Optical Pile Verification Device Using Laser Triangulation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for verifying precast pile driving are expensive and require extensive instrumentation, limiting test frequency and potentially leading to insufficient or excessive pile driving due to terrain and load capacity challenges.
Innovation Solution
An optical device with a camera, sensor-illuminator, and processing equipment that captures images and measures distances using laser illumination, providing real-time data for determining pile integrity and driving completion, featuring a supporting structure with an inertial system to correct terrain movements and a monitor for displaying processed images, along with a warning system for completion signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current verification systems (PDA, PIT, static load tests) are used, then reliable determination of pile driving completion is achieved, but the cost increases and test frequency is limited due to extensive instrumentation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical instrumentation systems (PDA, PIT) with an optical measurement system using camera, laser sensor-illuminator, and image processing equipment. This substitution maintains verification reliability while significantly reducing device complexity and cost by using non-contact optical methods instead of physical sensors and instrumentation attached to the pile
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a visual copy of the pile surface through high-resolution imaging and laser scanning. By capturing detailed optical images and generating 3D surface models, the system replicates the physical pile's surface characteristics digitally, enabling verification without direct physical contact or complex instrumentation on the actual pile
2Reliability
If current verification systems are used, then load capacity verification is achieved, but the frequency of performing tests is limited and risk of under/over-driving remains
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing slow, complex mechanical testing systems with rapid optical imaging and laser scanning, the patent enables much higher test frequencies. The optical system can capture and process multiple images per second, allowing real-time monitoring of pile driving progress and immediate verification without the time-consuming setup and execution of traditional mechanical tests
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies verification methods continuously during the pile driving process rather than performing separate post-driving tests. By capturing images and measuring surface changes in real-time, the system performs preliminary verification at each stage, enabling immediate detection of driving completion and preventing both under-driving and over-driving
3Reliability
If traditional verification methods are used, then sufficient reliability is achieved, but the cost becomes expensive and the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming mechanical testing procedures with rapid optical capture and digital processing. High-speed cameras and laser scanners can acquire measurements in fractions of a second, and automated image processing algorithms immediately analyze the data, reducing verification time from minutes or hours to seconds while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous verification throughout the pile driving process by maintaining constant optical monitoring. Instead of intermittent discrete tests, the system continuously captures images and measures surface changes, providing uninterrupted verification data that immediately reflects the current state of pile driving completion
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 efficient and reliable verification of pile driving with reduced risk of under/over-exposure, allowing for precise detection of fissures, cracks, and deviations, thereby ensuring accurate termination of the driving process.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor-illuminator, configured to illuminate the surface of the pile and the point of reference by means of a laser illumination pattern
Implementation Method 2
to calculate the actual distance on the pile between the contrast strip and the projection of the point of reference on the surface of the pile
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
An optical device for the verification of pile-driving, comprising a supporting structure, a camera (1), an articulated arm (5) which in turn comprises a point of reference (11), a sensor-illuminator (3) configured to illuminate the surface of the pile (12) and the point of reference (11) by means of a laser illumination pattern, likewise to measure distances with regard to the pile (12); equipment (6) for the processing of the images captured by the camera (1) and of the distances measured by the sensor-illuminator (3); where said equipment (6) is configured so as to measure, on each image captured by the camera (1), a distance Yf between the contrast strip (4) and the point of reference (11) and, by means of triangulation, to calculate the actual distance, Ym, on the pile (12) between the contrast strip (4) and the projection of the point of reference (11) on the surface of the pile (12).