Optimization of a solenoid-actuated vibro-impact mechanism for ground moling machines

In this paper, a new design of a vibro-impact mechanism based on a solenoid-actuated vibrator is presented. Here, the ideas previously proposed in [11] have been developed by adding to series RLC circuit a solid state relay which switches the power supply on and off in accordance to a train of square waves produced by a function generator. This new control of the supplied harmonic voltage allows significant increase in the magnitude of impact forces and the progression rates. This implies that the deployment of such a machine in actual soil conditions is very promising.