Soil Compaction Device Using Gas Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil compaction devices, such as vibration tampers and rammers, face challenges in accurately measuring soil compaction due to complex and costly sensor systems, leading to inefficient labor and potential damage from insufficient compaction.
Innovation Solution
The use of gas pressure or air pressure sensors and air flow sensors to detect soil compaction, which simplifies the measurement process by correlating sensor signals with soil stiffness and compaction, allowing for precise evaluation of soil parameters using commercially available sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If complex sensor systems (acceleration sensors, laser sensors, multiple sensors) are used to measure soil compaction, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision and cost-effectiveness deteriorate due to complex data evaluation and high costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex multi-sensor systems and implements it using a single pressure sensor that directly measures the contact force between the compaction device and soil. This eliminates the need for complex mathematical conversions and data fusion algorithms required by acceleration and laser sensors, thereby simplifying the system while maintaining or improving measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex electronic sensor systems (acceleration sensors, laser sensors) with a simpler pressure sensing mechanism that directly measures mechanical contact force. This substitution leverages the inherent mechanical interaction between the compaction device and soil, converting a complex measurement problem into a direct force measurement task that requires minimal data processing.
2Reliability
If multiple sensors are used at different positions to detect changing distances, then compaction detection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to complex mathematical conversion and time-consuming data evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor directly measures the contact force between the compaction device and soil, providing immediate and intuitive feedback without requiring complex mathematical conversions or time-consuming data evaluation. The sensor system serves itself by converting physical contact into measurable electrical signals that can be directly interpreted as compaction status, eliminating the need for elaborate data processing algorithms.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing sensor technology is used with rammers that have small ground contact plates, then measurement attempt is made, but measurement accuracy deteriorates because rammers can temporarily lose contact with ground completely
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor is positioned to measure contact force before the compaction device loses ground contact. By detecting the force applied to the soil during the compaction stroke, the system captures measurement data at the critical moment when contact exists, preventing data loss that would occur if measurement attempted after contact is lost.
4Reliability
If workers compact soil for longer or more heavily as precautionary measure, then compaction safety is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to unnecessary labor and time costs
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on the contact force between the compaction device and soil, enabling workers to objectively assess compaction progress. This feedback mechanism allows workers to stop compaction when sufficient force has been applied, eliminating the need for precautionary over-compaction and unnecessary labor, thereby improving productivity while maintaining compaction quality.
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
This approach provides accurate and efficient soil compaction measurement, reducing labor costs and preventing damage by signaling sufficient compaction to operators, thereby improving construction quality.
Implementation Method 1
at least one gas pressure sensor or air pressure sensor is provided for detecting a pressure of gas or air between the drive unit (4, 20) and the ground contact device (6, 21)
Implementation Method 2
or at least one air flow sensor is provided for detecting an air flow between the drive unit (4, 20) and the ground contact device (6, 21)
Implementation Method 3
The relative movement between the upper and lower masses is usually dampened by spring assemblies
Implementation Method 4
a bellows is arranged between the upper and lower mass, which on the one hand keeps out dirt and on the other hand defines a closed air spring or air chamber when the rammer moves up and down
Data Source
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AI summary
A soil compaction device (1) for compacting a soil area, in particular a vibratory rammer (1), vibratory plates or rollers, is proposed, wherein at least one vibration unit and/or oscillation unit driven by a drive (2) is provided, wherein the vibration unit and/or oscillation unit comprises at least one contact element (6) of a soil contact device (5), wherein the soil contact device (5) is relatively movable in relation to a drive unit (4) comprising at least the drive (2), and wherein at least one sensor unit (19) is provided for detecting a soil parameter and/or soil compaction, which at least partially improves the disadvantages of the prior art, in particular enabling the detection of a soil parameter and/or soil compaction without great effort and/or with good accuracy.According to the invention, this is achieved by the sensor unit (19) comprising at least one gas pressure sensor (19) for detecting a gas pressure and/or a gas flow sensor for detecting a gas flow.