Dynamic Penetrometer Sensor System for Soil Geomechanics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current dynamic penetrometers face limitations in varying threshing energy, leading to insufficient penetration in hard soils and excessive energy use in soft soils, resulting in inaccurate measurements and operational inefficiencies due to fixed hammer weight and height, which complicates geomechanical characterization of soils.
Innovation Solution
A measurement system integrating an electronic system with a distance sensor and accelerometer, solidified to a dynamic penetrometer, allowing for precise distance measurement and impact counting, enabling adjustable weight and improved energy efficiency through wireless data processing and energy management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-weight hammer is used in dynamic penetrometers, then the device structure is simple and easy to operate, but the penetration energy cannot be adjusted for different soil hardness, resulting in insufficient penetration in hard soils and excessive energy use in soft soils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable weight hammer system where the hammer weight can be dynamically adjusted by adding or removing weight blocks during field operations. This allows the impact energy to be adapted to different soil hardness conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The hammer mechanism transitions from a static fixed-weight design to a dynamic adjustable-weight design, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If manual counting of impacts is performed by operators, then no additional measuring instrumentation is required, but measurement accuracy depends on operator expertise and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual counting method with an automated electronic sensing system. Accelerometers and distance sensors automatically detect and record each impact event and corresponding penetration depth, eliminating human error and operator dependency. The mechanical/manual measurement system is substituted with an electronic automation system, significantly improving measurement precision while adding moderate device complexity through integrated sensors and processing units.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed drop height is used for the hammer, then the device operation is simple and consistent, but the impact energy cannot be varied to optimize penetration for different soil conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a variable drop height mechanism where the hammer release point can be adjusted along the guide rail to change the impact energy. This dynamic adjustment capability allows operators to optimize penetration for different soil conditions while maintaining straightforward operational procedures. The system transitions from a static fixed-height design to a dynamic adjustable-height design, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
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
The system provides reliable and precise geomechanical characterization of soils by accurately measuring soil resistance and penetration depth, enhancing operational efficiency and reducing errors associated with varying soil hardness and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor designed to emit a wave and measure a distance between the measuring device and the ground by means of the wave
Implementation Method 2
an accelerometer designed to detect the successive impacts
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
This practical and efficient measuring device (200) comprises a housing (210) to be attached to a dynamic penetrometer (100), a power supply battery (250) housed within the housing, and an electronic system (240) also housed within the housing and connected to the battery. The electronic system includes an accelerometer and a distance sensor, which, when in operation, is oriented towards the ground and is adapted to determine the distance between the measuring device and the ground surface by measuring the time it takes a wave to travel to and from the ground. The electronic system also includes a processing unit which, when the battery powers the entire electronic system, is adapted to process the measurement signals from the accelerometer and the distance sensor.