Cutting Tool Adapter for Soil-Cement Underpinning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for soil-cement underpinning, such as concrete shaft and jet grouting, are costly, hazardous, and inefficient, particularly in challenging soil conditions, and lack predictability in geometry and extent of soil treatment.

Innovation Solution

A cutting tool adapter that connects a cutting tool to a working machine, allowing for mechanical soil-cement mixing beneath existing structures, enabling the creation of substantially square or rectangular underpinning elements with predictable geometry and sufficient load-bearing capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional concrete shaft underpinning is used, then foundation support can be provided, but the method is expensive and hazardous requiring manual excavation in confined spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation supportVSAvoidworker safety hazards

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical excavation with a mechanical mixing system that uses a working machine equipped with a cutting tool adapter and mixing tool to mechanically mix soil and cementitious material in-situ, eliminating the need for manual excavation in confined spaces

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hydraulic or pneumatic systems through the working machine to deliver cementitious material and operate the mixing tool, replacing manual labor with powered mechanical systems that improve worker safety while providing reliable foundation support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Reliability

If conventional concrete shaft underpinning is used, then foundation support can be provided, but the method is costly and operationally complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation supportVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a multi-functional system where a single working machine with cutting tool adapter can perform excavation, mixing, and installation operations, replacing multiple separate conventional underpinning operations with one universal piece of equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the cutting tool adapter, mixing tool, and cementitious material delivery system into an integrated assembly that performs multiple functions simultaneously, simplifying the installation process compared to separate conventional operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If jet grouting is used, then soil-cement elements can be created, but the geometry and extent of treatment are unpredictable

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil-cement element creationVSAvoidgeometry predictability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the fluid jet grouting system with a mechanical mixing system that uses rotating mixing tools to physically mix soil and cementitious material, providing predictable geometric control through the physical boundaries of the mixing tool and working machine operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental mechanism from fluid-based jet grouting to mechanical mixing, altering the process parameters to include controlled rotation speed, feed rate, and mixing tool geometry that provide predictable and controllable element geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If mechanical mixing is used, then underpinning elements can be formed, but the method lacks adaptability for positioning directly beneath existing foundations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunderpinning element formationVSAvoidpositioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic positioning capabilities through the cutting tool adapter that allows the mixing tool to be positioned and oriented in various configurations, enabling direct placement beneath existing foundations through controlled movement and rotation of the working machine

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution provides a safe, cost-effective, and efficient method for producing soil-cement underpinning elements that can be positioned directly beneath existing foundations, offering predictable geometry and sufficient load-bearing strength, reducing hazards and operational costs compared to conventional methods.

Implementation Method 1

A portion of the cutting tool may then rotate to cut and dislodge the soil from below the existing structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Abrasion

Implementation Method 2

The mixing tool may then combine the soil and the cementitious material to form a soil-cement underpinning element

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical mixing: Stirring

Data Source

PatentUS11788249B2Cutting tool adapter and method of underpinning structures using cutting tool adapter for soil mixing

Publication Date: 2023.10.17 SCHNABEL FOUND

AI summary

A cutting tool adapter for creating an underpinning structure and method of creating the underpinning structure are provided. In some examples, the cutting tool adapter may connect a cutting tool to a working machine arm to enable the cutting tool to cut and dislodge soil below an existing foundation or structure. As the soil is cut and dislodged, it is mechanically mixed with an additive, such as a cementitious material, via the cutting tool. The mixed soil and additive may then harden in the area below the existing structure or foundation to create an underpinning structure to provide additional support for the existing structure or foundation.