Lead Casing Line and Level Sensing for Small Auger Bores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing auger boring methods struggle to accurately determine the line, level, pitch, and roll of a borehole without the use of mechanical or hydraulic steering heads, particularly in casings smaller than 24 inches, limiting their application and precision.
Innovation Solution
A housing assembly attached to the lead casing, equipped with a light emitting device and inclinometer, illuminates the water stream within the casing to allow for line determination using a surveying instrument, while the inclinometer provides pitch and roll data, enabling precise alignment and orientation control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional auger boring methods are used without mechanical or hydraulic steering heads, then the cost is reduced and the method remains widely understood, but the ability to accurately determine line, level, pitch, and roll of the borehole deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical steering heads with a combination of water level indication system and inclinometer sensors. The water level system uses hydrostatic pressure to indicate elevation, while inclinometers use gravitational force on a proof mass to measure pitch and roll angles, providing accurate measurements without mechanical steering components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a water level as an intermediary medium to transfer elevation information from the borehole to the surface. The water column transmits the elevation data passively through hydrostatic pressure, eliminating the need for direct mechanical measurement devices in the borehole.
2Measurement precision
If personnel access is required to determine grade and line using surveying equipment, then measurement capability is improved, but the minimum casing diameter requirement of 24 inches increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of personnel access with optical and electronic measurement systems. Inclinometers with optical sensors and LEDs provide line determination without requiring physical access to the borehole, enabling measurement in smaller casings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-measurement through the casing by using the casing wall itself as a reference surface. The inclinometer measures angles relative to the casing orientation, and the water level system uses the casing as a conduit for water transmission, eliminating the need for external personnel intervention.
3Measurement precision
If a water level system is used to indicate elevation, then the indication of level is improved, but the ability to determine pitch and roll deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the water level elevation indication system with inclinometer-based pitch and roll measurement systems into a single integrated measurement platform. Both systems share the same housing and data transmission infrastructure, providing complete spatial orientation information simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that performs multiple functions: the water level system provides elevation indication while the inclinometers provide pitch and roll measurement. The system universally handles all four parameters (line, level, pitch, roll) through a single integrated setup, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems.
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
Enables accurate determination of borehole alignment, pitch, and roll in smaller casings, enhancing the precision and efficiency of auger boring operations without the need for mechanical steering heads.
Implementation Method 1
A housing assembly attached to the lead casing, equipped with a light emitting device and inclinometer, illuminates the water stream within the casing
Implementation Method 2
the inclinometer provides pitch and roll data, enabling precise alignment and orientation control
Implementation Method 3
illuminates the water stream within the casing to allow for line determination using a surveying instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A line and level determination system for a trenchless construction apparatus has a block assembly which is attached by welding to a lead casing to be installed with the trenchless construction apparatus. The block assembly has a water inlet, a water outlet, a tilt sensor and a light emitting device disposed within the water outlet. A water hose has a first end attached to the water inlet and a second end attached to a water source. The line and level determination system has a controller connected to the tilt sensor and the light emitting device. The controller selectively energizes the tilt sensor and the light emitting device. Data from the tilt sensor is displayed on a screen of the controller. A surveying instrument, such as a theodolite, may be utilized to determine line from the illumination of the light emitting device into the casing.