof into a shared signal conductor (15).