Deep Vibrator Soil Compaction Detection Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for soil compaction using deep vibrators lack efficient online detection and control mechanisms, leading to inefficient compaction processes and increased wear on equipment due to unnecessary vibration without significant compaction success.

Innovation Solution

A method for online compaction detection and control using a deep vibrator with a rotating unbalance and sensors to determine soil stiffness values over time, allowing for the creation of a stiffness profile and termination of the compaction process when a significant increase in soil rigidity is detected, indicating maximum compaction is achieved.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If deep vibrator continues vibration without online detection, then compaction coverage is improved, but equipment wear increases and energy is wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction uniformityVSAvoidenergy waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements online detection of soil stiffness during vibration compaction using sensors that provide real-time feedback on compaction status. The system monitors soil stiffness parameters and automatically adjusts or terminates vibration when maximum compaction is achieved, preventing energy waste while ensuring uniform compaction coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The deep vibrator system performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors that detect soil stiffness changes. The system autonomously determines when compaction is complete based on detected stiffness thresholds, eliminating the need for continuous operation and reducing energy consumption while maintaining compaction quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If deep vibrator operates without online detection, then equipment simplicity is maintained, but compaction efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical monitoring systems with sensor-based detection systems. Electrical or electronic sensors measure soil stiffness parameters directly, substituting mechanical measurement methods and enabling efficient online detection without significantly increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system serves multiple functions: monitoring soil stiffness, determining compaction completion, controlling vibration termination, and providing data for compaction quality assessment. This multi-functionality increases compaction efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If deep vibrator uses fixed compaction parameters, then operation simplicity is maintained, but compaction quality varies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompaction qualityVSAvoidoperation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed, static compaction parameters to dynamic parameters that adjust in real-time based on detected soil stiffness. The system automatically modifies vibration amplitude, frequency, or duration according to actual soil conditions, ensuring consistent compaction quality while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically changes compaction parameters such as vibration amplitude, frequency, or duration based on real-time soil stiffness detection. When maximum compaction is detected through stiffness threshold monitoring, the system automatically adjusts parameters or terminates vibration, ensuring optimal compaction quality without requiring complex manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables efficient soil compaction by reliably recognizing when maximum compaction is reached, reducing unnecessary vibration and equipment wear, while allowing for the optimization of compaction parameters and grid selection.

Implementation Method 1

a deep vibrator (2) having an unbalance (3) that can be driven to rotate in a vibrator housing (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotating unbalance: Eccentric

Implementation Method 2

Deep vibrators are used for deep compaction of loosely stored soils, which are dynamically excited by a rotating imbalance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

at least one sensor (6), wherein the method comprises the steps of: introducing the deep vibrator (2) into the soil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection: Accelerometer

Data Source

PatentEP3517687B1Method for compaction detection and control when compacting soil using deep vibrator
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 KELLER HOLDING GMBH
  • EP3517687B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3517687B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3517687B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for detecting and controlling compaction during soil compaction using a deep vibrator, which has a rotatably driven eccentric (3) and at least one sensor (6, 12, 13, 14, 19), comprising the steps of: inserting the deep vibrator (2) into the soil (17) to a desired final depth (Tm); compacting the soil (17) in compaction steps, whereby the lead angle (ϕ) of the eccentric (3) and the vibration amplitude (A) of the deep vibrator (2) are determined; during a compaction step, detecting a soil stiffness profile from soil stiffness values ​​(k) determined over time (t); Determining a first soil stiffness value (k1) and a second soil stiffness value (k2) from the soil stiffness curve, for which a rate of increase (k'2) of the second soil stiffness value (k2) exceeds a rate of increase (k'1) of the first soil stiffness value (k1) by a defined factor;Calculate a transition soil stiffness value (k12) that lies between the first soil stiffness value (k1) and the second soil stiffness value (k2); and store the transition soil stiffness value (k12) recorded in the respective compaction step at the corresponding depth (T).