Automated Pile Casing Depth Measurement Using Sensor Feedback

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring the depth of a pile foundation during casing operations are non-continuous and require manual intervention, leading to rough estimates and potential safety hazards.

Innovation Solution

An automated method using sensors to detect the vertical movement of a machine table attached to a carrier machine, which calculates the casing depth by monitoring the table's position and clamping status, allowing for continuous and precise depth measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual measurement methods are used to check casing depth, then measurement precision can be improved, but productivity decreases due to stopping operations and loss of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasing depth measurement precisionVSAvoidcasing operation productivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement methods with an automated sensor-based measurement system. Sensors detect the vertical position of the table continuously, and a control unit automatically calculates casing depth from these measurements, eliminating the need for manual intervention and stopping operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system is self-service in that it automatically performs depth measurements and calculations without requiring operator intervention. The sensors continuously monitor table position and the control unit autonomously computes casing depth, providing real-time data without stopping the casing operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual measurement is performed to achieve accurate casing depth values, then measurement precision improves, but safety deteriorates due to operator exposure to hazardous areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasing depth measurement accuracyVSAvoidoperator safety hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual measurement operations with an automated sensor system that measures casing depth from a safe distance. The sensors and control unit eliminate the need for operators to physically access hazardous areas near moving pipes and heavy equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor system acts as an intermediary between the measurement objective and the operator. Instead of the operator directly measuring in hazardous areas, sensors collect data and the control unit processes it, providing accurate depth information without exposing personnel to danger.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If continuous monitoring of casing depth is implemented, then productivity improves by eliminating stopping, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecasing operation continuityVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit serves multiple functions: it receives sensor signals, calculates casing depth, monitors clamping status, and provides real-time information display. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that integrates sensor data and clamping status information to produce the depth calculation. This centralized processing approach consolidates multiple functions into a single component, managing system complexity while enabling continuous monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If automated sensor-based measurement is used for continuous monitoring, then productivity improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to indirect measurement methods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous measurement capabilityVSAvoidcasing depth measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from sensors that continuously monitor the actual vertical position of the table. This real-time feedback data is fed to the control unit, which continuously updates the casing depth calculation, ensuring high precision through ongoing measurement and correction rather than single-point indirect measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurement of the table's vertical position using sensors before calculating the casing depth. By measuring the table position directly and continuously as a preliminary step, the system maintains high precision in the subsequent depth calculation without relying on indirect methods.

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

Enables continuous, accurate monitoring of casing depth without stopping the operation, enhancing safety and reducing errors by providing real-time data to operators and improving the prediction of pile completion times.

Implementation Method 1

The vertical movement of the machine table is detected by sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 2

The movement of the handlebar can be detected by means of an inclination sensor or angle sensor installed on the handlebar

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInclination sensing:

Data Source

PatentEP3530813B1Method for measurement of the depth of pipework for pile foundation and implement for pile foundation
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 LIEBHERR WERK NENZING
  • EP3530813B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3530813B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3530813B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for measuring the depth of the piping in pile foundations with an attachment comprising a table for clamping a pipe, wherein the vertical movement of the table is detected indirectly or directly by sensors and summed to calculate the current piping depth.