Penetration Probe for Joint Material Packing Density

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods lack a reliable way to assess the packing density of unbound joint materials in outdoor surfaces, leading to issues like fines migration, water permeability loss, and structural failures in pavements, which compromise road safety.

Innovation Solution

A device with a penetration element and force application system that applies a defined force to measure the penetration depth into the joint material, allowing for the determination of packing density through the distance moved by the penetrating element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional penetrometer methods are used to measure soil compaction, then the measurement process becomes complex and time-consuming, but the packing density of joint material cannot be reliably determined

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepacking density measurementVSAvoidmeasurement device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the essential measurement function from complex traditional penetrometer systems. By using a simple stamp element with defined geometry and mass, dropped from a standardized height, the device isolates the core penetration measurement capability while eliminating unnecessary complexity of traditional soil compaction equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the measurement parameter from complex multi-factor soil compaction assessment to a single standardized penetration depth measurement. By controlling the stamp mass, drop height, and penetration resistance force, the method transforms the measurement into a standardized test that directly correlates joint material packing density with penetration depth.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If no standardized measurement method is used, then construction defects cannot be identified, but implementing a new measurement system requires additional equipment and procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction quality assessmentVSAvoidmeasurement procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention establishes preliminary standardized parameters before measurement: stamp mass (100g), drop height (10mm), and penetration resistance force (0.5N). These pre-defined parameters enable reliable construction quality assessment without requiring complex real-time adjustments or sophisticated equipment operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a simplified partial measurement approach - measuring only the penetration depth of a lightweight stamp under controlled conditions - rather than attempting to assess all aspects of construction quality. This partial measurement provides sufficient reliability for identifying construction defects while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If joint material packing density is insufficient, then fines migrate and water permeability is lost, but increasing material density requires more material and time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint material stabilityVSAvoidjoint filling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention provides immediate feedback on joint material packing density through the penetration depth measurement. By measuring how far the standardized stamp penetrates into the joint material, the system gives real-time information about material density quality, enabling operators to adjust filling procedures immediately rather than waiting for delayed quality assessment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the approach from increasing material quantity to optimizing material packing quality. By measuring penetration depth, the system identifies the optimal packing density parameter (correlating penetration depth with material stability) without requiring excessive joint filling material or extended filling time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise assessment of packing density, ensuring the quality of floor coverings and allowing for identification of construction defects, thereby enhancing road safety by preventing structural failures.

Implementation Method 1

the force application device is designed in such a way that an impulse of force with a predetermined force can be exerted in a predetermined direction on the penetrating element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpulse force: Impact Force

Data Source

PatentEP3308125B1Device and method for determining the degree of compaction of non-bonded joining material
Publication Date: 2021.03.17 METZING ANDREAS HEIKO
  • EP3308125B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for determining the degree of compaction of non-bonded joining materials and/or bedding materials of a floor surface, wherein the device has a penetration element for penetrating into the joining material and/or the bedding material, a force application device, and a measuring device, wherein the force application device is designed in such a way that a force impact can be exerted on the penetration element with a predetermined force in a predetermined direction, and wherein the measuring device is designed for measuring a distance by which the penetration element has been moved by a force impact which has been applied to the penetration element by means of the force application device.