Hand-Carried Soil Penetrometer With Electrical Rod Actuation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil penetrometers require significant operator strength and endurance, especially in dry and compacted soils, and are challenging for single operators to perform multiple tests efficiently without causing errors due to fatigue.
Innovation Solution
A hand carried enhanced penetrometer system with an electrical or hydraulic mechanical assistance mechanism and an anchoring system that uses an operator's body weight to stabilize the penetrometer during testing, featuring a structural frame with base plates and optional operator seat for anchoring, allowing for ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual penetrometers are used, then the device is simple and portable, but significant operator strength and endurance are required to advance the penetrometer rod into the soil
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical pushing system with an electrical motor-driven actuation system. The motor assembly generates rotational motion that drives the penetrometer rod into the soil, eliminating the need for operators to exert significant downward force on handles while maintaining device portability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a hydraulic or pneumatic assistance mechanism that provides mechanical advantage to advance the penetrometer rod. The hydraulic/pneumatic system uses fluid pressure to amplify the operator's input force or provide automated pushing action, reducing the physical strength required from the operator
2Ease of operation
If manual penetrometers are used, then the device is lightweight and portable, but considerable lifting force is required to retract the probe in tight soils
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual lifting with an electric motor-driven retraction system. The motor assembly reverses its rotation to pull the penetrometer rod back out of the soil, eliminating the need for operators to exert considerable lifting force while maintaining the lightweight portable design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a dynamic control system that allows the operator to control the speed and direction of rod insertion and retraction. The motor can be activated in reverse to provide controlled extraction of the probe, adapting to varying soil conditions without requiring excessive force
3Productivity
If manual penetrometers are used, then the device requires no mechanical assistance, but multiple test sites must be measured during a relatively short testing period is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual operation with an automated motor-driven system that can rapidly insert and extract the penetrometer rod. The electric motor provides consistent, fatigue-free operation that enables multiple test sites to be measured efficiently during short testing periods without the operator experiencing physical exhaustion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a self-contained motor assembly with battery power that enables the penetrometer to perform its own insertion and retraction without continuous manual intervention. The system is designed to be autonomous in its mechanical operations, allowing the operator to focus on testing coordination rather than physical exertion
4Ease of operation
If hand carried enhanced penetrometer is used, then mechanical assistance reduces operator fatigue, but the device must be anchored to the test site surface to manage upward counterforce
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the anchoring function into separate components: a base plate attached to the penetrometer frame and a separate anchor mechanism. This segmentation allows the anchoring system to be added to the portable design without requiring complete redesign of the entire device structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a base plate as an intermediary element between the penetrometer frame and the ground. The base plate provides a stable platform that can be anchored to the test site surface, transferring the upward counterforce from the motor-driven insertion to the ground while keeping the main penetrometer body lightweight and portable
Data Source
AI summary
The hand carried enhanced penetrometer includes an electrical linear actuator system to advance a soil penetration rod into a test site soil during a penetrometer test. The penetrometer also includes a base plate system that uses an operator's static body weight to anchor the penetrometer to a test site surface during a penetrometer test. In operation, an operator places at least one foot on a penetrometer structural base plate and activates the linear actuator to advance a penetration rod into the test site soil. The tripod embodiment of the system includes an operator's seat that allows an operator to conduct a penetrometer test in a seated position while passively anchoring the penetrometer in place at the test site. The invention includes monopod, bipod, and tripod embodiments.