Multifunctional monitoring integrated optical cable and method of use thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a multifunctional monitoring integrated optical cable, which comprises a strain monitoring mechanism and a vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism, the strain monitoring mechanism comprises a first sheath and a strain monitoring assembly arranged in the first sheath, the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism comprises a second sheath and a vibration and temperature monitoring assembly arranged in the second sheath, the first sheath and the second sheath are connected with each other, first and second grooves are arranged between the first sheath and the second sheath, and the first and second grooves are located on the same plane. The multifunctional monitoring integrated optical cable is convenient to open and peel, and the first and second grooves are located on the same plane, so that the vibration and temperature monitoring optical cable and the strain monitoring optical cable are separated.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of monitoring optical cable application technology, specifically to a multifunctional integrated monitoring optical cable for tunnels and a method for using the integrated optical cable. Background Technology

[0002] Because fiber optic sensing technology is resistant to electromagnetic interference, can withstand harsh environments, is easy to install and integrate, and has the ability to perform long-distance continuous distributed measurements, it is now widely used in many fields such as oil and gas extraction, perimeter security, pipelines, tunnels, highways, railways, bridges, and mines.

[0003] In the current construction of long-distance water diversion tunnels, from the perspective of structural safety, the demand for monitoring tunnel structural changes and monitoring internal vibration and temperature is becoming increasingly prominent. The project requires the use of a multi-functional monitoring optical cable that can simultaneously achieve strain, vibration and temperature monitoring functions. At the same time, the optical cable is required to have advantages such as excellent mechanical environmental performance, simple stripping, and convenient and quick construction to meet the harsh environment of water diversion tunnel construction sites where there is no water or electricity.

[0004] Different monitoring functions require different optical cable structures. Existing monitoring optical cables typically only meet a single monitoring function and cannot perform multi-functional simultaneous monitoring. Furthermore, the construction environment of water diversion tunnels is harsh, with limited on-site space, long distances, difficulties in water and power supply, and limitations on continuous operating time. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a monitoring cable product with excellent mechanical environmental performance, easy stripping, simple and quick laying, and low construction costs, minimizing the use of specialized tools and large machinery to meet the actual on-site construction conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, in order to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide an improved integrated optical cable that is easy to strip and suitable for multi-functional monitoring in tunnels.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A multifunctional integrated monitoring optical cable includes a strain monitoring mechanism and a vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism. The strain monitoring mechanism includes a first sheath and a strain monitoring component disposed within the first sheath. The vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism includes a second sheath and a vibration and temperature monitoring component disposed within the second sheath. The first sheath and the second sheath are connected to each other. A first groove and a second groove are provided between the first sheath and the second sheath. The first groove and the second groove are located on the same plane.

[0008] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, a connecting portion is provided between the first sheath and the second sheath, and the connecting portion is located between the first groove and the second groove.

[0009] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the first sheath and the second sheath are symmetrically arranged with respect to the connecting portion, and the first groove and the second groove are symmetrically arranged with respect to the connecting portion. That is, the entire multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable has a (centrally) symmetrical structure.

[0010] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the edge of the first sheath is arc-shaped; and / or, the edge of the second sheath is arc-shaped.

[0011] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the arcuate edges of the first sheath and the arcuate edges of the second sheath are located on the circumference of the same circle.

[0012] Preferably, the center of the arc-shaped edge of the first sheath is located on the connecting portion, and the center of the arc-shaped edge of the second sheath is located on the connecting portion. More preferably, the center of the arc-shaped edge of the first sheath coincides with the center of the arc-shaped edge of the second sheath and is located on the connecting portion. That is, in cross-section, the entire multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable is a circle, on which a first groove and a second groove are formed, and preferably the first groove and the second groove are located on the same diameter of the circle.

[0013] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the width of the first groove and / or the second groove gradually decreases from the side away from the connecting portion to the side closer to the connecting portion.

[0014] Preferably, the first groove and / or the second groove includes a parallel portion and a gradient portion, the gradient portion being close to the connecting portion, the width of the parallel portion remaining constant, and the width of the gradient portion gradually decreasing from the side away from the connecting portion to the side close to the connecting portion.

[0015] More preferably, the first groove and / or the second groove have a tear opening near the bottom of the connecting part, the tear opening being opened on the connecting part to facilitate the separation of the strain monitoring mechanism and the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism.

[0016] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the center of the strain monitoring component and the center of the vibration and temperature monitoring components are located on the same plane, and preferably the connecting portion is located on this plane. More preferably, the center of the entire multifunctional integrated monitoring optical cable is located on this plane.

[0017] According to some preferred embodiments of the present invention, the strain monitoring assembly comprises, from the inside out, a strain monitoring optical fiber, a first inner sheath, and a plurality of steel strand units distributed on the outer periphery of the first inner sheath.

[0018] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, the vibration and temperature monitoring assembly comprises, from the inside out, a vibration and / or temperature monitoring optical fiber, a second inner sheath, an armor tube, and a braided layer.

[0019] According to some preferred embodiments of the invention, a clamping assembly for use with the multifunctional integrated monitoring optical cable is also included, comprising an upper anchoring clamp and a lower anchoring clamp that are mated together, with a cavity formed between the upper and lower anchoring clamps for receiving the multifunctional integrated monitoring optical cable.

[0020] Specifically, the upper anchoring clamp has an arc-shaped portion and a fixing portion located on both sides of the arc-shaped portion. The fixing portion is used to connect with the lower anchoring clamp. The arc-shaped portion has a first insertion portion extending downward, and the lower anchoring clamp has a second insertion portion extending upward. The first insertion portion and the second insertion portion are respectively used to insert into the first groove and the second groove. The first insertion portion and the second insertion portion are located on the same plane.

[0021] Preferably, limiting grooves are provided on both sides of the second insertion part of the lower anchoring clamp, and the bottoms of the first sheath and the second sheath are inserted into the limiting grooves.

[0022] A method of using the multifunctional integrated monitoring optical cable as described above includes the following steps: when it is necessary to use the strain monitoring mechanism and the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism separately, the strain monitoring mechanism and the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism are separated along the first groove and the second groove.

[0023] Due to the adoption of the above technical solutions, the advantages of the present invention compared with the prior art are as follows: The multifunctional monitoring integrated optical cable of the present invention, by setting a first groove and a second groove located on the same plane, facilitates stripping, cutting or tearing along the groove, and dividing into independent vibration or temperature monitoring optical cables and strain monitoring optical cables. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a multifunctional monitoring integrated optical cable structure in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable installed in the clamp assembly in a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable in use according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Reference numerals: 1-Strain monitoring fiber optic cable, 2-First inner sheath, 3-Steel strand unit, 4-Vibration monitoring fiber optic cable or temperature monitoring fiber optic cable, 5-Second inner sheath, 6-Spiral armor tube, 7-Steel wire braided layer, 81-First sheath, 82-Second sheath, 91-First groove, 92-Second groove, 10-Upper anchoring clamp, 101-Fixing part, 102-Arc-shaped part, 103-First insertion part, 11-Lower anchoring clamp, 111-Second insertion part, 12-Burn nail, 13-Segment, 14-Second lining, 15-Cable cover plate, 16-Optical cable and clamp assembly. Detailed Implementation

[0029] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of the present invention, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0030] This invention provides a distributed, integrated, multi-functional monitoring optical cable with excellent mechanical environmental performance, convenient stripping, simple and quick laying, and low construction cost. It is designed to meet the practical requirements of long-distance distributed fiber optic monitoring systems, aiming to achieve long-distance continuous monitoring of various indicators of tunnel structures. The cable combines optical fibers suitable for different monitoring functions with a core protection structure, enabling simultaneous real-time monitoring of stress, vibration, and temperature parameters of the structure. Due to its unique slotted design, it allows for easy insertion of a blade to cut or tear along the grooves when separation or stripping is required, separating it into independent vibration and strain optical cables. This integrated monitoring optical cable is particularly suitable for underground, embedded, and pre-buried cabling methods, and has broad application prospects in monitoring the health of large buildings, geological settlement, and pipeline deformation. Because of its small size, light weight, compact structure, excellent mechanical performance, and convenient integrated deployment and stripping, this cable is especially suitable for pre-buried laying in water diversion tunnels.

[0031] Example 1: Multifunctional Monitoring Integrated Optical Cable

[0032] like Figure 1-2As shown, the multifunctional monitoring integrated optical cable in this embodiment includes two parts: a strain monitoring mechanism and a vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism. The strain monitoring mechanism includes a first sheath 81 and a strain monitoring component disposed within the first sheath 81. The vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism includes a second sheath 82 and a vibration and temperature monitoring component disposed within the second sheath 82. The first sheath 81 and the second sheath 82 are connected to each other. A first groove 91 and a second groove 92 are provided between the first sheath 81 and the second sheath 82. The first groove 91 and the second groove 92 are located on the same plane.

[0033] A connecting portion is provided between the first sheath 81 and the second sheath 82, and the connecting portion is located between the first groove 91 and the second groove 92. The first sheath 81 and the second sheath 82 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the connecting portion, and the first groove 91 and the second groove 92 are symmetrically arranged with respect to the connecting portion; that is, the entire multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable is a (centrally) symmetrical structure.

[0034] The edges of the first sheath 81 and the second sheath 82 are arc-shaped, and the arc-shaped edges of the first sheath 81 and the second sheath 82 are located on the same circumference. Preferably, the center of the arc-shaped edge of the first sheath 81 is located on the connecting part, and the center of the arc-shaped edge of the second sheath 82 is located on the connecting part. In this embodiment, the center of the arc-shaped edge of the first sheath 81 and the center of the arc-shaped edge of the second sheath 82 coincide and are located on the connecting part. That is, from a cross-sectional view, the entire multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable is a circle, on which the first groove 91 and the second groove 92 are formed, and the first groove 91 and the second groove 92 are located on the same diameter of the circle.

[0035] The widths of the first groove 91 and the second groove 92 gradually decrease from the side away from the connecting portion to the side closer to the connecting portion. Specifically, the first groove 91 and the second groove 92 include a parallel portion and a gradient portion, with the gradient portion closer to the connecting portion, the width of the parallel portion remaining constant, and the width of the gradient portion gradually decreasing from the side away from the connecting portion to the side closer to the connecting portion. In this embodiment, preferably, the first groove 91 and the second groove 92 have a tear (not shown in the figure) at the bottom near the connecting portion. This tear is formed on the connecting portion to facilitate the separation of the strain monitoring mechanism and the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism.

[0036] The centers of the strain monitoring component and the vibration and temperature monitoring components are located on the same plane, and preferably the connecting part is located on this plane. In this embodiment, it is preferable that the center of the entire multi-functional integrated monitoring optical cable is located on this plane.

[0037] The strain monitoring component (tight structure) in this embodiment includes, from the inside out, a strain monitoring optical fiber 1, a first inner sheath 2, and multiple steel strand units 3 distributed around the outer periphery of the first inner sheath 2. The steel strands are used for mechanical reinforcement and stress transfer. The vibration and temperature monitoring component (loose structure) includes a vibration monitoring optical fiber 4 and a temperature monitoring optical fiber 4, a second inner sheath 5 (oil-filled loose tube) arranged from the inside out around the vibration monitoring optical fiber 4 and the temperature monitoring optical fiber 4, a stainless steel spiral armor tube 6, and a stainless steel wire braided layer 7. To enhance the protection of the spiral armor tube 6, the steel wire braided layer 7 can be reinforced with materials such as aramid, carbon fiber, or glass yarn to meet the mechanical performance requirements for optical cable use.

[0038] The working principle of the multi-functional integrated monitoring optical cable in this embodiment is as follows: the strain monitoring mechanism in the optical cable ( Figure 1 (Left) It consists of strain monitoring optical fiber 1, a first inner sheath 2, multiple steel strand units 3 distributed around the outer periphery of the first inner sheath 2, and a first sheath 81. All parts are in close contact, allowing for real-time sensing of external stress changes. The unique reinforced stranded (steel strand unit 3) structural design cleverly transforms the longitudinal tension of the optical cable into lateral stress, achieving uniform stress distribution while giving the optical fiber strong mechanical properties. This maximizes the balance between the mechanical strength requirements of optical cable laying and the stress sensing of the optical fiber.

[0039] The vibration monitoring structure in the optical cable Figure 1 The right side consists of vibration monitoring fiber 4, temperature monitoring fiber 4, oil-filled loose tube (second inner sheath 5), spiral armor layer (armor tube 6), aramid yarn reinforced steel wire braided layer 7, and second sheath 82. It features tensile strength, compressive strength, torsion resistance, rodent resistance, cut resistance, waterproofing, moisture resistance, flexibility, and toughness, making it suitable for various harsh environments. The vibration monitoring fiber 4 in the optical cable adopts an enhanced vibration sensitivity design, suitable for zone-type and location-type vibration sensing systems. The temperature monitoring fiber 4 uses multimode fiber suitable for Raman temperature measurement technology. Combined with the use of an external high thermal conductivity sheath material, it is suitable for temperature monitoring environments requiring high sensitivity.

[0040] Outer sheaths (first sheath 81, second sheath 82, and connectors) are extruded according to the requirements of the actual usage environment for both left and right monitoring structures. In applications requiring high-frequency reciprocating motion of the optical cable, polyurethane elastomer (TPU) is recommended for the outer sheath material to improve wear and fatigue resistance. In relatively fixed applications, halogen-free flame-retardant polyolefin, polyethylene, polyamide (nylon), or other suitable materials can be selected. To facilitate sheath stripping and on-site construction, the outer sheath adopts a unique opposite-side slotted design (first groove 91 and second groove 92). The optical cable sheath has two wedge-shaped grooves, allowing for easy insertion of a blade to cut or tear along the grooves when separation or stripping is required, dividing it into independent monitoring units for splicing. This integrated monitoring optical cable is particularly suitable for underground, embedded, and pre-buried cabling methods, and has broad application prospects in monitoring the health status of large buildings, geological settlement, and pipeline deformation. Due to its small size, light weight, compact structure, excellent mechanical properties, and convenient integrated deployment and stripping, this optical cable is especially suitable for pre-buried installation in water diversion tunnels.

[0041] Example 2: Fixture Assembly

[0042] This embodiment provides a clamp assembly for use with the multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable in Embodiment 1, which includes an upper anchoring clamp 10 and a lower anchoring clamp 11 that are connected in a mating manner, and a cavity for accommodating the multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable is formed between the upper anchoring clamp 10 and the lower anchoring clamp 11.

[0043] Specifically, the upper anchoring clamp 10 has an arc-shaped portion 102 and a fixing portion 101 located on both sides of the arc-shaped portion 102. The fixing portion 101 is used to connect with the lower anchoring clamp 11. The arc-shaped portion 102 has a downwardly extending first insertion portion 103, and the lower anchoring clamp 11 has an upwardly extending second insertion portion 111. The first insertion portion 103 and the second insertion portion 111 are respectively used to insert into the first groove 91 and the second groove 92 (parallel portion). The first insertion portion 103 and the second insertion portion 111 are located on the same plane.

[0044] In this embodiment, it is preferred that the second insertion part 111 of the lower anchoring clamp 11 has limiting grooves on both sides, and the bottom of the first sheath 81 and the second sheath 82 are inserted into the limiting grooves.

[0045] The clamp assembly of this embodiment can fix the entire multi-functional integrated optical cable. At the same time, when the strain monitoring mechanism and the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism of the integrated optical cable are used separately, the strain monitoring mechanism or the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism can be fixed separately through the first insertion part 103, the second insertion part 111 and the limiting groove.

[0046] Example 3 Construction Method

[0047] This embodiment provides a method for using the above-mentioned multifunctional integrated monitoring optical cable, including the following steps:

[0048] In cases where it is necessary to use the strain monitoring mechanism and the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism separately, the strain monitoring mechanism is separated from the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism along the first groove 91 and the second groove 92.

[0049] Specifically, the optical cables are fixed in the tunnel using the special clamp assembly described in Example 2, with two monitoring optical cables laid on each side of the cable cover plate 15 at the bottom of the tunnel. For example... Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown. The upper anchoring clamp 10 and the lower anchoring clamp 11 are respectively designed with a first insertion part 103 and a second insertion part 111, which can be inserted into the wedge-shaped groove of the optical cable for fixation, preventing the optical cable from twisting. The two sides can be fixed to the secondary lining concrete layer 14 of the tunnel using nails 12 or expansion bolts. Figure 3 As shown. This fixing and clamping method can fix the concrete layer, clamp, and optical cable as a whole. When the structure is under stress deformation, the strain of the pipe segment 13 can be transferred to the monitoring optical cable and clamp 16 through the secondary lining 14, achieving the purpose of real-time monitoring. Compared with the traditional trenching and burying method, the construction is quick and convenient, and the work efficiency can be improved by more than three times.

[0050] The optical cable structure of this invention considers the different requirements of strain monitoring, vibration monitoring, and temperature monitoring. The two cable cores employ tight and loose structures respectively, and different tensile and compressive strength components are used to specifically protect each type of core. This gives the optical cable excellent tensile, compressive, torsion, rodent, and cut resistance, as well as waterproofing, moisture resistance, flexibility, and toughness. Furthermore, a uniquely designed wedge-shaped groove sheath, combined with specialized anchoring clamps, secures the optical cable, achieving the required anti-torsion and strain transmission deployment for strain-sensitive optical cables.

[0051] The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention, and are intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly. They should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. All equivalent changes or modifications made in accordance with the spirit and essence of the present invention should be covered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-functional monitoring integrated optical cable, characterized by, The strain monitoring mechanism comprises a first sheath and a strain monitoring assembly arranged in the first sheath; the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism comprises a second sheath and a vibration and temperature monitoring assembly arranged in the second sheath, the first sheath and the second sheath are connected to each other, and the first groove and the second groove are arranged between the first sheath and the second sheath and are located on the same plane; The clamp assembly is used in cooperation with the multifunctional monitoring integrated optical cable, and comprises an upper anchoring clamp and a lower anchoring clamp which are connected in cooperation, and a cavity for accommodating the multifunctional monitoring integrated optical cable is formed between the upper anchoring clamp and the lower anchoring clamp. The upper anchoring clamp has an arc-shaped portion and fixing portions located on both sides of the arc-shaped portion, the fixing portions are used for being connected to the lower anchoring clamp, the arc-shaped portion has a first insertion portion extending downward, the lower anchoring clamp has a second insertion portion extending upward, and the first insertion portion and the second insertion portion are used for being inserted into the first groove and the second groove respectively; limit grooves are arranged on both sides of the second insertion portion of the lower anchoring clamp, and the bottoms of the first sheath and the second sheath are inserted into the limit grooves; the first groove and / or the second groove has a tearing opening on the bottom of the connecting portion.

2. The multi-functional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein, The connecting portion is arranged between the first sheath and the second sheath and is located between the first groove and the second groove.

3. The multi-functional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable of claim 2, wherein, The first sheath and the second sheath are symmetrically arranged about the connecting portion; and / or, the first groove and the second groove are symmetrically arranged about the connecting portion.

4. The multi-functional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein, The edge of the first sheath is arranged in an arc shape; and / or, the edge of the second sheath is arranged in an arc shape.

5. The multi-functional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable of claim 4, wherein, The arc-shaped edges of the first sheath and the second sheath are located on the circumference of the same circle.

6. The multi-functional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable of claim 5, wherein, The center of the arc-shaped edge of the first sheath corresponds to the center of the connecting portion; and / or, the center of the arc-shaped edge of the second sheath corresponds to the center of the connecting portion.

7. The multi-functional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable of claim 6, wherein, The centers of the arc-shaped edges of the first sheath and the second sheath coincide and are located on the center of the connecting portion.

8. The multi-functional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein, The width of the first groove and / or the second groove gradually decreases from the side away from the connecting portion to the side close to the connecting portion.

9. The multi-functional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable of claim 1, wherein, The center of the strain monitoring assembly and the center of the vibration and temperature monitoring assembly are located on the same plane.

10. A method of using the multifunctional monitoring integrated fiber optic cable according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein, The strain monitoring mechanism and the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism are separated along the first groove and the second groove in the case that the strain monitoring mechanism and the vibration and temperature monitoring mechanism need to be used separately.

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