Variable Weight Load Device for Soil Penetrating Tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Soil penetrating tools in underground construction face challenges with high costs due to heavy crawler cranes required for deep penetration, where high weight is necessary for overcoming soil resistance but detrimental during pulling phases, risking crane stability and potential landslides.
Innovation Solution
A variable weight load device is coupled to the soil penetrating tool, using a liquid storage reservoir to add weight during penetration phases and remove it during pulling phases, reducing the overall weight lifted by the crane.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If the soil penetrating tool uses high weight to overcome soil resistance during penetration, then penetration capability is improved, but crane stability deteriorates during pulling phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the ballast weight movable rather than fixed. The ballast can be dynamically positioned to the rear of the crane during penetration operations to maximize downward force on the soil penetrating tool, then moved to the front during extraction to balance the crane's center of gravity and improve stability. This dynamic repositioning allows the same crane configuration to optimize for both penetration and extraction phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by altering the position parameter of the ballast weight along the crane structure. By changing the ballast position from rear (during penetration) to front (during extraction), the system modifies the crane's weight distribution parameter to address different operational requirements. This parameter adjustment enables the crane to maintain stability while still providing sufficient penetration force.
2Reliability
If the crane stays at a safe distance from raised edges to prevent landslides, then safety is improved, but penetration depth capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the ballast to be repositioned during operation. When working near raised edges, the ballast can be moved to the front of the crane to shift the center of gravity forward, improving crane stability on sloped or elevated terrain. This dynamic adjustment allows the crane to operate safely closer to terrain edges while maintaining adequate penetration depth capability through proper ballast positioning.
3Weight of moving object
If the soil penetrating tool is built in sections to reduce crane weight, then crane cost is reduced, but supply of electricity and flushing materials becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ballast system into separate, movable components rather than a fixed integrated structure. The ballast can be independently positioned and adjusted without requiring segmentation of the entire soil penetrating tool. This selective segmentation of the weight system allows for reduced crane specifications while maintaining full supply capability through a unified, non-segmented tool design.
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 solution allows for efficient deep penetration with reduced crane weight during extraction, enhancing stability and minimizing landslide risks by dynamically managing the weight load, thereby reducing operational costs and safety hazards.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid storage reservoir (4) which is designed to be filled with a liquid in order to provide the penetration phase weight
Implementation Method 2
DE 10 2004 013 790 A1 discloses a method for driving and pulling rod-like elements like sheet piles using a vibrator that includes eccentric weights each rotating about a shaft
Implementation Method 3
a vibrator that includes eccentric weights each rotating about a shaft. The rotational positions of the eccentric weights are adjustable relative to one another so that an imbalance which causes a driving or pulling force acting on the rod-like element can be adjusted
Data Source
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AI summary
One aspect relates to a method for introducing a soil penetrating tool into a soil using a variable weight load device which is coupled to the soil penetration tool. The method includes a penetration phase and a pulling phase. During the penetration phase, the soil penetrating tool is at least partially driven into the soil with the variable weight load device providing a penetration phase weight which acts on the soil penetrating tool. During the pulling phase, the penetrating tool is at least partially pulled out of the soil with the variable weight load device providing a pulling phase weight which acts on the soil penetrating tool and which is lower than the penetration phase weight. A further aspect relates to an underground construction device.