Pile Press-In Chuck Tilting for Low-Height Pile Supply

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Solution Overview

Problem

Pile press-in devices face limitations in areas with height restrictions, as cranes cannot be used to supply piles to the chuck device, and the chuck device's high position interferes with structures like bridge girders, making it difficult to use in low-height environments.

Innovation Solution

A pile press-in device with a chuck tilting mechanism and a pile supplying device that allows piles to be inserted sideways into the chuck device, enabling operation in low-height areas by using a mast tilt and a pickup arm to manage pile supply, and a control system for precise control of the chuck device's rotation and tilting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the chuck device is positioned high to enable pile insertion and erection operations, then the pile insertion and erection functions are achieved, but the device cannot be used in areas with height limitations such as under bridge girders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepile insertion and erection capabilityVSAvoidapplicability in low-height areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a lateral pile insertion capability as a new dimension of operation. Instead of only inserting piles from above (vertical dimension), the chuck device can now receive piles from the side (lateral dimension). This is achieved through a lateral pile insertion mechanism that allows the pile to be inserted horizontally into the chuck device, enabling operation in areas with height limitations while maintaining the erection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If a crane is used to supply piles to the chuck device, then pile supply is efficient, but the crane cannot be used in areas with height limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepile supply efficiencyVSAvoidusability in restricted height areas
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pile supply function from the crane and integrates it directly into the pile press-in device. A dedicated pile supply mechanism is built into the device, allowing it to receive and position piles independently without requiring external crane assistance. This self-contained supply system enables the device to operate in confined spaces where cranes cannot access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pile press-in device is equipped with self-service capabilities for pile supply and positioning. The integrated supply mechanism allows the device to handle its own pile supply needs, eliminating dependency on external equipment like cranes. This self-sufficiency enables operation in areas with restricted access and height limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the chuck device tilts backward to erect piles, then pile erection is achieved, but the rotation center position is high causing interference with bridge girders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepile erection capabilityVSAvoidinterference with surrounding structures
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a lateral tilting mechanism as an alternative to traditional backward tilting. Instead of tilting the chuck device backward (rotating around a horizontal axis), the device can tilt laterally (rotating around a vertical axis). This lateral tilting approach allows the pile to be erected while keeping the rotation center at a lower position, avoiding interference with bridge girders and other overhead structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4350080B1Pile press-in execution method, pile supplying device, and pile press-in device
Publication Date: 2025.12.03 GIKEN SEISAKUSHO CO LTD
  • EP4350080B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4350080B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4350080B1 patent drawingFigure 5A~5B

AI summary

According to the present invention, in order to increase the utility of a pile press-in device in areas with lower height limitations, a pile press-in device 10 comprising a saddle 1, a clamp device 2 that holds upper end parts of existing piles P1-P4, a mast 4 that is provided standing in a turnable manner, and a chuck device 6 that is supported by the mast with a raising and lowering device 5 therebetween and that holds a pile P0, is used for implementation in a pile press-in execution method wherein a pile row is extended on the ground by grasping existing piles with a clamp device and generating reaction force, holding a pile with a chuck device and pressing said pile into the ground via a raising and lowering device, and continuously pressing in piles while moving on the pile row formed by the existing piles. A pile press-in device is applied wherein the chuck device is capable of tilting about a chuck tilting axis CY that intersects with the mast and that is in the direction in which the mast and the chuck device line up. Via the turning of the mast and the tilting of the chuck device, a pile supplying step is implemented wherein a pile is supplied lying sideways, inserted into the chuck device, and held, while the chuck device is in the condition of being laid sideways and projecting outward to the side of the pile row when viewed from the axial direction of the existing piles.