Resonant Column Device Torque Motor Spring Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current resonant column systems require significant expertise, time, and effort to operate, have limited torque capacity, angular deformation, and are prone to corrosion due to exposure to changing pressure and moisture, making them expensive and less useful for dynamic soil property analysis.
Innovation Solution
A resonant column device with a housing and specimen container featuring a torque motor, axial actuator, laser deformation sensor, and automatic cell lift, allowing for automated testing with improved torque capacity and reduced exposure of electronics to corrosive conditions, enabling easier access and more accurate measurement of dynamic soil properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If current resonant column systems are used, then testing can be performed, but significant time and effort are required for setup and operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-positions the torque motor and sensor assembly within the housing before testing begins. The torque motor is suspended from the support bar with springs that are pre-configured to allow vertical movement. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for time-consuming setup during each test, as the system is ready to immediately apply torsional loads and measure angular deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque motor and sensor assembly serves multiple functions: it applies torsional harmonic loads to the specimen, moves vertically with the specimen during consolidation, and measures angular deformation through the laser sensor. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into a single integrated system, improving testing efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If current resonant column systems are used, then testing can be performed, but high level of expertise is required to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The torque motor is suspended on springs that automatically adjust to the specimen's vertical position during consolidation. The system self-regulates the torque application and measurement without requiring manual intervention or complex control procedures. The laser sensor automatically tracks the shear strain target on the specimen, eliminating the need for manual alignment or calibration by the operator.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment and measurement methods with an automated optical measurement system. The laser deformation sensor uses optical principles to measure angular deformation non-contactly, eliminating the need for complex mechanical gauges or manual measurement procedures that require expert operation.
3Reliability
If current resonant column systems are used, then testing can be performed, but electronics are exposed to changing pressure and moisture causing corrosion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electronics (torque motor and laser sensor) from the direct test environment where they would be exposed to changing pressure and moisture. The torque motor is positioned above the specimen container and the laser sensor is positioned outside the specimen container, both isolated from the harsh testing conditions. Only the specimen and minimal mechanical components are exposed to the pressure and moisture environment, protecting the electronics from corrosion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate barriers between the electronics and the corrosive environment. The acrylic cell wall and housing structure serve as intermediaries that isolate the electronics from direct exposure to moisture and pressure changes. The torque motor connects to the specimen through the cell wall without direct contact, and the laser sensor measures through the cell wall, maintaining electrical and optical isolation from the harsh environment.
4Force
If current resonant column systems are used, then testing can be performed, but torque capacity and angular deformation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the torque motor assembly dynamic by suspending it on springs that allow vertical movement. This dynamic configuration enables the torque motor to move with the specimen during consolidation, maintaining optimal positioning and torque application throughout the testing range. The spring suspension acts as a mechanical compliance element that accommodates large vertical deformations while maintaining torque transmission, extending the testing range beyond what fixed systems can achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds vertical movement capability to the torque motor assembly, transforming it from a static horizontal torque application device into a dynamic system that operates in both horizontal (torque) and vertical (consolidation) dimensions. This dimensional extension allows the system to handle specimens undergoing significant vertical deformation while maintaining torque capacity, effectively expanding the testing range for various soil conditions.
5Ease of operation
If current resonant column systems are used, then testing can be performed, but access to specimen container requires removing electronics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional zones: the electronics (torque motor and sensor) are housed in the housing above the specimen container, while the specimen container remains accessible below. The acrylic cell wall can be independently removed or lowered to access the specimen without disturbing the electronics in the housing. This spatial segmentation allows specimen access while preserving the electronics installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The torque motor and sensor assembly is pre-installed in the housing in a position that does not obstruct specimen container access. The support bar and suspension system are pre-configured to allow the torque motor to clear the specimen container opening. This preliminary positioning arrangement enables specimen access without requiring removal or modification of the electronics during 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 device simplifies the resonant column test process, reduces the need for high expertise, and enhances measurement accuracy by applying torsional harmonic loads and anisotropic consolidation, while protecting sensors from corrosion, making the tests more accessible and cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
a laser deformation sensor supported by the base within the housing outside of the specimen container and configured to measure an angular deformation of the specimen, the laser deformation sensor having a laser configured to emit a laser beam
Implementation Method 2
the torque motor configured to apply a torsional harmonic load to the specimen and move with the specimen through vertical deformations of the specimen without applying an axial load to the specimen
Implementation Method 3
an axial actuator coupled to the support bar of the load frame, aligned with the central axis of the specimen container, and configured to apply an axial load to the specimen to produce anisotropic consolidation of the specimen
Implementation Method 4
The resonant column test is performed by vibrating a solid or hollow soil specimen to find the first-mode resonant frequency of the specimen
Data Source
AI summary
A resonant column device configured to perform a resonant column test on a specimen and measure an angular deformation of the specimen. The resonant column device has a housing mounted on a base, a specimen container within the housing, a cell wall surrounding the specimen container, a load frame within the housing with a support bar above the specimen container, a torque motor suspended from the support bar with a plurality of springs, and a laser deformation sensor within the housing outside of the specimen container. The specimen container is configured to hold the specimen during testing. The cell wall is configured to fluidly isolate the specimen container from an interior volume of the housing. The torque motor is configured to apply a torsional harmonic load to the specimen, and the laser deformation sensor is configured to measure an angular deformation of the specimen.