Soil Compaction Device Spring-Mass Energy Harvesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soil compaction devices face challenges in efficiently measuring soil compaction levels and generating electrical energy independently, leading to increased complexity and costs due to the combination of sensors and energy harvesting systems.

Innovation Solution

A device with at least two spring-mass systems having different resonance frequencies is used to convert vibrations into electrical energy, allowing the degree of soil compaction to be determined by analyzing the energy production from these systems, eliminating the need for external power supplies and separate sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conversion device with sensors is used to determine soil compaction, then the degree of compaction can be measured, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil compaction measurementVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the energy harvesting function and soil compaction measurement function into a single conversion device. The conversion device uses spring-mass systems that simultaneously harvest electrical energy from vibrations and measure soil compaction by analyzing the vibration characteristics, eliminating the need for separate sensors and power sources.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The conversion device performs multiple functions: it harvests electrical energy from the vibrations of the soil compaction device and simultaneously measures the soil compaction degree by analyzing the same vibrations. This multi-functional approach reduces overall system complexity while maintaining measurement capability.

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

2Use of energy by moving object

If cable connections are used to supply power to the device, then electrical energy can be provided, but the connections become failure-prone and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical power supplyVSAvoidcable connection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The conversion device harvests electrical energy from the vibrations it experiences during operation, making the system self-powered. This eliminates the need for external cable connections to supply power, thereby improving reliability and reducing maintenance costs associated with cable failures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If separate sensors and conversion devices are used, then measurement and power supply functions are fulfilled, but the combination increases cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil compaction measurementVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sensor functionality and energy harvesting functionality into a single conversion device. The spring-mass systems serve both to generate electrical energy and to provide measurement data about soil compaction, reducing the total number of components and lowering manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces the complexity and cost of soil compaction devices by directly measuring soil stiffness through electrical energy production, providing a self-sufficient energy source and eliminating the need for additional sensors, while effectively monitoring changes in soil compaction.

Implementation Method 1

The technique of generating electrical energy from vibrations using a conversion device is known as Energy Harvesting. These systems are known. They are based, for example, on electromagnetic induction or the piezoelectric effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The technique of generating electrical energy from vibrations using a conversion device is known as Energy Harvesting. These systems are known. They are based, for example, on electromagnetic induction or the piezoelectric effect.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 3

the conversion device comprises at least two spring-mass systems with different resonant frequencies

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentEP3453799B1Soil compacting device and monitoring method
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 BOMAG GMBH
  • EP3453799B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1D
  • EP3453799B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3453799B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A soil compaction device (1) comprising a frame (2) and a drive motor (3) supported by the frame (2), a vibration exciter (4) driven by the drive motor (3), and a soil compaction unit, in particular a base plate (5) or a roller drum (6) connected to the vibration exciter (4), wherein the vibration exciter (4) sets the soil compaction unit into vibration during compaction operation at a defined vibration frequency or within a vibration frequency range, and wherein a conversion device (7) for converting vibrations into electrical energy is provided, which converts vibrations of the soil compaction device (1) into electrical energy, wherein the conversion device (7) comprises two spring-mass systems (10, 11) having different resonant frequencies, and wherein a control unit (17) is provided, which consists of the individual spring-mass systems (10,11) The degree of soil compaction is determined by the electrical energy obtained, in particular the respective voltage. In addition, there is also a method (19) for monitoring changes in the compaction of a soil produced by a soil compaction device (1).