Mobile Foundation Machine Tool Alignment Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mobile work machines for deep foundations require iterative and cumbersome correction steps to achieve the desired angle of inclination for tools like drill pipes, relying on human intervention and experience, which is inefficient and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A mobile work machine equipped with an inclination measuring device and a control unit that rotates the superstructure and adjusts the leader's position to automatically achieve a preset angle of inclination, allowing simultaneous correction in both directions without influencing previously corrected alignments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If conventional iterative correction method is used, then the tool can be aligned, but the alignment process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool inclination angleVSAvoidalignment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical correction process with an automated control system that uses sensors to detect tool inclination and automatically adjusts the tool position through coordinated movement of the uppercarriage and leader, eliminating the need for iterative manual corrections

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting its own inclination through sensors and correcting its position without external intervention, with the control unit autonomously coordinating the uppercarriage rotation and leader position adjustment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If manual correction method is used, then the tool alignment can be achieved, but it requires high operator experience and skill

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool inclination angleVSAvoidoperator skill requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual operational skill with an automated control system that uses sensors and algorithms to determine the optimal correction movements, making the alignment process independent of operator experience

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors tool inclination through sensors and uses this feedback to automatically adjust the tool position, creating a closed-loop control system that ensures precise alignment without requiring operator judgment

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If iterative correction in one direction is performed, then partial alignment is achieved, but subsequent corrections in perpendicular direction disrupt the first correction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetool inclination angleVSAvoidcorrection process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the correction of both inclination directions into a single coordinated operation, where the control unit simultaneously calculates and executes adjustments in both the uppercarriage rotation and leader position to achieve alignment in both directions without iterative disruption

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system addresses the two-dimensional correction problem by adding the leader position adjustment dimension to the uppercarriage rotation, enabling simultaneous correction in both horizontal and vertical inclination directions through coordinated movement in multiple degrees of freedom

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 solution significantly reduces the time and effort required to align tools accurately, enabling precise and reliable insertion of deep foundation elements with minimal operator intervention and improving the overall efficiency of the process.

Implementation Method 1

an inclination measuring device for determining an inclination of the tool to be inserted relative to the ground

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3964686B1Mobile working machine for foundations and method for aligning a tool of such a working machine
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 LIEBHERR WERK NENZING
  • EP3964686B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3964686B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1d
  • EP3964686B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a mobile work machine for deep foundations, in particular by rotary drilling, piling, vibrating, jetting and/or pressing, comprising: a chassis with a running gear, a superstructure rotatable relative to the chassis, and a mast arranged on the superstructure and designed to move a tool to be inserted into the ground vertically or at an angle, wherein the distance of the mast relative to the superstructure is adjustable. The machine is characterized by an inclination measuring device for determining an inclination of the tool to be inserted relative to the ground and a control unit designed to rotate the superstructure and/or vary the distance of the mast to the superstructure, depending on the inclination of the tool determined by the inclination measuring device, in order to obtain a preset inclination angle of the tool.