Self-Drilling Static Penetrometer With Nested Cutting Edge
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil penetration measurement methods, such as drilling followed by pressuremeter installation and standard penetration tests, are imprecise and limited in crossing hard soils, often disturbing the soil and requiring extensive handling and resources.
Innovation Solution
A penetrometer with a central rod and surrounding hollow tube, featuring a cutting edge with movable measuring tips and fluid injection system, allowing for precise static mode resistance measurements and improved penetration through hard soils by defining a continuous attack surface and utilizing fluid ejection to clear debris.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If drilling methods are used to penetrate hard soils, then penetration capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to soil disturbance
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the penetration function into two parts: a cutting edge with cutting elements that performs mechanical drilling through hard soils, and a separate measuring tip that performs static penetration resistance measurement. This allows the cutting function to handle hard soils while the measuring tip provides undisturbed soil resistance measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring tip acts as an intermediary element that can be extended from the cutting edge housing to perform measurements in the soil without the disturbance caused by the cutting elements. The fluid injection system also serves as an intermediary to clear debris and facilitate both cutting and measurement operations.
2Speed
If destructive drilling methods are used, then penetration capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to alternating tools and handling
Solution Approach 1:
The device merges the drilling function (cutting edge with cutting elements) and the measurement function (measuring tip) into a single integrated penetrometer assembly. This eliminates the need to alternate between separate drilling tools and pressuremeters, reducing handling complexity while maintaining penetration capability through hard soils.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow tube serves multiple functions: it houses the measuring tip, provides structural support for the cutting edge, and acts as a conduit for fluid injection. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device while maintaining both penetration and measurement capabilities.
3Strength
If cutting elements are added to the penetrometer, then penetration capability through hard soils is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring tip is nested within the cutting edge housing, allowing the measuring tip to be retracted into the housing when not in use and extended when measurements are needed. The cutting elements are integrated into the housing structure, creating a compact nested arrangement that reduces overall device complexity while maintaining both cutting and measurement functions.
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 precise and efficient soil resistance measurements in static mode with enhanced capability to cross hard soils, reducing measurement errors and handling complexities compared to traditional methods.
Implementation Method 1
The cutting edge includes nozzles connecting the internal and external housings of the cutting edge, for ejecting a fluid, said fluid being conveyed to the internal housing via the hollow tube or central rod
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 1c
AI summary
The invention relates to a penetrometer (100) for the static measurement of soil penetration resistance, comprising at least one central rod (1) terminating at a first end (1a) by a measuring tip (10), and at least one hollow tube (2) surrounding the central rod (1). The penetrometer (100) includes a cutting edge (3) integral with the hollow tube (2), and having a lower face (3a) for drilling into the soil provided with first cutting elements (31). The cutting edge (3) accommodates the measuring tip (10) in an internal housing (32), the measuring tip (10) being movable in translation along a penetration axis. The measuring tip (10) is provided with second cutting elements (12) on a lower face, such that, in a retracted position of the measuring tip (10), the first (31) and second (12) cutting elements define a continuous cutting surface.