Segmented Soil Measuring Probe with Composite Stiffening

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soil measuring probes face challenges in being both easily installable and capable of reaching deep soil levels, often requiring specialized equipment and skilled labor, and existing solutions like hammering metal electrodes are limited in depth penetration.

Innovation Solution

A measuring probe with an elongate body comprising a high-impact first member and a stiff, resistant second member, allowing deep penetration by hammering, featuring a combination of engineered polymer and fiber-reinforced materials with electrodes for parameter measurement, and a design that remains straight and aligned with gravity for efficient installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a probe is designed to be hammered into the ground by unskilled labor using common tools, then ease of operation is improved, but depth penetration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoiddepth penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into multiple sections that can be connected end-to-end. Each section has a standardized connection interface allowing sequential assembly as the probe is hammered into the ground, enabling deep penetration while maintaining manageable installation steps for unskilled workers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The probe incorporates a stiff second member (such as a fiber-reinforced polymer or composite material) that provides high bending resistance and structural integrity, enabling the probe to maintain straight alignment during hammering and achieve greater depth penetration without buckling or breaking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Length of moving object

If a probe is made long and thin to reach deep levels, then depth penetration is improved, but resistance to bending increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth penetrationVSAvoidresistance to bending

Core Design Contradiction:

Length of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The probe incorporates a stiff second member (such as a fiber-reinforced polymer or composite material) that provides high bending resistance and structural integrity, enabling the probe to maintain straight alignment during hammering and achieve greater depth penetration without buckling or breaking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The probe features a concentrated stiffening element (second member) positioned strategically within the structure, providing maximum bending resistance at critical locations while maintaining overall probe flexibility and ease of installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of operation

If existing metal electrodes are hammered into the ground, then ease of operation is improved, but depth penetration is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoiddepth penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The probe is divided into multiple sections that can be connected end-to-end. Each section has a standardized connection interface allowing sequential assembly as the probe is hammered into the ground, enabling deep penetration while maintaining manageable installation steps for unskilled workers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The probe incorporates a stiff second member (such as a fiber-reinforced polymer or composite material) that provides high bending resistance and structural integrity, enabling the probe to maintain straight alignment during hammering and achieve greater depth penetration without buckling or breaking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS12153006B2Measuring probe for measuring in ground a parameter and a method for making such a probe

Publication Date: 2024.11.26 SENSOTERRA INT HLDG BV

AI summary

A measuring probe for measuring in ground a parameter, the probe having an elongate body with a tip as a leading end and a head as a trailing end, the elongate body having a first and a second member which each extend in a longitudinal direction of the elongate body, the second member provides resistance against bending of the first member when the tip is advanced into the ground by hammering on the head.