Soil Column Machine with Rotating Body and Drilling Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soil improvement techniques for producing rigid structures, particularly low-level structures, are inefficient due to the need for multiple tools and phases, safety concerns, and instability of the work platform, with existing machines not suitable for significant depths and prone to vibration damage.

Innovation Solution

A machine with a carrier, mast, and a soil perforating tool, where the body is secured to the perforation tool for direct rotation and translation, allowing for single-phase production of mixed columns with different materials and diameters, reducing component count and assembly complexity, and minimizing vibration impact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of stationary object

If a tank is used to produce rigid structures in the ground, then the structure can be formed, but the tank cannot be introduced into all terrains over sufficient height and vibrations weaken the mast

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedepth of structureVSAvoidmast strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two functional components: a drilling tool for ground penetration and a body for structure formation. The drilling tool can be introduced to significant depths while the body remains above ground, eliminating the vibration problem that affected the mast in previous designs. The drilling tool rotates within the body, allowing the body to be introduced into the ground through rotation without requiring the entire assembly to be inserted.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The problematic tank component is replaced by separating the drilling function from the structure formation function. The drilling tool extracts the penetration function, while the body performs the structure formation. This extraction allows the body to be introduced through rotation of the drilling tool rather than by forcing the entire assembly into the ground, solving both the depth limitation and vibration issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple tools and phases are used to produce low-level structures, then the structures can be formed, but completion time increases and safety risks arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure formation capabilityVSAvoidcompletion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling tool and body are combined into a single integrated device where the drilling tool is received by the body. This merging allows both drilling and structure formation to occur in a single phase using one device, eliminating the need for multiple tools and sequential operations. The drilling tool simultaneously penetrates the ground and introduces the body into the ground through its rotation, consolidating multiple operations into one continuous process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drilling tool serves multiple functions: it penetrates the ground, introduces the body into the ground through rotation, and can supply construction material through its central core. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate tools for each operation, reducing completion time and improving efficiency while maintaining safety by using a single stable platform.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If a single tool is used to produce mixed columns, then productivity increases, but the tool must be suitable for significant depths and various terrains

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidterrain compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drilling tool is designed to rotate within the body, creating a dynamic introduction mechanism. This rotational movement allows the body to be introduced into various terrains adaptably, as the rotation can accommodate different soil conditions and ground characteristics. The drilling tool's ability to rotate and penetrate while introducing the body provides versatility across different terrains while maintaining single-tool productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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, single-tool, single-phase production of rigid structures at significant depths with reduced safety risks and increased efficiency, suitable for low-level structures and mixed or single-material columns with varying diameters.

Implementation Method 1

the rotation of the piercing tool causes the rotation of the body and the translation of the piercing tool causes the translation of the body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3002371B1Machine and method for building columns in a floor
Publication Date: 2017.06.28 SOLETANCHE FREYSSINET SAS
  • EP3002371B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3002371B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3002371B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

The invention relates to a machine (10) for creating columns in soil, of the type comprising a carrier (12) equipped with a mast (14) extending in a longitudinal direction; a movable carriage (16) mounted to slide along the mast (14); a soil drilling tool (20), extending along a longitudinal axis parallel to said longitudinal direction and integral with said movable carriage, having an upper end connected to means for supplying a construction material, and a lower end provided with an orifice (28) for injecting the first construction material; a rotational drive system (18) for the drilling tool (20); and a body (40) extending around the drilling tool (20) such that the drilling tool is able to slide through said body. According to the invention, the machine includes a system for securing the body (40) to the drilling tool (20) in translation and rotation.