Pile Key Plate Coupling for Faster Rotary Driver Engagement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pile-to-rotary pile driver coupling interfaces require time-consuming alignment and bolt insertion processes, complicating the coupling and decoupling of piles with rotary pile drivers, which affects efficiency and increases labor costs.
Innovation Solution
A pile-to-rotary pile driver coupling interface featuring a keyhole on the pile and a corresponding key on the rotary pile driver tool allows for torque transfer without the need for bolt insertion, enabling quick engagement and disengagement by simple rotation and lifting, respectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If through holes are used to couple the pile to the rotary pile driver, then the coupling interface is established, but the alignment and bolt insertion process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the time-consuming alignment and bolt insertion steps from the coupling process by replacing them with a simple rotation mechanism. The keyed coupling interface allows the pile to be coupled to the rotary pile driver by a single rotational motion, eliminating the need for precise hole alignment and multiple bolt operations.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a conventional bolted flange connection where components are aligned and fastened, the invention inverts the approach by using a keyed interface where a key on the pile engages with a corresponding keyway in the rotary pile driver. This inversion transforms a multi-step alignment process into a simple rotation-and-lock mechanism.
2Reliability
If conventional coupling interfaces are used, then the pile can be coupled to the rotary pile driver, but the process requires precise two-dimensional positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional coupling approach by replacing the need for two-dimensional positioning with a keyed rotational interface. The key and keyway geometry ensures proper engagement through rotation alone, eliminating the complexity of aligning multiple holes in two dimensions while maintaining strong mechanical connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The keyed coupling interface is self-aligning through its geometric design. The key on the pile automatically engages with the keyway in the rotary pile driver during rotation, providing self-positioning functionality that eliminates the need for external alignment tools or procedures.
3Strength
If bolts are used to secure the coupling, then the connection is secure, but additional assembly and disassembly time is required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the bolts and nut assembly operations from the coupling process, replacing them with a keyed rotational interface. The key geometry provides the necessary mechanical strength and torque transmission without requiring separate fastening components, thereby eliminating the time-consuming assembly and disassembly of multiple bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of alignment, connection, and torque transmission into a single keyed interface. Instead of separate alignment holes and bolted connections, the keyway integrates all these functions into one geometric feature that accomplishes the coupling in a single rotational motion.
Data Source
AI summary
A pile includes an interior; a first end; a second end; a coupling plate; and through holes. The coupling plate is located within the interior between the first end and the through holes. The coupling plate includes a keyhole configured to engage a key of a rotary pile driver tool.