Threaded Bayonet Locking for Soil Probing Rod Sections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soil probing devices face challenges such as time-consuming and difficult automation of rod section connections, sensitivity to weather conditions, and high operational costs due to preassembling and plastic deformation requirements, which limit their effectiveness and durability for deep-sea measurements.
Innovation Solution
A soil probing device with threaded bayonet-type locking parts that allows for quick and easy connection of rod sections through a combination of screw thread and bayonet-type insert/rotate movement, enabling automated assembly and disassembly without requiring significant rotation or axial force, suitable for deep-sea operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional screw thread connections are used to connect rod sections, then the connection is secure and reliable, but the screwing process is time-consuming and difficult to automate
Solution Approach 1:
The screw thread connection is segmented into two distinct phases: first, a bayonet-type quick-insert movement that brings the male and female locking parts into axial alignment and partial engagement, and second, a limited rotation (less than 360 degrees) that completes the threading. This segmentation allows the time-consuming threading operation to be broken into a quick positioning phase followed by a brief tightening phase, enabling automation while maintaining connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet-type locking mechanism performs preliminary alignment and positioning of the rod sections before the final threading operation. By pre-aligning the male and female locking parts through the insert/rotate movement, the subsequent screwing operation requires minimal rotation and can be automatically completed, thereby reducing overall connection time while ensuring proper alignment for reliable connection.
2Productivity
If rod sections are preassembled on the ship before deployment, then the operational costs are reduced and weather sensitivity is minimized, but the preassembling process is time-consuming and the assembly is vulnerable during lowering
Solution Approach 1:
The probing rod is divided into multiple standardized rod sections with identical male and female locking parts. This segmentation allows sections to be connected in a modular fashion during deployment itself, rather than requiring complete preassembly on the ship. The standardized interfaces enable quick connection of individual sections as they are deployed, reducing preassembly time and complexity while maintaining operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The bayonet-type locking mechanism with its insert/rotate movement enables the rod sections to be self-assembled during the deployment process itself. The mechanism automatically guides the male locking part into the female locking part through the bayonet movement, and the limited rotation completes the connection without requiring complex external assembly equipment. This self-service capability eliminates the need for time-consuming preassembly on the ship while reducing vulnerability during lowering.
3Reliability
If heavy winches and support structures are used to lower the preassembled probing rod, then the lowering process is controlled, but the operational costs increase and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The probing rod is segmented into multiple lightweight rod sections that are deployed and connected sequentially. This segmentation eliminates the need to lower a single heavy preassembled rod, thereby reducing the requirements for heavy winches and support structures. Each section can be handled more easily during deployment, and the modular nature allows for controlled deployment without requiring overly complex heavy-duty lowering equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The deployment system transitions from a static preassembled rod requiring heavy support structures to a dynamic modular deployment process. Rod sections are deployed and connected in sequence during the lowering operation, allowing the system to adapt to the deployment conditions. The bayonet-type locking mechanism enables quick connection of sections during deployment, reducing the need for heavy support structures while maintaining control over the lowering process.
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
The solution enables rapid and secure assembly of rod sections during penetration, reducing operational costs and enhancing the device's durability and strength, allowing for efficient and reliable soil property measurements even at great depths.
Implementation Method 1
Each threaded male bayonet column comprises a plurality of radially outwardly projecting screw thread turn sections that lie above one another in an axial direction... the plurality of the respective male and female screw thread turn sections subsequently are simultaneously engageable with each other
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A soil probing device comprises driving means for penetrating a probing rod into the ground while extending it each time by a new rod section 1. The rod sections 1 are provided at their outer ends with male and female locking parts 5, 6. Each locking part comprises threaded bayonet columns 7, 12 with slit-shaped spacings 9, 14 lying between them. The lower locking part of the new rod section is insertable with the upper locking part of the probing rod towards an inserted position with the columns coming to lie in the spacings of the other locking part. Male and female screw thread turn sections 8', 13 of the columns subsequently are simultaneously engageable with each other by means of a rotation of the new rod section over a rotation angle of less than 360 degrees relative to the probing rod towards a locked position.