An adaptive combined inclinometer and method of installation thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses an adaptive combined inclinometer and its installation method. The inclinometer is installed inside an inclinometer tube, which has several guide grooves circumferentially formed along its inner wall and arranged along its length. The inclinometer includes several connecting rods connected to each other via rotatable guide wheel components for extension. One end of each rotatable guide wheel component is rotatably connected to a connecting rod, and the other end is fixedly connected to another connecting rod. At least one rotatable guide wheel is connected to each side of the rotatable guide wheel component. By rotating the rotatable guide wheel component, the guide wheels are installed into the guide grooves on the inclinometer tube. An inclinometer sensor is mounted on the rotatable guide wheel component. The advantage of this invention is that the inclinometer sensor is directly fixed to the rotatable guide wheel component with threads or snap-fit, facilitating quick and easy assembly and disassembly.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of inclinometers, and in particular to an adaptive combined inclinometer and its installation method. Background Technology

[0002] During engineering construction, inclinometers are commonly used to measure the horizontal displacement of structures or soil, such as in the retaining walls and monitoring of horizontal displacement in foundation pit engineering. The basic procedure for inclinometer measurement is to pre-embed a flexible inclinometer tube in the structure or soil, then continuously measure the change in inclination angle along the inclinometer tube, and finally convert it into horizontal displacement using a formula.

[0003] Based on the positional changes of the inclinometer sensor within the inclinometer tube, inclinometers can be categorized into non-fixed and fixed types. Non-fixed inclinometers typically employ a single sensor device, which is then pulled up using a flexible rope at fixed intervals to collect and record the inclinometer tube's inclination data. In earlier times, the pulling up and data recording of each inclinometer hole had to be done manually, which was time-consuming and labor-intensive. With technological advancements, electric motors can now replace manual labor and automatically record data from each lifting operation. Currently, there are two main development directions for this technology: First, improving the portability and intelligence of the equipment, where after each measurement, a person manually carries the entire inclinometer to the next borehole for further measurement. The disadvantages are that manual intervention is still required, resulting in relatively high costs, low monitoring frequency, time and labor costs, and poor data real-time performance. Second, equipping each inclinometer borehole with a complete inclinometer device (including sensor devices, motor equipment, etc.), fixedly placed in each borehole without manual intervention. The disadvantages are higher overall equipment costs, generally larger motor equipment, requiring special protective measures to avoid vibrations during construction, higher energy consumption (often requiring solar or mains power), and a limited lifting speed, typically taking 5-15 minutes to complete one data collection cycle, resulting in generally lower data real-time performance.

[0004] Fixed inclinometers employ sensors placed at fixed intervals within the inclinometer tube, with the sensors positioned at a constant depth. Existing technologies include connecting sensors with flexible ropes, but this is difficult to implement smoothly into deep inclinometer holes. Other methods use rigid rods connected in series at both ends via universal joints, but these require pre-connection of the rods and sensor cables according to depth, necessitating custom orders for inclinometer holes of varying depths. Furthermore, damaged sensors require replacement, and the fixed length of the connecting rods makes adjusting the spacing between sensors difficult. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of the prior art by providing an adaptive combined inclinometer device and its installation method. The connecting rods are connected by a rotatable guide wheel component and a rotatable guide wheel component with a movable joint structure, and an inclinometer sensor is installed on the rotatable guide wheel component, thereby achieving rapid and accurate installation of the inclinometer sensor.

[0006] The objective of this invention is achieved through the following technical solutions:

[0007] An adaptive combined inclinometer device is characterized in that: the inclinometer device is installed inside an inclinometer tube, the inclinometer tube has several guide grooves circumferentially opened along its inner wall and the guide grooves are arranged along the length direction of the inclinometer tube, the inclinometer device includes several connecting rods, the connecting rods are connected to each other by rotatable guide wheel components for lengthening, one end of the rotatable guide wheel component is rotatably connected to one of the connecting rods and the other end is fixedly connected to another of the connecting rods, at least one rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel is connected to each of the two sides of the rotatable guide wheel component, the rotatable guide wheel component is rotated so that the rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel on it is installed in the guide groove on the inclinometer tube, and an inclinometer sensor is installed on the rotatable guide wheel component.

[0008] The rotatable guide wheel component and the connecting rod are connected by a rotatable guide wheel component hinge structure, which consists of a first component and a second component that are rotatably connected.

[0009] Each end of the connecting rod is provided with a rod end component, and the connecting rod is connected to the rotatable guide wheel component or the rotatable guide wheel component through the rod end component.

[0010] The end component of the rod is either threaded or snap-fit.

[0011] Both ends of the inclinometer sensor are connected to the female and male waterproof connectors of the inclinometer sensor respectively via inclinometer sensor transmission cables. The inclinometer sensors are connected to each other through the mating of the female and male waterproof connectors of the inclinometer sensor.

[0012] The adjacent guide grooves are spaced 90° apart.

[0013] The rotatable guide wheel component has at least one guide wheel on each of its opposite sides.

[0014] An installation method for an adaptive combined inclinometer device, characterized in that the installation method includes the following steps:

[0015] (S1) Installing the inclinometer tube: The inclinometer tube is lowered by drilling or lowered together with the underground structural steel cage;

[0016] (S2) Fabrication of connecting rods: Determine the length of each connecting rod according to requirements and install a rod end component at each end of the connecting rod;

[0017] (S3) Install the inclinometer device:

[0018] a. Lower the first connecting rod into the inclinometer tube;

[0019] b. Sequentially connect the first rotatable guide wheel component and the first rotatable guide wheel component, or the first rotatable guide wheel component and the first rotatable guide wheel component joint structure, to the first rotatable guide wheel component, and install the rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel on it into the guide groove on the inclinometer tube by rotating the first rotatable guide wheel component; install the first inclinometer sensor on the first rotatable guide wheel component;

[0020] c. Connect the second connecting rod to the first rotatable guide wheel component or the first rotatable guide wheel component with a movable joint structure, and continue to lower the second connecting rod into the inclinometer tube;

[0021] d. Connect the second rotatable guide wheel component and the second rotatable guide wheel component, or the second rotatable guide wheel component and the second rotatable guide wheel component joint structure, sequentially to the second connecting rod, and rotate the second rotatable guide wheel component so that its rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel is installed into the guide groove on the inclinometer tube; install the second inclinometer sensor on the second rotatable guide wheel component, and connect the second inclinometer sensor to the first inclinometer sensor;

[0022] e. Repeat steps c and d above until the inclinometer device is installed.

[0023] The advantages of this invention are:

[0024] 1. For fixed inclinometers, semi-rigid or rigid connecting rods are used. For deeper or more deformed inclinometer tubes, applying a certain pressure at the top can help them be successfully inserted into the inclinometer tube.

[0025] 2. Standard connecting rods are used, with threads or clips installed at both ends for quick assembly and disassembly;

[0026] 3. It adopts inclinometer sensors with waterproof plug-in connectors at both ends and standard length cables. The waterproof plug-in connectors can be quickly plugged in and out; when an inclinometer sensor is damaged, it can be replaced quickly and adaptively.

[0027] 4. The inclinometer sensor is directly fixed to the rotatable guide wheel component with threads or clips on the top and bottom, which is convenient for quick assembly and disassembly;

[0028] 5. The connecting rods and inclinometer sensors adopt an adaptive modular design, which facilitates material transportation and allows for on-site segmented installation. After testing, each connecting rod and inclinometer sensor can be quickly disassembled in segments for easy reuse and has strong applicability. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the adaptive combined inclinometer device of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the inclinometer sensor of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0031] The features and other related features of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments, so as to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art:

[0032] like Figure 1-2 As shown in the figure, labels 1-10 represent: 1. Inclinometer tube, 2. Connecting rod, 3. Rod end component, 4. Rotatable guide wheel component, 5. Rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel, 6. Rotatable guide wheel component joint structure, 7. Inclinometer sensor, 8. Inclinometer sensor waterproof connector female plug, 9. Inclinometer sensor waterproof connector male plug, 10. Inclinometer sensor transmission cable.

[0033] Example: Figure 1-2 As shown, this embodiment relates to an adaptive combined inclinometer device. The inclinometer device is installed inside an inclinometer tube 1. The inclinometer tube 1 has several guide grooves circumferentially formed along its inner wall, and these guide grooves are arranged along the length of the inclinometer tube 1. Specifically, adjacent guide grooves are spaced 90° apart, i.e., four guide grooves are provided. The inclinometer device includes several connecting rods 2. The connecting rods 2 are made of plastic materials such as PVC, ABS, PE, carbon fiber, glass fiber, and nylon, or metal materials. The cross-sectional shape can be circular or square, with a cross-sectional size of 5mm to 32mm. The length can be adaptively cut on-site as needed. After the connecting rods 2 are cut, no additional machining is required. Specifically, the connecting rods 2 are made of PVC pipe with a diameter of 20mm. Each end of the connecting rod 2 has a rod end component 3. The rod end component 3 has a threaded structure or a snap-fit ​​structure. The rod end component 3 can be installed on the connecting rod 2 by adhesive bonding or hot-melt methods. Specifically, the rod end component 3 is installed on the connecting rod 2 by adhesive bonding.

[0034] like Figure 1-2As shown, the connecting rods 2 are connected to each other via rotatable guide wheel components 4 for lengthening. One end of the rotatable guide wheel component 4 is rotatably connected to one connecting rod 2, and the other end is fixedly connected to another connecting rod 2. The rotatable guide wheel component 4 and the connecting rod 2 are connected via a rotatable guide wheel component hinge structure 6, which consists of a first component and a second component that are rotatably connected. The rotatable guide wheel component hinge structure 6 and the rotatable guide wheel component 4 are either integrally connected or separate. Specifically, the rotatable guide wheel component hinge structure 6 and the rotatable guide wheel component 4 are separate, and both ends of the rotatable guide wheel component 4 and the rotatable guide wheel component hinge structure 6 are threaded or snap-fit ​​structures.

[0035] In this embodiment, the rod end components 3 at both ends of the connecting rod 2 are provided with internal threads, the rotatable guide wheel component 4 at both ends is provided with external threads, and the rotatable guide wheel component joint structure 6 at both ends is provided with external threads and internal threads respectively. The external threads on the rotatable guide wheel component 4 are adapted to the internal threads on the rod end components 3 and the internal threads on the rotatable guide wheel component joint structure 6 respectively, and the external threads on the rotatable guide wheel component joint structure 6 are adapted to the internal threads on the rod end components 3.

[0036] like Figure 1-2 As shown, at least one rotatable guide wheel 5 is connected to each side of the rotatable guide wheel component 4. Specifically, the rotatable guide wheel component 4 has two rotatable guide wheel 5 on each of its left and right sides. The rotatable guide wheel 5 is a round roller or a ball bearing. The size of the rotatable guide wheel 5 matches the width of the guide groove on the inclinometer tube 1. The rotatable guide wheel 5 on both sides can roll tightly against the guide groove in the inclinometer tube 1. The rotatable guide wheel 5 on the rotatable guide wheel component 4 can be installed into the guide groove on the inclinometer tube 1 by rotating the rotatable guide wheel component 4.

[0037] like Figure 1-2As shown, a clinometer 7 is mounted on the rotatable guide wheel component 4. Both ends of the clinometer 7 are connected to the female and male waterproof connectors 8 and 9 respectively via clinometer transmission cables 10. The clinometers 7 are connected in series via the mating of the female and male waterproof connectors 8 and 9. Specifically, the clinometer 7 uses a high-precision clinometer element with a plastic or metal housing and internal waterproof encapsulation. The clinometer 7 is attached to the front of the rotatable guide wheel component 4 and can be fixed using adhesive, cable ties (wire), or screws to prevent relative displacement or rotation between the clinometer 7 and the rotatable guide wheel component 4. When the clinometer tube 1 deforms or shifts, the clinometer 7 can detect the change in tilt angle and ultimately calculate the clinometer deformation.

[0038] like Figure 1-2 As shown, the inclinometer 7 is attached to the front of the rotatable guide wheel component 4 and fixed with cable ties or wires to prevent relative displacement or rotation between the inclinometer 7 and the rotatable guide wheel component 4. When the inclinometer tube 1 deforms and displaces, the inclinometer 7 can detect the change in tilt angle and finally calculate the inclinometer deformation. Both ends of the inclinometer 7 are connected to the female inclinometer connector 8 and the male inclinometer connector 9 respectively through the inclinometer transmission cable 10. The inclinometers 7 are connected to each other through the mating of the female inclinometer connector 8 and the male inclinometer connector 9.

[0039] like Figure 1-2 As shown, this embodiment also includes the following installation method:

[0040] (S1) Install inclinometer tube 1: The inclinometer tube 1 is lowered by drilling or lowered together with the underground structure steel cage.

[0041] (S2) Fabricate connecting rod 2: Determine the length of each connecting rod 2 according to the requirements and install a rod end component 3 at each end of the connecting rod 2.

[0042] (S3) Install the inclinometer device:

[0043] a. Lower the first connecting rod 2 into the inclinometer tube 1;

[0044] b. Connect the first rotatable guide wheel component joint structure 6 and the first rotatable guide wheel component 4, or the first rotatable guide wheel component 4 and the first rotatable guide wheel component joint structure 6, sequentially on the first connecting rod 2, and install the rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel 5 on the first rotatable guide wheel component 4 into the guide groove on the inclinometer tube 1 by rotating the first rotatable guide wheel component 4; install the first inclinometer sensor 7 on the first rotatable guide wheel component 4;

[0045] c. Connect the second connecting rod 2 to the first rotatable guide wheel component 4 or the first rotatable guide wheel component connecting structure 6, and continue to lower the second connecting rod 2 into the inclinometer tube 1.

[0046] d. Connect the second rotatable guide wheel component joint structure 6 and the second rotatable guide wheel component 4, or the second rotatable guide wheel component 4 and the second rotatable guide wheel component joint structure 6, in sequence on the second connecting rod 2, and install the rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel 5 on the second rotatable guide wheel component 4 into the guide groove on the inclinometer tube 1 by rotating the second rotatable guide wheel component 4; install the second inclinometer sensor 7 on the second rotatable guide wheel component 4, and connect the second inclinometer sensor 7 to the first inclinometer sensor 7.

[0047] e. Repeat steps c and d above until the inclinometer device is installed and the inclinometer sensor transmission cable 10 of the inclinometer sensor 7 is led out and connected to the data acquisition device.

[0048] This embodiment also has the following advantages: For fixed inclinometers, the use of semi-rigid or rigid connecting rods allows for easy insertion into deeper or more deformed inclinometer tubes by applying pressure from the top; the use of standard connecting rod sections with threads or clips at both ends allows for quick assembly and disassembly; the use of inclinometer sensors with waterproof plug-in connectors at both ends and standard-length cables allows for quick insertion and removal; adaptive and rapid replacement is possible when an inclinometer sensor is damaged; the inclinometer sensor is directly fixed to a rotatable guide wheel component with threads or clips on the top and bottom for easy and quick assembly and disassembly; the connecting rods and inclinometer sensors adopt an adaptive combination design, facilitating material transportation and allowing for segmented installation on-site; after testing, each connecting rod and inclinometer sensor can be quickly disassembled in segments for easy reuse, demonstrating strong applicability.

[0049] Although the above embodiments have described the concept and embodiments of the present invention in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art will recognize that various improvements and modifications can still be made to the present invention without departing from the scope of the claims, and therefore will not be elaborated here.

Claims

1. An installation method for an adaptive combined inclinometer, characterized in that: The inclinometer is installed inside the inclinometer tube. The inclinometer tube has several guide grooves circumferentially opened along its inner wall and arranged along the length of the inclinometer tube. The inclinometer includes several connecting rods. The connecting rods are connected to each other by rotatable guide wheel components for lengthening. One end of the rotatable guide wheel component is rotatably connected to one of the connecting rods, and the other end is fixedly connected to another connecting rod. At least one rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel is connected to each side of the rotatable guide wheel component. By rotating the rotatable guide wheel component, the rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel on it is installed into the guide groove on the inclinometer tube. An inclinometer sensor is installed on the rotatable guide wheel component. The rotatable guide wheel component and the connecting rod are connected by a rotatable guide wheel component hinge structure, which consists of a first component and a second component that are rotatably connected. The connecting rod has a rod end component at each end, and the connecting rod is connected to the rotatable guide wheel component or the rotatable guide wheel component through the rod end component; The installation method includes the following steps: (S1) Installing the inclinometer tube: The inclinometer tube is lowered by drilling or lowered together with the underground structural steel cage; (S2) Fabrication of connecting rods: Determine the length of each connecting rod according to requirements and install a rod end component at each end of the connecting rod; (S3) Install the inclinometer device: a. Lower the first connecting rod into the inclinometer tube; b. Sequentially connect the first rotatable guide wheel component and the first rotatable guide wheel component, or the first rotatable guide wheel component and the first rotatable guide wheel component joint structure, to the first rotatable guide wheel component, and install the rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel on it into the guide groove on the inclinometer tube by rotating the first rotatable guide wheel component; install the first inclinometer sensor on the first rotatable guide wheel component; c. Connect the second connecting rod to the first rotatable guide wheel component or the first rotatable guide wheel component with a movable joint structure, and continue to lower the second connecting rod into the inclinometer tube; d. Connect the second rotatable guide wheel component and the second rotatable guide wheel component, or the second rotatable guide wheel component and the second rotatable guide wheel component joint structure, sequentially to the second connecting rod, and rotate the second rotatable guide wheel component so that its rotatable guide wheel component guide wheel is installed into the guide groove on the inclinometer tube; install the second inclinometer sensor on the second rotatable guide wheel component, and connect the second inclinometer sensor to the first inclinometer sensor; e. Repeat steps c and d above until the inclinometer device is installed.

2. The installation method of the adaptive combined inclinometer device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The end component of the rod is either threaded or snap-fit.

3. The installation method of the adaptive combined inclinometer device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: Both ends of the inclinometer sensor are connected to the female and male waterproof connectors of the inclinometer sensor respectively via inclinometer sensor transmission cables. The inclinometer sensors are connected to each other through the mating of the female and male waterproof connectors of the inclinometer sensor.

4. The installation method of the adaptive combined inclinometer device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The adjacent guide grooves are spaced 90° apart.

5. The installation method of the adaptive combined inclinometer device as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The rotatable guide wheel component has at least one guide wheel on each of its opposite sides.

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