Soil Sampling Apparatus with Movable Collection Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current soil sampling apparatuses are inadequate for accurately representing the composition of soil-based walls, particularly when the bottom of excavated trenches does not reflect the wall's composition, as they fail to collect representative samples in trenches used for construction with mixed soils.
Innovation Solution
A soil sample collection apparatus comprising an extension member, a soil sample collection container, and a collection panel that moves between open and closed positions, allowing for sample collection and extraction, coupled with a lowering and raising mechanism and an excavator system to ensure accurate sampling from non-optimal locations, such as the bottom of trenches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional soil sampling apparatus are used in excavated trenches, then sampling can be performed, but the samples do not accurately represent the soil-based wall composition
Solution Approach 1:
The collection panel is made movable between open and closed positions, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the sampling phase. During insertion, the panel opens to allow soil entry; during extraction, it closes to secure the sample. This dynamic adjustment enables the apparatus to function effectively in the constrained trench environment while maintaining sample representativeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The soil sample collection container is divided into distinct functional sections: the container body, the removable extraction panel at the bottom, and the movable collection panel at the top. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component - the extraction panel can be removed to empty the container, while the collection panel controls soil entry - thereby improving both sampling accuracy and operational reliability in trench conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the collection panel is made movable to enable sample collection and extraction, then sampling accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A control cable system acts as an intermediary mechanism to operate the collection panel from a distance. The cable runs through guide members on the extension member and connects to the collection panel via a linking member, allowing the panel to be opened or closed by pulling the cable without requiring direct mechanical connection or complex actuators at the panel itself. This simplifies the overall mechanism while maintaining functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction panel is designed to be completely removable from the container through threaded engagement that can be undone. This allows the extraction panel to be separated from the main container body, enabling simple emptying of the soil sample without requiring complex opening mechanisms. The removability is achieved through standard threading that can be engaged and disengaged with basic tools.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the apparatus is lowered and raised using cables and spools, then sampling from deep trench locations is enabled, but the mechanism complexity and cable management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cable management system uses the weight of the apparatus itself to feed out cable during lowering operations. As the apparatus is lowered into the trench, gravity causes it to descend while simultaneously paying out cable from the spool. During raising, the weight assists in winding the cable back onto the spool. This self-service mechanism reduces the need for active cable management systems while enabling deep trench sampling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spool acts as an intermediary device between the cable and the apparatus. It provides a controlled interface for cable deployment and retrieval, allowing the heavy apparatus to be lowered and raised without requiring direct cable handling. The spool mechanism converts rotational motion into linear motion, simplifying the overall lifting system while enabling versatile positioning within the trench.
Data Source
AI summary
A soil sample collection apparatus is comprised of an extension member, a soil sample collection container, and a collection panel. The extension member includes first and second ends. The soil sample collection container includes first and second ends, the first end of the soil sample collection container being coupled to the second end of the extension member. The collection panel is proximate to the first end of the soil sample collection container, the collection panel moveable to an open position during collection of a soil sample and a closed position during extraction of the soil sample.