Self-Burrowing Auger Tip for Horizontal Soil Penetration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mechanical movement in granular mediums, such as soil, is difficult due to high strength and increasing soil effective stress with depth, requiring complex designs and external support, which limits efficient horizontal burrowing.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained burrowing device with a minimalist design comprising two segments connected by a micro linear actuator, featuring a rotatable conical or threaded tip to reduce penetration resistance and increase horizontal displacement, controlled by a microcontroller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex designs with external support are used, then burrowing capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burrowing device uses its own body segments and internal actuators to perform burrowing actions without external support structures. The anterior and posterior segments work together with integrated linear actuators to create burrowing motion, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for external mechanical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into distinct anterior and posterior segments that can move independently relative to each other. This segmentation allows each segment to contribute differently to the burrowing process, with the anterior segment leading penetration and the posterior segment providing propulsion through controlled expansion and contraction.
2Speed
If horizontal burrowing is attempted in granular medium, then movement is achieved, but resistance from soil strength increases
Solution Approach 1:
The burrowing device employs periodic expansion and contraction of the space between segments to overcome soil resistance. During expansion, the anterior segment penetrates forward; during contraction, the posterior segment pulls forward. This rhythmic action allows the device to progressively move through granular medium by exploiting the cyclic changes in soil structure and resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The device dynamically adjusts its configuration by varying the distance between segments during the burrowing cycle. The ability to expand and contract the inter-segment space allows the device to adapt to changing soil resistance, optimizing penetration force during high-resistance phases and recovery during lower-resistance phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A burrowing apparatus may comprise an anterior segment and a posterior segment coupled by a linear actuator that is configured to extend and contract the distance between the anterior segment and the posterior segment to effectuate horizontal translation of the burrowing apparatus in a granular medium. The anterior segment may further comprise a conical tip. The conical tip may be configured to rotate relative to the anterior segment, and the conical tip may be an auger. The rotation of the conical tip while the linear actuator extends and contracts may create kinetic asymmetry that may be beneficial to the net horizontal translation in the granular medium. The burrowing apparatus may be advantageously used in applications, for example, in geotechnical subsurface investigation, extraterrestrial exploration, underground contamination detection, and precision agriculture.