Handheld Sensor Unit for Accurate Underground Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for placing dowels in underground structures lack accuracy and reliability, particularly in unknown or unfamiliar environments, leading to potential errors and reduced security due to the absence of precise knowledge about the underground conditions.

Innovation Solution

A handheld device equipped with a sensor unit for detecting various conditions of the underground, such as material, hardness, and presence of hollow spaces, and a determination unit for processing sensor data to provide information for improved drilling and attachment element placement, optionally with communication to a separate device for centralized data evaluation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensor data detection and processing is implemented, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveunderground condition detection accuracyVSAvoidhandheld device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit is integrated directly into the handheld device for processing underground structures, combining multiple detection functions (optical, acoustic, mechanical sensors) into a single unified device. This merging approach enables comprehensive underground condition assessment while maintaining device portability and ease of use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The handheld device is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as a processing tool for underground structures and as a detection device with multiple sensor types. The device can perform drilling operations while simultaneously detecting underground conditions, eliminating the need for separate specialized equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If real-time sensor data processing is implemented, then manufacturing precision and error resistance are improved, but loss of time in data processing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedrilling and placement operation accuracyVSAvoidsensor data processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The determination unit continuously processes sensor data in real-time during the processing operation, rather than analyzing data after completion. This preliminary action approach allows immediate detection of underground condition changes and instant adjustment of processing parameters, maintaining both precision and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements a feedback loop where sensor data is continuously monitored and processed, and the results are immediately used to adjust the processing operation. The determination unit provides real-time feedback to the operator or control system, enabling dynamic optimization of drilling and placement operations based on actual underground conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12508694B2Hand-held device comprising sensor unit, for characterizing a treated substrate

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 WURTH INT AG

AI summary

Handheld device for manually actuating by a user, wherein the handheld device comprises a processing unit which is configured for processing an underground, and a sensor unit which is configured for detecting sensor data which are indicative for a condition of the underground before, during, and/or after processing the underground.