Nail hole depth detection device and method
By designing a nail hole depth detection device, using ultrasonic distance measuring sensors and measurement correction units, the problems of low and time-consuming detection of nail hole depth in the prior art are solved, faster and more accurate measurement results are achieved, and the efficiency and accuracy of soil nail construction are improved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510077317.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-01-17
- Publication Date
- 2025-05-13
AI Technical Summary
In the prior art, nail hole depth detection relies on manual operation, is time-consuming and has low accuracy, and is easily affected by mud and gravel in the hole, resulting in inaccurate measurement data.
A nail hole depth detection device is designed, including a depth detection unit, a measurement correction unit and a length adjustment unit. The depth detection unit uses an ultrasonic distance measuring sensor to emit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole, the measurement and correction unit ensures that the ultrasonic emission end is coaxial with the center of the nail hole, and the length adjustment unit allows the depth detection unit to extend into the nail hole to adjust the distance of the depth detection unit to extend into the nail hole.
It improves the accuracy and speed of nail hole depth measurement, avoids the complexity of manual operation and equipment maintenance costs, and ensures the accuracy and efficiency of soil nail construction.
Smart Images

Figure CN119986664A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of measurement technology, in particular to a nail hole depth detection device and method. Background Art
[0002] In slope reinforcement projects or foundation pit support construction, soil nail reinforcement technology is a key construction method. The core of this technology is to enhance the stability of the slope by implanting soil nails in the soil, which is similar to the role of group anchors. Among them, there are three main construction methods of soil nails: drilling and grouting, direct driving and driving grouting. For example, the construction process of drilling and grouting soil nails includes first using mechanical equipment such as drilling rigs to drill holes in the soil, then inserting the rod body (usually HRB335 ribbed steel bars) in the hole, and then injecting cement slurry along the entire length of the rod body. This type of soil nail is suitable for a variety of soil layers, has high pull-out resistance, reliable quality, and low cost. It is currently the most commonly used type of soil nail. In the specific construction process, it is necessary to measure the depth of the soil nail hole to ensure the effect of slope reinforcement or foundation pit support. In terms of measuring the depth of the soil nail hole, traditional measurement methods mainly rely on manual operation, such as using a measuring rope or ruler for measurement. These methods are not only time-consuming and low-precision, but also easily affected by the mud and gravel in the hole, resulting in inaccurate measurement data.
[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an efficient nail hole depth detection device and method. Summary of the invention
[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a nail hole depth detection device and method to solve at least one technical problem existing in the prior art.
[0005] The present invention protects a nail hole depth detection device, comprising:
[0006] The depth detection unit is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole using an ultrasonic ranging sensor, and obtain the depth data of the nail hole according to the reflected ultrasonic waves;
[0007] A measurement and correction unit, used to realize the coaxial setting of the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole;
[0008] The length adjustment unit is used to adjust the distance that the depth detection unit extends into the nail hole.
[0009] Further, a preferred structure is that the depth detection unit includes:
[0010] An ultrasonic transmitting end, used for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole;
[0011] An ultrasonic receiving module is used to receive reflected ultrasonic waves;
[0012] A data processing module is used to process the received reflected ultrasonic waves into electrical signals and obtain the depth data of the nail holes;
[0013] The display module is used to display the obtained nail hole depth data.
[0014] Further, a preferred structure is that the measurement and correction unit includes:
[0015] A detection support module, used for carrying and fixing the depth detection unit;
[0016] The hole wall support module is extended from the detection support module toward the hole wall and abuts against the hole wall.
[0017] Further, a preferred structure is that the detection support module is an arc-shaped support bracket;
[0018] The hole wall support module is a support leg with adjustable length arranged below the arc-shaped support bracket.
[0019] Further, a preferred structure is that the telescopic unit includes a shell, a connecting rod telescopically arranged in the shell, and an ultrasonic emitting end is arranged at the top end of the connecting rod.
[0020] Furthermore, a preferred structure is that the telescopic unit is an electric telescopic unit.
[0021] Furthermore, a preferred structure is that it also includes an automatic cleaning unit arranged outside the housing;
[0022] The automatic cleaning unit includes a guide rail arranged outside the shell, a scraper blade slidably arranged on the guide rail, and a driving module for driving the scraper blade to slide back and forth, wherein the scraper blade is closely arranged against the outer wall of the shell.
[0023] Furthermore, a preferred structure is that the scraper blade is an elastic member.
[0024] The present invention also includes a nail hole depth detection method, which is used to detect the nail hole depth using a nail hole depth detection device. The method includes:
[0025] Setting the measurement correction unit at the nail hole;
[0026] Placing a depth detection unit on the measurement and correction unit to achieve coaxial arrangement of the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole;
[0027] The length adjustment unit is used to adjust the distance that the depth detection unit extends into the nail hole;
[0028] An ultrasonic ranging sensor is used to emit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole, and the depth data of the nail hole is obtained based on the reflected ultrasonic waves to complete the nail hole depth detection.
[0029] Furthermore, the preferred method is that after completing the nail hole depth detection, it also includes:
[0030] The automatic cleaning unit is started, and the scraper of the automatic cleaning unit is driven by the driving module to slide along the guide rail arranged outside the shell and close to the outer wall of the shell to scrape off the fallen soil on the outer wall of the shell.
[0031] As described above, the nail hole depth detection device and method of the present invention utilize an ultrasonic ranging sensor to transmit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole, and obtain the depth data of the nail hole based on the reflected ultrasonic waves, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement. The measurement correction unit is used to realize the coaxial setting of the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. The length adjustment unit is provided to allow the distance that the depth detection unit extends into the nail hole to be adjusted to meet the measurement requirements of nail holes of different depths. The nail hole depth detection device and method of the present invention can provide faster and more accurate measurement results, and are not affected by the mud and gravel in the hole, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy and efficiency of soil nail construction, while reducing the complexity of manual operation and the maintenance cost of equipment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0032] By referring to the following description and claims in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and with a more comprehensive understanding of the present invention, other objects and results of the present invention will become more apparent and easier to understand. In the accompanying drawings:
[0033] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a nail hole depth detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0034] Figure 2 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a length adjustment unit of a nail hole depth detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Figure 3 4 is a flow chart of a nail hole depth detection method according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0036] Among them, 100, depth detection unit; 200, measurement and correction unit; 300, length adjustment unit; 310, telescopic sleeve; 320, connecting rod; 330, shell; 400, automatic cleaning unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] In the following description, for the purpose of illustration, in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of one or more embodiments, many specific details are set forth. However, it is apparent that these embodiments may also be implemented without these specific details. In other examples, for ease of describing one or more embodiments, well-known structures and devices are shown in the form of block diagrams.
[0038] It should be understood that terms such as "horizontal", "vertical", "up", "down", "top", "middle", "length", "inside", and "bottom" indicating directions or positional relationships are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the components or elements referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operate in a specific direction, and therefore should not be understood as limiting the present invention.
[0039] Unless otherwise clearly defined and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed" and the like should be understood in a broad sense, for example, they can be fixedly connected, detachably connected, or integrated; they can be mechanically connected, electrically connected, or able to communicate with each other; they can be directly connected, or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and they can be internally connected between two elements or an interactive relationship between two elements, unless otherwise clearly defined. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.
[0040] Example 1
[0041] Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0042] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The nail hole depth detection device of one embodiment of the present invention is described in general; wherein, Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of a nail hole depth detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a length adjustment unit of a nail hole depth detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, the depth detection unit 100 is used to use an ultrasonic ranging sensor to emit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole, and obtain the depth data of the nail hole according to the reflected ultrasonic waves; the measurement correction unit 200 is used to realize the coaxial setting of the center line of the ultrasonic emission end and the center of the nail hole; the length adjustment unit 300 is used to adjust the distance of the depth detection unit 100 extending into the nail hole. It can provide faster and more accurate measurement results, and is not affected by mud and gravel in the hole, achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy and efficiency of soil nail construction, while reducing the complexity of manual operation and the maintenance cost of equipment.
[0044] In a specific embodiment, the depth detection unit 100 includes an ultrasonic transmitting end for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole; an ultrasonic receiving module for receiving reflected ultrasonic waves; a data processing module for processing the received reflected ultrasonic waves for electrical signal processing and obtaining the depth data of the nail hole; and a display module for displaying the obtained depth data of the nail hole. When it is necessary to measure the depth of the nail hole, the measurement and correction unit 200 is first aligned with the nail hole so that the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end is coaxially arranged with the center of the nail hole. Then, the operator retracts the length adjustment unit 300 according to the depth to be measured, and extends the ultrasonic transmitting end of the depth detection unit 100 into the nail hole. The extension distance of the depth detection unit can be accurately controlled. After the adjustment is completed, the depth detection unit starts to work and uses the ultrasonic ranging sensor to measure the depth of the nail hole.
[0045] The measurement and correction unit 200 includes a detection support module for carrying and fixing the depth detection unit 100; a hole wall support module, which is extended from the detection support module to the hole wall and abuts against the hole wall. The detection support module is an arc-shaped support bracket; the hole wall support module is a length-adjustable support leg arranged below the arc-shaped support bracket. In the specific implementation process, the detection support module includes an arc-shaped support bracket, which is an arc-shaped structure for carrying and fixing the depth detection unit 100. Its arc design can match the arc surface of the nail hole to ensure that the depth detection unit remains stable during the measurement process. A fixing fixture or a card slot is provided on the inner side of the arc-shaped support bracket, which is used to firmly mount the depth detection unit thereon to prevent shaking or displacement during the measurement process. The connection interface is provided at one end of the arc-shaped support bracket. A bolt hole or other connection structure is provided on the connection interface, and the measurement and correction unit and the length adjustment unit can be tightly connected to form a whole through bolts and other connecting parts. The hole wall support module can be a support leg, which is a length-adjustable structure and is arranged below the arc-shaped support bracket. The number of support legs is usually three or four, evenly distributed below the arc-shaped support bracket to ensure the stability of the measurement and correction unit in the nail hole. Each support leg is provided with an adjustment screw and a support foot. By rotating the adjustment screw, the length of the support leg can be changed so that it abuts against the wall of the nail hole of different depths and diameters. Before measuring the depth of the nail hole, first align the arc-shaped support bracket of the measurement and correction unit 200 with the nail hole, and fix the depth detection unit 100 on the arc-shaped support bracket. Then, by adjusting the length of the support leg, the support leg is closely abutted against the wall of the nail hole. In this way, the measurement and correction unit forms a stable support structure in the nail hole, ensuring that the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end of the depth detection unit is coaxially arranged with the center of the nail hole, which provides a guarantee for accurately measuring the depth of the nail hole. As a further improvement, the measurement and correction unit may also include a central circular detection support module and spokes radiating from the edge of the central circular detection support module as a hole wall support module, the spokes can adjust the length, and there are scales on the spokes. Specifically, the central circular support bracket is a circular support structure located at the center of the measurement and correction unit, and is used to carry and fix the depth detection unit 100. Its circular design can correspond to the center of the nail hole, ensuring that the depth detection unit remains stable and coaxial with the nail hole during the measurement process. A fixing fixture or a card slot is provided on the upper surface of the central circular support bracket, which is used to firmly mount the depth detection unit thereon to prevent shaking or displacement during the measurement process. The spokes are support structures that extend radially outward from the edge of the central circular support bracket, and the number is usually three or four, evenly distributed around the central circular support bracket. Each spoke has a certain length and can be adjusted in length to adapt to nail holes of different diameters.The adjustment mechanism of the spokes usually adopts a threaded connection or a telescopic rod structure. By rotating the adjustment handle or knob, the length of the spoke can be changed so that it abuts against the wall of the nail hole, thereby stably supporting the measurement and correction unit in the nail hole. A scale is provided on each spoke, and the scale is usually in millimeters or centimeters, which is used to indicate the telescopic length of the spoke. The operator can accurately adjust the length of the spoke by observing the scale according to the diameter of the nail hole and the measurement requirements, ensuring that the measurement and correction unit fits tightly against the wall of the nail hole, thereby improving the accuracy and stability of the measurement. Before measuring the depth of the nail hole, first align the central circular support frame of the measurement and correction unit 200 with the nail hole, and fix the depth detection unit 100 on the central circular support frame. Then, according to the diameter of the nail hole, by rotating the adjustment handle or knob on the spoke, adjust the length of the spoke so that the end of the spoke abuts tightly against the wall of the nail hole. The scale on the spoke can help the operator accurately control the telescopic length of the spoke. When the spokes abut against the hole wall, the measurement and correction unit forms a stable support structure in the nail hole, ensuring that the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end of the depth detection unit is coaxial with the center of the nail hole, providing a guarantee for accurately measuring the depth of the nail hole.
[0046] In a specific embodiment, Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the length adjustment unit 300 includes a housing 330, a connecting rod 320 telescopically arranged in the housing 330, and an ultrasonic transmitting end is arranged at the top of the connecting rod. The ultrasonic transmitting end 100 is arranged on the telescopic sleeve 310 at the top of the connecting rod; as an embodiment, the length adjustment unit 300 is an electric telescopic unit. The electric telescopic unit can be a three-section electric telescopic rod, and the ultrasonic transmitting end 100 is arranged at the end of the telescopic rod. In other words, the nail hole depth detection device of the present invention can be set as a 6m range ultrasonic ranging sensor and a 10m long 3-section electric telescopic rod. The rod body can be extended to 10 meters at the longest, and the detection distance is 6 meters.
[0047] In a specific embodiment, it also includes an automatic cleaning unit 400 arranged on the outside of the shell 330; the automatic cleaning unit 400 includes a guide rail arranged outside the shell 330, a scraper blade slidably arranged on the guide rail, and a driving module for driving the scraper blade to slide back and forth, wherein the scraper blade is arranged in close contact with the outer wall of the shell 330. The automatic cleaning unit 400 is a telescopic rod scraper type cleaning device, which is installed on the outside of the telescopic rod, and the scraper blade is an elastic member. The scraper blade is made of wear-resistant rubber material, has an arc shape, and is in close contact with the surface of the detection rod. The shell 330 is the shell of the telescopic rod, and has a built-in electric telescopic unit. The guide rail is arranged outside the shell 330 for the scraper blade to slide. The scraper blade is slidably arranged on the guide rail to scrape off the fallen soil on the outer wall of the shell 330. The driving module is a motor used to drive the scraper blade to slide back and forth, and the scraper blade moves up and down along the surface of the detection rod by driving the chain by the motor. The control module is a simple control module used to control the operation of the motor. The timer start function can be set to start the motor every 30 minutes to drive the scraper to clean the surface of the probe rod. The control module can also be connected to the working status monitoring system of the probe rod. When the probe rod stops working, the cleaning program is automatically started. The scraper can be fixed to the outer frame of the probe rod by bolt connection.
[0048] When in use, the measurement and correction unit 200 is set at the nail hole to ensure that the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end is coaxial with the center of the nail hole. The bracket is installed on the lower side of the length adjustment unit 300, and the depth detection unit 100 is connected to the sleeve at the end of the length adjustment unit 300. A scraper is installed around the detection rod, which is made of wear-resistant rubber material and has an arc shape to ensure close contact with the surface of the detection rod. When measuring the hole depth, the device is placed in the anchor hole after drilling, and the length adjustment unit 300 is pressed. The detection rod automatically retracts under the action of the automatic control system, measures the bottom depth of the hole in real time, and automatically records the depth data when it reaches the bottom of the hole. The built-in data processing unit can generate a depth curve based on the measurement data, and transmit the data to a mobile device or a cloud platform through a wireless communication module. The scale unit is meter. After the measurement is completed, the length adjustment unit 300 is retracted to the initial position and the cleaning program is automatically started. Compared with the above-mentioned traditional methods, this device and method can significantly improve the accuracy of soil nail hole depth measurement, can also detect the size of the hole diameter during the process, can automatically clean the dust on the rod body after stopping work, and improve work efficiency and safety through automated operation. It ensures the quality of soil nail construction, reduces unnecessary errors in multiple calculations in the later stage, saves process costs, improves the bearing capacity of the slope, and makes the overall structure more stable.
[0049] like Figure 3 As shown, the present invention also includes a nail hole depth detection method, which is used to detect the nail hole depth using a nail hole depth detection device, and the method includes:
[0050] S110, setting a measurement and correction unit at the nail hole;
[0051] S120, placing a depth detection unit on the measurement and correction unit to achieve coaxial arrangement of the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole;
[0052] S130, using the length adjustment unit to adjust the distance that the depth detection unit extends into the nail hole;
[0053] S140: Use an ultrasonic ranging sensor to emit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole, and obtain depth data of the nail hole based on the reflected ultrasonic waves to complete the nail hole depth detection.
[0054] After completing the nail hole depth detection, the method also includes starting the automatic cleaning unit, wherein the scraper of the automatic cleaning unit is driven by the driving module to slide along a guide rail arranged outside the shell, close to the outer wall of the shell, so as to scrape off the fallen soil on the outer wall of the shell.
[0055] In summary, the nail hole depth detection device of the present invention uses an ultrasonic ranging sensor to emit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole, and obtains the depth data of the nail hole based on the reflected ultrasonic waves, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement. The measurement correction unit is used to realize the coaxial setting of the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. By setting a length adjustment unit, the distance that the depth detection unit extends into the nail hole can be adjusted to meet the measurement requirements of nail holes of different depths. The nail hole depth detection device and method of the present invention can provide faster and more accurate measurement results, and are not affected by the mud and gravel in the hole, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy and efficiency of soil nail construction, while reducing the complexity of manual operation and the maintenance cost of equipment.
[0056] The present invention also includes a method for detecting the depth of a nail hole, the method comprising: S110, setting a measurement and correction unit 200 at the nail hole; S120, placing a depth detection unit 100 on the measurement and correction unit 200 to achieve a coaxial setting of the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole; S130, using a length adjustment unit 300 to adjust the distance that the depth detection unit 100 extends into the nail hole; S140, using an ultrasonic ranging sensor to emit an ultrasonic wave to the bottom of the nail hole, and obtaining the depth data of the nail hole based on the reflected ultrasonic wave, thereby completing the nail hole depth detection.
[0057] Furthermore, the preferred method includes, after completing the nail hole depth detection, starting the automatic cleaning unit 400, wherein the scraper of the automatic cleaning unit 400 is driven by the driving module to slide along a guide rail provided outside the shell 330, close to the outer wall of the shell 330, so as to scrape off the fallen soil on the outer wall of the shell 330.
[0058] For the present invention, the control unit can be set up as an automatic control system based on PLC (programmable logic controller), which can not only receive the signal of the depth detection unit and automatically control the telescopic action of the length adjustment unit according to the signal, but also control the start and stop of the cleaning unit.
[0059] In summary, the nail hole depth detection method of the present invention uses an ultrasonic ranging sensor to emit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole, and obtains the depth data of the nail hole based on the reflected ultrasonic waves, thereby improving the accuracy of the measurement. The center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole are coaxially set by the measurement correction unit to ensure the accuracy of the measurement. By setting a length adjustment unit, the distance that the depth detection unit extends into the nail hole can be adjusted to meet the measurement requirements of nail holes of different depths. The nail hole depth detection device and method of the present invention can provide faster and more accurate measurement results, and are not affected by the mud and gravel in the hole, thereby achieving the technical effect of improving the accuracy and efficiency of soil nail construction, while reducing the complexity of manual operation and the maintenance cost of equipment.
[0060] However, those skilled in the art should understand that various improvements can be made to the nail hole depth detection device and method provided by the present invention without departing from the content of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the present invention should be determined by the content of the attached claims.
Claims
1. A nail hole depth detection device, characterized in that: include, The depth detection unit is used to transmit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole using an ultrasonic ranging sensor, and obtain the depth data of the nail hole according to the reflected ultrasonic waves; A measurement and correction unit, used to realize the coaxial setting of the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole; The length adjustment unit is used to adjust the distance that the depth detection unit extends into the nail hole.
2. The nail hole depth detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The depth detection unit comprises: An ultrasonic transmitting end, used for transmitting ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole; An ultrasonic receiving module is used to receive reflected ultrasonic waves; A data processing module is used to process the received reflected ultrasonic waves into electrical signals and obtain the depth data of the nail holes; The display module is used to display the obtained nail hole depth data.
3. The nail hole depth detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The measurement correction unit comprises: A detection support module, used for carrying and fixing the depth detection unit; The hole wall support module is extended from the detection support module toward the hole wall and abuts against the hole wall.
4. The nail hole depth detection device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The detection support module is an arc-shaped support frame; The hole wall support module is a support leg with adjustable length arranged below the arc-shaped support bracket.
5. The nail hole depth detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The telescopic unit comprises a shell, a connecting rod telescopically arranged in the shell, and an ultrasonic emitting end is arranged at the top end of the connecting rod.
6. The nail hole depth detection device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The telescopic unit is an electric telescopic unit.
7. The nail hole depth detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that: Also included is an automatic cleaning unit disposed outside the housing; The automatic cleaning unit includes a guide rail arranged outside the shell, a scraper blade slidably arranged on the guide rail, and a driving module for driving the scraper blade to slide back and forth, wherein the scraper blade is closely arranged against the outer wall of the shell.
8. The nail hole depth detection device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The scraper blade is an elastic member.
9. A method for detecting nail hole depth, characterized in that: The method for detecting the depth of a nail hole using the nail hole depth detection device according to any one of claims 1 to 8 comprises: Setting the measurement correction unit at the nail hole; Placing a depth detection unit on the measurement and correction unit to achieve coaxial arrangement of the center line of the ultrasonic transmitting end and the center of the nail hole; The length adjustment unit is used to adjust the distance that the depth detection unit extends into the nail hole; An ultrasonic ranging sensor is used to emit ultrasonic waves to the bottom of the nail hole, and the depth data of the nail hole is obtained based on the reflected ultrasonic waves to complete the nail hole depth detection.
10. The nail hole depth detection method according to claim 9, characterized in that: After completing the nail hole depth detection, it also includes: The automatic cleaning unit is started, and the scraper of the automatic cleaning unit is driven by the driving module to slide along the guide rail arranged outside the shell and close to the outer wall of the shell to scrape off the fallen soil on the outer wall of the shell.