Hollow Foundation Element with Internal Drilling Shaft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for introducing foundation elements into the ground, such as pile-driving and drilling, result in noise nuisance, potential damage to surrounding structures, and high costs, while existing drilling techniques are limited in accommodating non-round foundation elements and efficient load distribution.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a prefabricated foundation element with a hollow channel for a driving shaft, where a drilling head with a sideward displacement mechanism is used to minimize friction and energy requirements, allowing for the introduction of non-round elements with reduced disturbance and improved load-bearing capacity, and optional integration of conduits for thermal applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If pile-driving is used to introduce foundation elements, then the foundation elements can be installed quickly, but noise nuisance and damage to surrounding buildings occur due to vibrations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidnoise and vibration damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the impact-based mechanical pile-driving system with a drilling-based mechanical system. The drilling head rotates to create holes in the ground, eliminating the violent impact and vibration associated with traditional pile-driving, thus reducing noise and damage to surrounding structures while maintaining installation efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The foundation element introduction process is segmented into distinct phases: first drilling holes to the required depth, then inserting the foundation elements, and finally filling with concrete. This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, ensuring quiet operation during drilling and stable installation during element placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional drilling methods are used, then noise and vibration damage are reduced, but the process is expensive and limited in accommodating non-round foundation elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise and vibration damageVSAvoidcost and adaptability to non-round elements

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling head is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both round and non-round foundation elements. The sideward displacement mechanism can adapt to various cross-sectional shapes, making the drilling system versatile for different foundation element geometries while maintaining the benefits of reduced noise and vibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs parameter changes in the drilling process, including adjustable drilling depth, variable sideward displacement distance, and controllable rotation speed. These adjustable parameters allow the system to optimize performance for different soil conditions and foundation element shapes, improving cost-effectiveness and adaptability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If a hollow tube is rotated into the ground for drilling, then foundation elements can be introduced, but the tube remains in the ground and is expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoundation element introduction capabilityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and removes the drilling tube from the ground after the foundation element is installed. Unlike traditional methods where the tube remains as a permanent structure, this method pulls the tube out, eliminating the need for expensive metal tubes and allowing the hole to be filled directly with concrete around the foundation element

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling tube is treated as a temporary, disposable tool rather than a permanent structure. It is used only during the drilling process and then removed, replacing the need for expensive, long-lasting metal tubes with a cheaper, single-use drilling system that achieves the same functional goal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Ease of operation

If the foundation element rotates simultaneously with the drilling head, then introduction is facilitated, but friction increases and more energy is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintroduction facilitationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control of the foundation element's rotation during the drilling process. The element can be rotated at different speeds or remain stationary relative to the drilling head, allowing optimization of friction reduction while minimizing energy consumption. The system adapts the rotation dynamics to the specific soil conditions and element geometry

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling head creates the hole and prepares the soil displacement before the foundation element is fully inserted. This preliminary action of drilling and soil sideward displacement reduces the friction resistance that the element would otherwise encounter during insertion, thereby reducing the energy required for the introduction process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method reduces noise and damage, enhances load-bearing capacity, and is cost-effective, enabling efficient introduction of non-round foundation elements with reduced energy consumption and improved adaptability to ground conditions, while allowing for thermal usage and simpler joint designs.

Implementation Method 1

the total of the rotating surface area that is in contact with the ground is significantly smaller or even zero (apart from, of course, the drilling head), in comparison with the technique of rotating a hollow tube into the ground, since the foundation element will not co-rotate simultaneously, or only slightly, thus reducing the friction and thus reducing the energy required for the introduction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2209947B1A method of introducing an elongated foundation element into the soil

Publication Date: 2018.11.14 HPSCHROEFPAAL BEHEER BV

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Figure 2a~2b
Figure 4a~4d

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for introducing an elongated foundation element into the ground. According to the invention, the foundation element has a channel that extends over the length of the foundation element, wherein a drilling head provided at the bottom of the hollow foundation element is driven by a driving shaft in the channel of the foundation element, which driving shaft is driven near the upper end of the foundation element, the driving of the drilling head and a downward force exerted thereupon result in ground being pushed away and in that the foundation element is at least partially introduced into the ground. The invention also relates to a device for introducing a foundation element into the ground.