Tri-cellular Probe Pressure Control via Hydraulic Piston
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for conducting ground loading tests using a three-cell probe struggle with precise measurements and easy, reliable variation of the volume of incompressible fluid in the central cell, leading to imprecise determination of load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
A device with a three-cell probe featuring a jack-based incompressible fluid source and a control rod system, allowing precise control over the volume of incompressible fluid through a piston and motor-driven control rod mechanism, enabling precise and reliable volume variation without loss or indeterminacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a three-cell probe with incompressible fluid source is used for ground loading tests, then ground load measurement is enabled, but precise control and variation of the volume of incompressible fluid in the central cell is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a hydraulic jack system where a piston moves within a cylinder to displace incompressible fluid. The piston is connected to a control rod that can be precisely positioned, allowing controlled variation of fluid volume in the central cell while maintaining measurement precision through the hydraulic mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables precise control of the volume parameter of incompressible fluid by mechanically displacing the piston along the longitudinal axis of the cylinder. The control rod's position determines the piston displacement, thereby precisely adjusting the fluid volume without compromising measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If a three-cell probe with incompressible fluid source is used for ground loading tests, then ground load measurement is enabled, but reliable and determined variation of fluid volume is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The hydraulic jack provides reliable and determined volume variation through the incompressible nature of the fluid and the mechanical rigidity of the piston-cylinder-control rod system. The direct mechanical connection ensures that control rod displacement translates reliably to precise piston movement and corresponding fluid volume change.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the incompressible fluid itself as the medium to transmit the mechanical displacement from the piston to the central cell volume change. The fluid's incompressibility ensures that any piston displacement results in a determined and reliable volume variation without loss or indeterminacy.
3Device complexity
If manual fluid volume adjustment is used in the central cell, then device simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and repeatability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a jack mechanism with piston and control rod that provides precise, controlled displacement of incompressible fluid. This mechanical system replaces manual adjustment methods, enabling accurate and repeatable volume variations while maintaining reasonable device simplicity through the use of a well-established hydraulic mechanism.
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
Enables precise determination of soil deformation modulus, creep pressure, and limit pressure with high precision and ease, facilitating repeated measurements by varying the volume of incompressible fluid in the central cell.
Implementation Method 1
a piston mounted to slide in leaktight manner in said cylinder chamber by delimiting therein two parts whose volume varies according to the displacement of said piston
Implementation Method 2
means for controlling the translation of said control rod substantially along said longitudinal axis so as to cause it to slide said piston into the cylinder chamber by a predetermined amount
Data Source
AI summary
The device has a cylinder chamber (41) having parts (47, 50) with variable volume based on displacement of a piston (46). One of the parts with a supply outlet (43) is filled with incompressible fluid. A connection unit connects an end (49) of a control rod (48) with the piston, so that the rod is partially set in the other part not having supply outlet. A control unit (60) controls translation of the rod along longitudinal axis (42) so as to slide the piston in the chamber with predetermined quantity. Cells (11-13) of a tri-cellular probe (10) have walls made of elastic rubber. The incompressible fluid is water and gas.