Systems, methods, and machines for autonomously driving foundation components
AssigneeOjjo, Inc.
InventorsDaniel Flanigan, Steven Kraft, Charles Almy, Spencer Shupe, Tyrus Hudson, Ryan Woodward
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A closed-loop feedback-control system for a screw anchor driving machine that uses a programmable logic controller (PLC) and array of sensors providing real-time data to control an automated screw anchor driving operation relying on a rotary driver, a crowd motor applying downforce to the rotary driver and a tool driver extending a tool through the rotary driver and screw anchor to drive screw anchors to a target depth.
Claims20
A closed-loop feedback control system for controlling an automated screw anchor driving operation comprising:
- a programmable logic controller (PLC) coupled to a non-volatile memory;
- a plurality of control nodes, controllable by the PLC;
- a plurality of sensors communicatively coupled to the PLC;
- and
- a control program stored in non-volatile memory, executable by the PLC to control the plurality of control nodes to automatically drive a screw anchor into underlying ground to a predetermined target depth based at least in part on information received by the PLC from at least one of the plurality of sensors while driving.
A machine comprising:
- an elongated mast;
- a motorized drive train extending along the mast;
- a rotary driver coupled to the drive train controllable to drive a foundation component into underlying ground;
- a tool driver coupled to the drive train controllable to operate a drill tool through the rotary driver and the foundation component;
- and
- a closed-loop feedback control system, wherein the closed-loop feedback control system comprises a PLC executing a control program for automatically controlling the motorized drive train, the rotary driver, and the tool driver to perform an automated foundation component driving operation based on real-time information from a plurality of sensors monitoring the driving operation that drives the foundation component to a predetermined target depth.
A method of performing an automated closed-loop feedback-controlled driving operation with a programmable logic controller (PLC) controlling a screw anchor driving machine comprising:
- controlling a first motor to begin applying power to a drive train to operate the drive train at a first rate;
- controlling a rotary driver connected to the drive train to drive a screw anchor to advance the screw anchor at a rate that substantially matches first rate;
- controlling a tool driver connected to the drive train to begin rotating a tool at a second rate, the tool extending through the rotary driver and the screw anchor;
- monitoring data from a plurality of sensors, the data corresponding to output parameters of the first motor, rotary driver, and tool driver;
- and
- based on the step of monitoring, changing the operation of at least one of the first motor, rotary driver, and tool driver.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.