Systems, methods, and machines for autonomously driving foundation components
OwnerDaniel Flanigan, Steven Kraft +4inventors
InventorsDaniel Flanigan, Steven Kraft, Charles Almy, Spencer Shupe, Tyrus Hudson, Ryan Woodward
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An automated feedback-based system for driving foundation components to a desired embedment depth. A digital controller executing a stored control program controls driving components arranged on a mast of the driving machine including a drive chain motor, a rotary driver, a tool driver, and a source of compressed air. An array of sensors provides real-time feedback to a digital controller about the automated driving operation that enables the controller to adjust the operation of one or more of the driving components based on real-time driving conditions.
Claims15
An automated system for driving foundation components into underlying ground, the system comprising:
- a digital controller;
- a non-volatile memory communicatively coupled to the digital controller;
- a plurality of sensor nodes providing feedback to the digital controller;
- and
- a plurality of control nodes, controllable by the controller, including at least a first motor connected to a drive chain, a rotary driver coupled to the drive chain, a tool driver selectively movable with the drive chain to operate a tool through the rotary driver, and a source of pressurized air releasable via the tool;
- and
- a control program stored in the non-volatile memory executable by the digital controller to control the plurality of control nodes to perform an automated driving operation based at least on part on feedback received from at least one of the plurality of sensor nodes.
An automated method for driving a foundation component to a desired embedment depth with a driving machine, the method comprising the steps of:
- with an automated controller communicatively coupled to a plurality of sensor nodes and a plurality of control nodes, executing a control program the control program causing the controller to:
- actuate two or more of the control nodes to drive a foundation component to a desired embedment depth;
- receive feedback from the plurality of sensor nodes while driving the foundation component to the desired embedment depth;
- and
- to adjust operation at least one of the control nodes based on the received feedback.
An automated machine for driving foundation components to a desired embedment depth comprising:
- an articulating mast;
- a plurality of control nodes coupled to the mast;
- a plurality of sensor nodes;
- and
- a digital controller executing a stored control program to control the plurality of control nodes to perform an automated driving operation to drive a foundation component to a desired embedment depth based on feedback received from at least one of the plurality of sensor nodes during the driving operation,
- wherein at least one of the control nodes controls a volume of pressured air released per unit of time during the automated driving operation.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.