Martin Gerhard

Title: Martin Gerhard: Innovator in Soil Compaction Technology

Introduction

Martin Gerhard is a notable inventor based in Niederrohrdorf, Switzerland. He has made significant contributions to the field of soil compaction technology, holding 2 patents that showcase his innovative approach to improving soil stiffness determination and compaction methods.

Latest Patents

Gerhard's latest patents include a method for determining the stiffness and/or damping of an area of a physicalness. This invention relates to a method for determining the soil stiffness (k) of a soil area. A vibration-excited contact body of a soil compacting device acts upon the soil surface, resulting in an unsteady loss of contact (jumping) between the soil surface and the contact body. During this process, parameters of the oscillation excitation and parameters of the oscillation response of the contact body are determined. These parameters, combined with known parameters of the soil compacting device, allow for the computation of soil stiffness.

Another significant patent is an arrangement for providing a pulsing compressive force. This invention pertains to a soil compacting device that features an exciter part with an unbalance exciter for producing an intermittent exciter force. The device transmits a force component of the exciter force directed perpendicularly to the contact surface to the soil surface, creating a pulsing compressive force. The device also includes a vibration damper part connected to the exciter part by a spring-damper unit, allowing for variations in spring stiffness, damping, and mass during operation.

Career Highlights

Martin Gerhard is currently associated with Ammann Schweiz AG, a company known for its expertise in construction machinery and soil compaction technology. His work at Ammann has allowed him to apply his innovative ideas in practical applications, contributing to advancements in the industry.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Gerhard has collaborated with notable colleagues such as Roland Anderegg and Kuno Kaufmann. These collaborations have fostered a creative environment that encourages the development of cutting-edge technologies in soil compaction.

Conclusion

Martin Gerhard's contributions to soil compaction technology through his patents and work at Ammann Schweiz AG highlight his role as an influential inventor in the field. His innovative methods and devices continue to impact the industry positively.