Soil Removal Device with On-Tool Imaging for Adaptive Drilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing soil removal devices face challenges in efficiently removing soil material due to varying soil types, as settings optimized for one type, such as sand or clay, can lead to excessive wear when encountering rocky layers, and indirect methods like sound measurement are unreliable for real-time detection.

Innovation Solution

A soil removal device equipped with an image acquisition unit on the excavation tool allows for direct imaging of in-situ soil, enabling immediate detection of soil type, components, and properties, which is then used to control the removal process by adjusting parameters like rotational speed and feed rate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If machine parameters (cutting speed and feed rate) are set for sandy or clay soil, then efficient soil removal is achieved, but excessive wear on the removal tool occurs when encountering rocky soil

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil removal efficiencyVSAvoidtool wear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by enabling real-time adjustment of machine parameters (cutting speed and feed rate) based on detected soil type. The system transitions from static, pre-set parameters to dynamic, adaptive parameters that change according to the actual soil conditions encountered during drilling, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and tool wear resistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback through a detection device that continuously monitors soil type and feeds this information back to the control system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust parameters to match actual soil conditions, preventing excessive tool wear while maintaining optimal removal efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If indirect sound measurement methods are used to determine soil type, then soil identification can be performed, but reliable and rapid soil identification becomes difficult due to influence from water content, depth, and machine parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil type detection capabilityVSAvoidsoil identification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces indirect acoustic measurement methods with direct visual detection using an image acquisition device. This substitution eliminates the ambiguities of sound-based indirect measurement and provides direct, unambiguous visual information about soil type, constituents, and properties, significantly improving measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses image capture to create a visual copy of the actual soil at the drill tip location. This optical copy provides direct information about soil characteristics without being influenced by indirect factors like water content or depth, enabling accurate and rapid soil identification

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Measurement precision

If image acquisition unit is arranged on the removal tool, then direct imaging of in-situ soil enables accurate soil type detection, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesoil type detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice structural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by integrating the image acquisition device into the existing removal tool structure, allowing the tool to serve multiple functions: both soil removal and soil type detection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated detection equipment, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity

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

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 enables precise and efficient soil removal by accurately identifying soil types and adjusting the removal tool's settings in real-time, reducing wear and improving operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

at least one image acquisition unit is arranged on the removal tool, which is designed to create an image of the existing soil when the removal tool is inserted into the soil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3819433B1Soil removal device and method for creating a hole in the ground
Publication Date: 2022.12.28 BAUER SPEZIALTIEFBAU GMBH
  • EP3819433B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3819433B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a soil removal device and a method for creating a hole in the ground using a removal tool designed and driven for removing soil material. According to the invention, at least one image acquisition unit is arranged on the removal tool, which is designed to create an image of the existing soil when the removal tool is inserted into the ground and soil material is removed.