Split Tube Soil Sampler With Interlocking Segments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional split tube soil sampling systems face limitations in strength when manufactured in longer lengths, leading to inefficiencies in collecting continuous soil samples over 50 feet, and are prone to issues like 'sand locking' in sandy soils due to complex manufacturing processes and structural weaknesses.
Innovation Solution
A split tube soil sampling system with interlocking fingers on semi-cylindrical tube segments that form a robust, drivable sampler with minimal disturbance, allowing efficient access to soil samples and improved disassembly in sticky soils, and can be manufactured from a single steel tube for increased strength.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional split tube soil sampling systems are manufactured in longer lengths, then the ability to collect continuous soil samples over 50 feet is improved, but the structural strength and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sample tube is divided into two semi-cylindrical segments that can be joined together to form a complete cylinder. This segmentation allows the tube to be manufactured in shorter, stronger sections while still achieving the required overall length through field assembly of multiple segments, resolving the contradiction between length and strength.
2Strength
If conventional split tube systems use complex manufacturing processes, then the structural integrity is improved, but the device complexity and ease of manufacture worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into two simple semi-cylindrical halves that can be manufactured using basic welding or forming processes, avoiding complex manufacturing while maintaining structural integrity through the interlocking joint design.
Solution Approach 2:
The two semi-cylindrical segments are combined through interlocking fingers that integrate the joint structure into the tube segments themselves, eliminating the need for separate complex fastening mechanisms and simplifying the overall manufacturing process.
3Productivity
If conventional split tube systems are used in sandy soils, then the sampling capability is improved, but the device becomes prone to sand locking
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking fingers are designed with gaps or spaces between them that allow sand particles to pass through rather than becoming trapped, extracting the problematic sand accumulation from the joint mechanism and preventing sand locking while maintaining the structural integrity needed for sampling efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional soil sampling systems require threading and unthreading in the field, then the adaptability is improved, but the time required for assembly and disassembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is segmented into two halves that can be quickly assembled and disassembled in the field without requiring threading operations. The segments can be joined or separated by simple mechanical connection or even manual manipulation, dramatically reducing the time required for field assembly and disassembly while maintaining adaptability to various sampling locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A split tube soil sampling system includes a sample tube having an upper end and a lower end, a drive head attached to the upper end of the sample tube, and a cutting shoe attached to the lower end of the sample tube. The sample tube has a first generally semi cylindrical tube segment comprising a first pair of longitudinal edges, and a second generally semi cylindrical tube segment comprising a second pair of longitudinal edges. The first and second tube segments are configured to be joined together along their respective longitudinal edges to form a cylinder having a through bore. The longitudinal edges of the tube segments have interlocking fingers that are mated together to hold the first and second tube segments together.