Ground Drilling Device Parameters for Real-Time Soil Classification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining soil class during construction processes are costly and time-consuming, requiring expert analysis of soil samples.

Innovation Solution

Determine soil class by evaluating parameters of the ground drilling device and its operating parameters during the creation of an earth borehole, using sensors and databases to correlate drilling data with soil classification systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If expert analysis of soil samples is used to determine soil class, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil class determination accuracyVSAvoidtime for sample analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/manual process of expert soil sample analysis with an automated evaluation system that uses sensors and processing units to analyze drilling parameters (torque, power, rotational speed, feed rate) in real-time during the drilling process, eliminating the need for separate sample collection and laboratory analysis

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model of soil classification by correlating drilling process data with soil class characteristics, using the drilling parameters as proxies to infer soil properties without physically extracting and analyzing soil samples

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If expert analysis of soil samples is used to determine soil class, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoil class determination accuracyVSAvoidcost of sample analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive expert analysis services with an automated computational system that processes drilling parameter data through algorithms and databases to determine soil class, significantly reducing the cost associated with expert time and laboratory facilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling machine itself performs the soil classification function by using its own operational data (torque, power, speed, feed rate) to determine soil class, eliminating the need for separate expensive expert analysis services

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional sample taking and analysis is used, then reliability of soil determination is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of soil determinationVSAvoidspeed of soil classification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous soil classification throughout the drilling process by continuously monitoring drilling parameters and continuously updating soil class determination, rather than performing discrete sample analysis at intervals, thereby maintaining both reliability and high productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary soil classification during the drilling process itself, allowing construction planning to proceed simultaneously rather than waiting for post-drilling sample analysis, thus improving overall project productivity while maintaining determination reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12448886B2Method and system for determining a soil class and use during determination of a soil class

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 TRACTO TECHN

AI summary

The invention relates to methods for determining a soil class, in which an earth borehole is introduced into the ground by means of a ground drilling device with a drill head, wherein a parameter of the ground drilling device and/or an operational parameter of the ground drilling device is assessed during the determination of which soil class is involved.