Contact type probe device

Abstract

The invention relates to a contact type probe device, and belongs to the technical field of marine geological detection. The contact type probe device comprises a probe which is provided with a measuring node and a driving node, the measuring node is internally provided with a measuring module and a protective layer, and the protective layer wraps the measuring module; the protection assembly is arranged on the probe in a sleeving manner, and the protection assembly has a protection state of closing the measurement nodes and a measurement state of opening the measurement nodes; and the driving assembly is arranged in the driving node, and under the action of the driving assembly, the protection assembly is switched between a protection state and a measurement state. The scheme provided by the invention can control the protection assembly to switch between the protection state and the measurement state through the driving assembly, and has the advantages of improving the test precision, realizing flexible switching between the measurement state and the protection state, and enhancing the protectiveness of the measurement module.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of marine geological detection technology, and in particular to a contact probe device. Background Art

[0002] In marine geophysical testing, geological measurement is an important means of analyzing soil characteristics. In the existing technology, the probe usually uses a metal shell to wrap the detection module to improve the structural strength, and is placed into the soil layer by static pressure penetration. For example, in the field of acoustic testing, the presence of a metal shell will cause the sound wave signal to be significantly attenuated and interfered during the penetration process, reducing the test accuracy. In addition, the probe needs to rely on a high-strength metal structure when penetrating the soil layer. This type of design is difficult to balance structural strength and acoustic performance. Although punching the shell can partially improve the sound wave pass rate, it still cannot avoid signal distortion. Finally, the design of the protective component and the drive component of the probe is relatively simple, and it is impossible to achieve flexible switching between the measurement state and the protection state. There are also certain problems with the installation and protection of the measurement module, which affects the accuracy and reliability of the measurement. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In order to overcome the problems existing in the related art, the present application provides a contact probe device that can control the protection component to switch between the protection state and the measurement state through the driving component, which has the advantages of improving test accuracy, realizing flexible switching between the measurement state and the protection state, and enhancing the protection of the measurement module.

[0004] The present application provides a contact probe device, comprising: The probe comprises a measuring node and a driving node, wherein the measuring node is provided with a measuring module and a protective layer, and the protective layer wraps the measuring module; A protection component is sleeved on the probe, and the protection component has a protection state of closing the measurement node and a measurement state of opening the measurement node; The driving component is arranged in the driving node. Under the action of the driving component, the protection component switches between the protection state and the measurement state.

[0005] That is, in the implementation of this application, the protective component is closed to protect the measurement module when the probe penetrates the soil layer, and is opened during measurement to directly contact the soil layer, taking into account both mechanical strength and signal fidelity. The protective layer wraps the measurement module to reduce measurement interference. In some embodiments, the probe includes a tail connecting rod, a driving cabin, a transition rod, a measuring cabin, and a penetration rod for penetrating the soil layer, which are connected in sequence; The drive cabin is a hollow structure, and an opening is provided on the periphery of the drive cabin; The measurement cabin includes a load rod, two ends of which are respectively connected to the axis of the transition rod and the penetration rod, and the measurement module surrounds the load rod.

[0006] The contact probe assembly described above consists of a modular structure consisting of a tail connecting rod, a drive cabin, a transition rod, a measurement cabin, and a penetration rod. The drive cabin has an opening, and the measurement cabin includes a load rod. The split cabin structure reduces assembly complexity, allows for individual replacement of damaged components, and reduces maintenance costs. The load rod serves as the core support for the measurement cabin, and measurement modules and a protective layer are placed around it. When the protective assembly opens the measurement node, the measurement cabin is fully exposed to the geological formation, eliminating measurement interference caused by the outer shell.

[0007] In some embodiments, the protective assembly includes a sheath, the sheath nesting the probe, and a sharp cone is provided at one end of the sheath close to the penetration rod; The driving assembly includes a power mechanism and a transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism converts the output of the power mechanism into an axial displacement of the sheath.

[0008] In some embodiments, the power mechanism includes a drive motor and a drive gear, wherein the drive motor is fixed in the drive cabin, and the drive gear is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor; The transmission mechanism includes a driven shaft, a planetary gear and a threaded rod. There are four driven shafts. The two ends of the driven shaft are respectively rotatably connected to the tail connecting rod and the transition rod. The driven shafts are equidistantly arranged around the output shaft of the drive motor. Each driven shaft is provided with the planetary gear and the threaded rod. The threaded rod rotates coaxially with the driven shaft, and the planetary gear is meshed with the drive gear. A rack is provided on the inner circumferential wall of the sheath, meshing with the threaded rod through the opening. Specifically, in the implementation of this application, the drive gear and the planetary gears are driven, while the threaded rod and the rack are driven. The planetary gear set achieves power distribution, and the four driven shafts are orthogonally distributed, completing multiple power transmissions within the limited space of the drive compartment, ensuring the stability and precision of the movement of the protective assembly.

[0009] In some embodiments, the distal end of the penetration rod is a tapered structure to reduce penetration resistance.

[0010] In some embodiments, the measurement module includes any one of an acoustic detection module, a temperature and pressure sensing module, and a chemical detection module.

[0011] In some embodiments, the acoustic detection module includes an acoustic wave receiving unit, the temperature and pressure sensing module includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor and a platinum resistance temperature sensor, and the chemical detection module includes a micro-spectrometer and a fluid sampling unit.

[0012] In some embodiments, the acoustic wave receiving unit includes a plurality of test nodes, and the plurality of test nodes are arranged in an array along the periphery of the measurement cabin.

[0013] In some embodiments, the protective layer is made of a non-metallic material.

[0014] In some embodiments, the transition rod is detachably connected to the measuring cabin, and both the transition rod and the measuring cabin are provided with a spring pin connector. The drive cabin is integrated with a power module and a data protocol interface. The power module is used to provide an adaptive power supply for the acoustic detection module, the temperature and pressure sensing module, and the chemical detection module. The data protocol interface is used to provide standardized data transmission for the acoustic detection module, the temperature and pressure sensing module, and the chemical detection module.

[0015] The above-mentioned contact probe device has a measurement module that supports the interchange of acoustic, temperature and pressure, and chemical detection modules. By replacing the modules, multi-parameter acquisition of sound wave velocity, soil temperature / pressure, and chemical composition can be achieved simultaneously, realizing multiple uses of one device.

[0016] The technical solution provided by this application may have the following beneficial effects: The contact probe device provided in the present application includes a probe, a protective component and a drive component, wherein a measuring module is provided inside the probe. Under the action of the drive component, the protective component switches between a protection state and a measurement state. When the protective component is in the protection state, the protective component closes the measurement node to facilitate the probe to penetrate the bottom layer. When the protective component is in the measurement state, the protective component opens the measurement node, thereby improving the coupling between the test module and the soil layer and eliminating the structural gap between the test module and the soil layer, thereby effectively improving the test sensitivity and reducing errors caused by structural reasons. It has the advantages of improving the accuracy of acoustic testing, enhancing the protection of the module and improving the penetration efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become more apparent through a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals generally represent the same components in the exemplary embodiments of the present application.

[0018] Figure 1 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a contact probe device according to an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 is another structural schematic diagram of a contact probe device shown in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified schematic diagram of point A in the middle; Figure 4 This is a top view of the drive cabin shown in an embodiment of the present application.

[0019] Reference numerals: 1. Probe; 11. Tail connecting rod; 12. Drive cabin; 13. Transition rod; 14. Measurement cabin; 14a. Load rod; 15. Penetration rod; 2. Measurement module; 3. Protective assembly; 31. Sheath; 32. Cone; 33. Rack; 4. Driving assembly; 41. Driving motor; 42. Driving gear; 43. Driven shaft; 44. Planetary gear; 45. Threaded rod. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] The preferred embodiments of the present application will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the preferred embodiments of the present application are shown in the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the present application can be implemented in various forms and should not be limited by the embodiments described herein. Instead, these embodiments are provided to make the present application more thorough and complete, and to fully convey the scope of the present application to those skilled in the art.

[0021] The terms used in this application are for the purpose of describing specific embodiments only and are not intended to limit this application. As used in this application and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," "the," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0022] It should be understood that although the terms "first", "second", "third", etc. may be used in this application to describe various information, this information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from each other. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, the first information may also be referred to as the second information, and similarly, the second information may also be referred to as the first information. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, the meaning of "plurality" is two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined.

[0023] It is understandable that the measurement module can be used to measure the elastic parameters, temperature parameters, pressure parameters, chemical composition, etc. of the formation. To facilitate the detailed description of the implementation principle of this application, the following describes this solution using acoustic measurement as an example.

[0024] In existing marine geophysical testing, a metal casing commonly encloses the probe 1, which houses the measurement module 2. While this structure provides the mechanical strength required for soil penetration, the metal material significantly attenuates the acoustic signal during acoustic testing, resulting in reduced test accuracy. When the probe 1 penetrates complex soil layers, existing technology struggles to balance structural protection requirements with signal transmission quality. Even partially perforating the casing cannot eliminate signal distortion.

[0025] To address these issues, the inventors discovered that the traditional one-piece metal housing exhibited irreconcilable acoustic performance deficiencies, leading them to explore the feasibility of a split-body design. By analyzing the functional requirements of different stages of the probe 1 workflow, they physically separated the protection and measurement functions. Based on this approach, they designed a probe 1 with independent drive nodes and a removable protection component 3 to switch operating modes. This design not only meets the protection requirements of the penetration phase but also ensures signal integrity during the measurement phase.

[0026] See also Figures 1 to 4 The contact probe 1 device provided in the embodiment of the present application includes a probe 1 having a measuring node and a driving node, wherein a measuring module 2 and a protective layer are provided in the measuring node, and the protective layer wraps the measuring module 2; A protection component 3 is sleeved on the probe 1, and the protection component 3 has a protection state of closing the measurement node and a measurement state of opening the measurement node; The driving component 4 is provided in the driving node. Under the action of the driving component 4, the protection component 3 switches between the protection state and the measurement state.

[0027] The overall structure of the probe 1 is a cylindrical structure. The probe 1 enters the soil layer by means of static pressure penetration. The probe 1 is installed at the front end of the probe rod. The probe 1 is provided with a measuring node and a driving node inside. Both the measuring node and the driving node are chamber structures. The measuring node refers to the part of the probe 1 specifically configured for geological detection. This design reduces the attenuation of sound waves while ensuring mechanical support. The driving node refers to the area where the power transmission device is integrated. The driving component 4 is integrated therein and is used to control the axial displacement of the protective component 3. The protective component 3 refers to a movable mechanical protection device, which can specifically adopt a nested sheath 31 structure. In the closed state, it completely covers the measuring node, and in the open state, it exposes the measuring module 2. The protective layer refers to the buffering medium that wraps the measuring module 2, which provides both shock absorption protection and support and fixation for the measuring module 2. The measuring module 2 is mainly used to measure the elastic parameters, temperature parameters, pressure parameters, chemical composition, etc. of the formation. When the measuring module 2 is applied to the elastic parameters of the formation, the protective layer also allows the effective transmission of sound waves.

[0028] Specifically, during the soil penetration phase, the protective assembly 3 enters a protective state under the action of the drive assembly 4. At this point, the sheath 31 completely covers the measurement node, protecting the internal measurement module 2 from mechanical impact. When the probe 1 reaches the predetermined measurement depth, the drive assembly 4 drives the sheath 31 to retract axially to the measurement state, allowing the measurement module 2 to directly contact the soil medium. During this process, the protective layer continuously wraps around the measurement module 2, preventing friction damage from the sheath 31 and maintaining a stable working environment for the measurement module 2. After the measurement is completed, the drive assembly 4 switches back to the protective state, facilitating the safe recovery of the probe 1.

[0029] Compared to existing technologies, traditional fixed metal casings cannot dynamically adjust operating modes, leading to an inherent conflict between structural protection and signal quality. This solution, through the synergistic effect of the movable protective component 3 and the split probe 1, provides rigid protection during the penetration phase and eliminates metal interference with sound waves during the measurement phase, achieving optimized performance under both operating conditions. The introduction of a protective layer further blocks the impact of mechanical vibration on the measurement module 2, forming a multi-layered protection mechanism.

[0030] By applying this technical solution to acoustic measurements, the problem of acoustic signal attenuation caused by the metal casing has been effectively resolved, significantly improving acoustic test accuracy. The dynamically switching protective structure not only ensures structural strength during penetration but also ensures a smooth signal transmission path during the measurement phase, successfully balancing the conflicting technical specifications of traditional designs. This device demonstrates enhanced adaptability in complex soil environments, providing a reliable technical solution for marine geophysical testing.

[0031] Furthermore, the probe 1 comprises a tail connecting rod 11, a driving cabin 12, a transition rod 13, a measuring cabin 14 and a penetration rod 15 for penetrating the soil layer, which are connected in sequence; The driving cabin 12 is a hollow structure, and an opening is provided on the outer periphery of the driving cabin 12 , and the driving component 4 realizes axial movement of the protective component 3 through the opening.

[0032] The measurement cabin 14 includes a load rod 14 a , both ends of which are connected to the axis of the transition rod 13 and the penetration rod 15 , and the measurement module 2 surrounds the load rod 14 a .

[0033] The tail connecting rod 11 is a rod-shaped component used to connect to the external probe. Specifically, it can be made of titanium alloy. It transmits penetration force and maintains overall structural stability. It has an axial through-hole for routing power and data cables. The tail connecting rod 11 is bolted or welded to the drive compartment 12 via a flange. The drive compartment 12 is a hollow chamber that accommodates the drive assembly 4. Specifically, it can be made of a high-strength alloy and have a rectangular opening in the sidewall, allowing the drive assembly 4 to transmit power to the protection assembly 3 through this opening. The transition rod 13 has the same outer diameter as the drive compartment 12 and is internally provided with a blind hole and an axial through-hole. The blind hole is used to nest the load rod 14a of the measurement compartment 14, while the axial through-hole is used to route power and data cables. The transition rod 13 is secured to the load rod with four sets of bolts. The transition rod 13 is used to isolate the measurement module 2 from interference from drive vibrations. The measurement compartment 14 is the functional compartment that integrates the measurement module 2. Specifically, the load rod 14a is axially penetrated and covered with a non-metallic protective layer. This provides a mechanical support framework and shields the detection signal from interference from metal components. Penetration rod 15 is a soil-penetrating component with a tapered end. Specifically, it can be made of carbide. It is used to reduce penetration resistance and guide the vertical movement of probe 1. Load rod 14a is an axial load-bearing rod connecting transition rod 13 and penetration rod 15. Specifically, it can be made of a high-strength steel core coated with polyetheretherketone (PEEK). It provides rigid support and isolates the measurement module 2 from external stresses.

[0034] Specifically, the probe 1 is divided into a tail connecting rod 11, a drive cabin 12, a transition rod 13, a measuring cabin 14 and a penetration rod 15 through a segmented structure, so that each functional module is arranged independently. The hollow design of the drive cabin 12 reduces the use of metal materials while ensuring structural strength, and its peripheral opening realizes the axial transmission of the drive component 4 to the protective component 3. The measuring cabin 14 establishes an axial rigid connection between the transition rod 13 and the penetration rod 15 through the load rod 14a, forming a mechanical support axis running through the entire length of the probe 1, ensuring that the measuring cabin 14 does not deform during the penetration process. When the measurement module 2 is arranged around the load rod 14a, its periphery is completely wrapped by a non-metallic protective layer, forming a detection environment isolated from metal parts, eliminating the attenuation effect of the metal shell on the acoustic signal. The transition rod 13 connects the drive cabin 12 and the measuring cabin 14, maintaining structural continuity and blocking the transmission of the vibration of the drive component 4 to the measurement module 2.

[0035] Compared with the existing technology, the traditional probe 1 uses an integral metal shell to wrap the measurement module 2. Although this improves the structural strength, it causes the acoustic signal to penetrate multiple layers of metal interfaces, resulting in signal attenuation and phase distortion. This solution adopts a segmented modular design, retaining the metal load-bearing structure only in necessary parts. In the measurement cabin 14 area, a non-metallic protective layer is used to wrap the measurement module 2, so that the acoustic signal only needs to penetrate a single dielectric layer. In the existing technology, the measurement module 2 is arranged close to the metal shell and is susceptible to shell deformation and electromagnetic interference. This solution constructs an independent support frame through the load rod 14a, so that the measurement module 2 maintains a distance from the external metal parts, and at the same time isolates mechanical vibrations through the transition rod 13.

[0036] Through the above technical solution, the present application effectively reduces the propagation loss of the acoustic wave signal in the probe 1 housing and eliminates the shielding effect of metal components on the detection signal. The segmented structure optimizes the layout space of the measurement module 2 while maintaining the penetration strength. The combination design of the non-metallic protective layer and the metal load-bearing components takes into account both mechanical performance and detection sensitivity. The axial rigid connection of the load rod 14a ensures that the measurement module 2 maintains a stable working state during the penetration process, and the vibration isolation characteristics of the transition rod 13 improve the signal-to-noise ratio of the detection data. The opening design of the drive cabin 12 enables the transmission mechanism to act directly on the non-metallic sheath 31, avoiding interference of metal gears with acoustic detection.

[0037] Furthermore, the protection component 3 includes a sheath 31 , in which the probe 1 is nested. An end of the sheath 31 close to the penetration rod 15 is provided with a sharp cone 32 .

[0038] The sheath 31 is a removable protective structure nested within the probe 1. It is a tubular structure made of high-strength aluminum alloy and coated with a wear-resistant ceramic coating. The tip 32 is a tapered guide structure located at the end of the sheath 31. Specifically, it can be made of tungsten carbide and is threadedly connected to the main body of the sheath 31. This structure reduces penetration resistance and reduces wear on the sheath 31. The axial displacement capability of the sheath 31 allows it to completely cover the measuring node in a protective position while leaving it exposed in the measuring position, replacing traditional fixed metal casings to reduce acoustic wave obstruction. Its streamlined construction reduces front-end resistance during soil penetration. The power mechanism is the energy conversion device that drives the movement of the sheath 31. The power mechanism can utilize an electric cylinder, motor, or other means to output power, with a transmission mechanism converting the output power into axial movement of the sheath 31. A motor, specifically a micro-stepping motor combined with a reducer or hydraulic motor, can be used. Controlling the motor's forward and reverse rotation precisely triggers the bidirectional displacement of the sheath 31. Among them, the transmission mechanism refers to a mechanical structure that converts rotational motion into linear displacement. Specifically, it can be a combination of a planetary gear 44 group and a threaded rod 45. The planetary gear 44 group disperses the power to multiple threaded rods 45, synchronously driving the sleeve 31 to move axially to improve the movement stability.

[0039] Specifically, the sheath 31 is nested within the exterior of the probe 1, forming a sliding fit. Controlled by the drive assembly 4, it can move axially along the probe 1. When the probe 1 penetrates the soil, the sheath 31 is in a protective state, with its distal tip 32 preferentially contacting the soil and guiding penetration. Simultaneously, the sheath 31 body completely envelops the measurement chamber 14, preventing direct friction between the measurement module 2 and the soil. Upon reaching the target depth, the power mechanism drives the sheath 31 back toward the rear end via the transmission mechanism, exposing the measurement chamber 14 and allowing the measurement state to begin. At this point, the acoustic detection module directly contacts the soil medium, eliminating reflection interference from the metal housing. The transmission system, comprised of a planetary gear set 44 and four synchronous threaded rods 45, ensures the axial straightness of the sheath 31's displacement, preventing partial exposure of the measurement chamber 14 due to deflection.

[0040] Compared to existing technologies, conventional probes 1 with fixed metal housings require sound waves to penetrate the metal layer, resulting in signal attenuation and the inability to dynamically adjust the housing's state. This solution, through the use of a nested, removable sheath 31, completely eliminates metal obstruction to sound waves during the measurement phase while retaining the structural protection provided during the penetration phase. The pointed cone 32 structure reduces penetration resistance by approximately 30% compared to conventional flat-ended sheaths 31, while the multi-axis synchronous drive design overcomes the drawback of single-axis drive, which is prone to jamming.

[0041] Through the above technical solution, the present application solves the problem of acoustic signal distortion caused by the metal shell, realizes the reliable switching of the measurement module 2 between the protection and working states through the dynamic opening and closing of the sheath 31, the pointed cone 32 structure effectively reduces the penetration resistance, and the combined transmission system of the planetary gear 44 and the threaded rod 45 ensures the accuracy and synchronization of the axial displacement of the sheath 31, thereby comprehensively improving the acoustic test accuracy and the adaptability of the probe 1 to working conditions.

[0042] Furthermore, the driving assembly 4 includes a power mechanism and a transmission mechanism, and the transmission mechanism converts the output of the power mechanism into an axial displacement of the sheath 31 .

[0043] Furthermore, the power mechanism includes a drive motor 41 and a drive gear 42 , wherein the drive motor 41 is fixedly mounted in the drive compartment 12 , and the drive gear 42 is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor 41 ; The transmission mechanism includes a driven shaft 43, a planetary gear 44 and a threaded rod 45. There are four driven shafts 43. The two ends of the driven shaft 43 are respectively rotatably connected to the tail connecting rod 11 and the transition rod 13. The driven shafts 43 are arranged equidistantly around the output shaft of the drive motor 41. Each driven shaft 43 is provided with a planetary gear 44 and a threaded rod 45. The threaded rod 45 rotates coaxially with the driven shaft 43. The planetary gear 44 is meshed with the drive gear 42. A rack 33 is provided on the inner peripheral wall of the sheath 31 , and the rack 33 is meshedly connected with the threaded rod 45 through the opening.

[0044] Among them, the planetary gear 44 refers to a gear set distributed circumferentially around the drive gear 42, and can specifically adopt a planetary gear system structure, which is used to evenly transmit the torque of the drive gear 42 to multiple driven shafts 43, reducing the stress concentration of single-point transmission. The threaded rod 45 refers to a rotating shaft with an external thread, and can specifically adopt a trapezoidal thread or a ball screw structure, which is used to convert rotational motion into axial displacement to drive the sleeve 31 to move. The rack 33 refers to a strip structure with a continuous tooth profile, and can specifically adopt a linear rack 33 or a helical rack 33, which realizes the axial movement of the sleeve 31 by engaging with the threaded rod 45. The opening of the drive cabin 12 refers to a through hole set on the side wall of the drive cabin 12, and can specifically adopt a rectangular or circular opening structure, which is used to expose the meshing area of ​​the threaded rod 45 and the rack 33 to prevent external contaminants from entering the interior of the drive cabin 12.

[0045] Specifically, after the drive motor 41 is started, it drives the drive gear 42 to rotate. The drive gear 42 engages with the planetary gears 44 to transmit power to the four driven shafts 43. The planetary gears 44 are evenly spaced around the drive gear 42, causing each driven shaft 43 to rotate synchronously. The driven shaft 43 drives the threaded rod 45 to rotate. The threaded rod 45 engages with the rack 33 on the inner wall of the sheath 31, converting the rotational motion into axial displacement of the sheath 31. The opening of the drive compartment 12 allows the threaded rod 45 to engage with the rack 33 externally, preventing contaminants from entering the drive compartment 12. The four driven shafts 43 are symmetrically distributed along the circumference of the output shaft of the drive motor 41, forming a compact transmission layout that ensures uniform power transmission while taking up little space.

[0046] Compared to the existing technology, the traditional single-axis drive mechanism for the sheath 31 results in low space utilization. This solution, by combining planetary gears 44 with multiple driven shafts 43, achieves multi-axis synchronous drive within the same footprint, significantly reducing the space occupied by the transmission mechanism. In the existing technology, the direct meshing of the gear and rack 33 is susceptible to external contamination. This solution, through the opening of the drive compartment 12, exposes the meshing area to the outside, preventing contaminants from entering the precision components within. It also utilizes the movement of the sheath 31 to clean the meshing surface. While the existing single-axis drive can easily cause the sheath 31 to deflect, this solution ensures the straightness of the sheath 31's axial movement through a four-axis synchronous drive.

[0047] Four axial racks 33 are machined on the inner wall of the sheath 31 , which mesh with the threaded rod 45 . The outer surface of the sheath 31 is coated with a ceramic wear-resistant layer, and the pointed cone 32 is made of carbide material to ensure the mechanical strength of the sheath 31 .

[0048] The drive motor 41 can be a stepper motor, a hydraulic motor or a DD motor (Direct Drive Motor). Preferably, the hydraulic motor can be a cycloid hydraulic motor, which is suitable for long-term operation under high pressure and has the advantages of small size, light weight and high output torque.

[0049] The four driven shafts 43 are distributed around the driving gear 42 in a 90° symmetrical manner, and the two ends are rotatably connected to the tail connecting rod 11 and the transition rod 13 through angular contact ball bearings. Each driven shaft 43 is equipped with a planetary gear 44 and a threaded rod 45. The torque of the driving motor 41 is evenly distributed to the four driven shafts 43 through the planetary gear 44, and finally the axial displacement is achieved through the engagement of the threaded rod 45 with the rack 33.

[0050] The working process of the drive component 4 is as follows: The drive motor 41 drives four sets of planetary gears 44 for synchronous rotation via its drive teeth. The planetary gears 44 then drive the driven shaft 43 and threaded rod 45 for synchronous rotation. The threaded rod 45 engages with the rack 33 on the inner wall of the sheath 31, converting the rotational motion into axial displacement of the sheath 31. When the sheath 31 is in the protective state, it covers the measurement chamber 14. When the sheath 31 is in the measuring state, the drive motor 41 reverses, moving the sheath 31 toward the tail connecting rod 11, exposing the measurement module 2 in the measurement chamber 14. This allows the measurement module 2 to directly contact the soil layer, achieving interference-free signal acquisition.

[0051] Through the above-mentioned technical solution, this application solves the problem of metal sheath 31 interfering with acoustic signals. By utilizing planetary gears 44 and multi-axis transmission, the drive mechanism is reduced in size, allowing it to fit within the confines of the narrow measurement chamber 14. The meshing transmission of threaded rod 45 and rack 33 achieves precise displacement of sheath 31, ensuring reliable switching between protection and measurement states of the measurement node and avoiding acoustic signal attenuation caused by conventional metal sheath 31. The open design of drive chamber 12 ensures mechanical linkage while isolating internal transmission components, preventing external impurities from affecting the operational stability of the drive mechanism.

[0052] Furthermore, the end of the penetration rod 15 is a conical structure, and the surface is plated with a hard alloy layer to reduce the penetration resistance.

[0053] The tapered structure refers to a geometric shape that tapers gradually at the end, such as a conical or pyramidal design. This structure disperses the contact stress with the soil during penetration through the tip effect, thereby reducing front-end resistance. This structure can more effectively cut or squeeze the soil during the penetration of the probe 1, reducing overall penetration resistance.

[0054] Specifically, as probe 1 penetrates the soil, the tapered structure at the end disperses contact stress through the tip effect, avoiding the concentrated resistance caused by a flat tip. This tapered geometry cuts or squeezes the soil during penetration, reducing front-end resistance without increasing external driving force or changing material strength, thus optimizing penetration performance while maintaining structural stability.

[0055] Compared to existing technologies, which often use a flat tip at the end of the probe, this results in concentrated resistance at the front end during penetration, requiring the use of high-strength materials or external drivers to increase penetration force. In contrast, the tapered structure distributes stress through geometric design without requiring material changes or increased driving force, thus reducing resistance while maintaining structural stability. In order to improve the applicability of the contact probe 1 and adapt it to different soil layer detection, based on the above specific implementation, the measurement module 2 includes any one of an acoustic detection module, a temperature and pressure sensing module, and a chemical detection module.

[0056] The acoustic detection module refers to a unit that measures the elastic parameters of the soil layer through non-contact acoustic wave signal acquisition. Specifically, it can adopt an array of acoustic wave receiving units, such as a multi-node receiving device composed of piezoelectric ceramic sensors, to capture acoustic wave reflection signals of different frequencies. The temperature and pressure sensing module refers to an integrated unit that synchronously measures the temperature and pressure parameters of the soil layer. Specifically, it can adopt a combination of a piezoresistive pressure sensor and a platinum resistance temperature sensor, such as integrating the two sensors into the same chip through a silicon-based MEMS process. The chemical detection module refers to a detection unit that performs in-situ analysis of the chemical composition of the soil layer. Specifically, it can adopt a micro-spectrometer and a fluid sampling unit working in conjunction, such as collecting pore water through a microfluidic channel and then using a Raman spectrometer to detect the composition.

[0057] Specifically, in acoustic detection mode, a low-density non-metallic protective layer encasing the measurement node allows acoustic signals to penetrate with an attenuation rate of less than 5%. An array of acoustic receiving units is evenly spaced along the periphery of the measurement chamber 14, receiving broadband acoustic signals reflected from the soil interface. In temperature and pressure detection mode, the silicon diaphragm of the piezoresistive pressure sensor directly contacts the soil medium, outputting an electrical signal linearly related to pressure via a Wheatstone bridge circuit. A platinum resistance temperature sensor embedded in a groove on the surface of the load rod 14a monitors soil temperature changes in real time. In chemical detection mode, the optical fiber probe 1 of the micro-spectrometer extends to the end of the penetration rod 15. When the sheath 31 switches to the measurement mode, the micropump of the fluid sampling unit activates, drawing pore water into the detection chamber. The three detection modules form a pluggable connection with the power module via a spring pin connector, allowing operators to select a single or combined detection mode based on project requirements.

[0058] Compared to existing technologies, existing probes 1 generally use single-function metal-cased sensors, such as a single piezoresistive pressure sensor. These metal casings cause acoustic signal attenuation exceeding 30%, making chemical analysis impossible. This solution, through the combination of a non-metallic protective layer and modular detection units, reduces acoustic signal attenuation to below 5%, while achieving a temperature and pressure detection accuracy of ±0.5%FS and a detection limit of 10 ppm for the chemical detection module.

[0059] Through the above technical solution, the present application realizes low-loss transmission of acoustic signals and solves the signal distortion problem caused by the metal shell; through the integration of multimodal sensing units, a single probe 1 has the ability to detect physical, mechanical, thermodynamic and chemical properties at the same time; the modular design allows flexible configuration of sensor combinations according to the detection target, avoiding redundant components that increase the penetration resistance of the probe 1.

[0060] Furthermore, the acoustic detection module includes a sound wave receiving unit, the temperature and pressure sensing module includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor and a platinum resistance temperature sensor, and the chemical detection module includes a micro-spectrometer and a fluid sampling unit.

[0061] The acoustic wave receiving unit refers to a detection component used to receive acoustic wave signals in the soil layer. Specifically, a transducer array can be made of piezoelectric ceramic material. Multiple transducers are arranged along the periphery of the measurement chamber 14 to form a multi-node acoustic wave receiving network. The transducers are wrapped in a non-metallic protective layer to prevent metal materials from interfering with the acoustic wave propagation path. A piezoresistive pressure sensor refers to a sensing component that measures pressure based on the piezoresistive effect. Specifically, a silicon-based piezoresistive chip can be combined with a Wheatstone bridge circuit to detect changes in resistance value to reflect soil layer pressure parameters. A platinum resistance temperature sensor refers to a temperature measurement component that utilizes the linear relationship between platinum metal resistance and temperature. Specifically, a PT100 thin-film platinum resistance element can be combined with a constant current source drive circuit to obtain soil layer temperature parameters by measuring changes in resistance value. A micro-spectrometer refers to a miniaturized detection device used to analyze the spectral characteristics of fluid samples. Specifically, an optical fiber probe 1 can be combined with a diffraction grating spectrometer system to identify chemical components by collecting light intensity data at different wavelengths. The fluid sampling unit refers to a collection component for extracting liquid samples from the soil layer. Specifically, a micro pump can be used in conjunction with a porous membrane structure to dynamically extract fluid samples during the penetration of the probe 1 and transport them to the spectrometer for detection.

[0062] Specifically, the acoustic wave receiving unit, an array transducer arranged on the periphery of the measurement chamber 14, directly contacts the soil layer through a non-metallic protective layer, avoiding acoustic wave reflection and attenuation caused by the metal sheath 31. Multi-node reception enables extraction of the spatial distribution characteristics of the acoustic wave signal. A piezoresistive pressure sensor and a platinum resistance temperature sensor are integrated within the measurement chamber 14. They synchronously measure pressure and temperature parameters through the deformation-sensitive area of ​​the silicon chip and the resistance change of the platinum film, respectively. Their signal processing circuits utilize independent shielding and isolation to eliminate electromagnetic interference. The optical fiber probe 1 of the micro-spectrometer is connected to the porous permeable membrane of the fluid sampling unit. During the penetration process, the permeable membrane absorbs the liquid sample and transports it to the spectrometer detection chamber via a micropump. The optical fiber probe 1 directs excitation light into the sample and collects the reflected spectrum, enabling chemical composition identification through characteristic wavelength analysis.

[0063] Compared with the existing technology, the traditional probe 1 uses a metal shell to wrap the acoustic sensor, which causes the acoustic wave signal to attenuate and phase distort when penetrating the shell. However, this solution directly covers the acoustic wave receiving unit with a non-metallic protective layer, eliminating the problem of acoustic impedance differences in metal materials. Existing temperature and pressure sensors mostly use a discrete packaging structure, resulting in low space utilization in the measurement cabin 14 and signal crosstalk. This solution realizes multi-parameter synchronous detection in a limited space through the integrated layout of the piezoresistive chip and the platinum resistor and the independent shielding design. Traditional chemical detection relies on external sampling equipment for offline analysis, which has the problem of poor timeliness. This solution completes fluid extraction and online detection in real time during the penetration process of the probe 1 through the embedded integration of the fluid sampling unit and the spectrometer.

[0064] Through the above technical solution, this application solves the problem of acoustic signal attenuation caused by metal casing, and improves the accuracy of acoustic detection through the combination of non-metallic protective layer and array transducer; realizes high-sensitivity synchronous measurement of temperature and pressure parameters, and reduces signal interference through the coordinated detection of piezoresistive effect and resistance-temperature characteristics; ensures the real-time nature of chemical detection, and avoids data distortion caused by sample transmission delay through the embedded integration of dynamic fluid sampling and micro-spectrometer.

[0065] Furthermore, the acoustic wave receiving unit includes a plurality of test nodes, and the plurality of test nodes are arranged in an array along the periphery of the measurement cabin 14 .

[0066] A test node is a detection unit used to receive acoustic signals. Specifically, it can use piezoelectric ceramic sensors or fiber-optic acoustic sensors. Each test node can process signals independently or collaboratively. The distributed layout of multiple test nodes can cover acoustic wave incident paths from different directions, reducing the obstruction of a single signal reception path by metal structures.

[0067] Array arrangement refers to the arrangement of multiple test nodes according to a specific geometric pattern. Specifically, this can be done in a uniformly spaced or staggered manner. For example, six test nodes can be arranged at equal angles along the circumference of measurement chamber 14. This array arrangement enables the acoustic wave receiving units to form a spatially distributed signal acquisition network, and multi-node data fusion compensates for local signal attenuation caused by the metal casing.

[0068] Specifically, on the outer peripheral surface of the cylindrical structure of the measuring cabin 14, the test nodes are arranged in a ring distribution pattern surrounding the load rod 14a. When the acoustic wave signal penetrates the soil layer and reaches the probe 1, the acoustic wave components in different directions are received by the test nodes in the corresponding directions. The array-arranged nodes can capture the phase difference and amplitude changes of the acoustic waves in different propagation paths through spatial diversity reception, thereby reconstructing the complete sound field information. The attenuation effect of the metal shell on the acoustic waves in a single direction is compensated by the signals received by the nodes in other directions that are not blocked. The spacing between the test nodes is set to be less than half the wavelength of the acoustic wave to avoid spatial aliasing and ensure the accuracy of signal acquisition.

[0069] Compared to existing technologies, traditional probes 1 typically utilize a single receiving unit centrally located along the probe's axis, resulting in significant attenuation of lateral acoustic signals due to obstruction by the metal casing. This solution, however, utilizes a circumferentially distributed array of test nodes to effectively receive acoustic signals from any orientation, overcoming the physical barrier of the metal structure to the lateral signal path. While existing technologies employ perforated casings to enhance signal reception, which weakens the probe's strength, this solution achieves enhanced signal reception capabilities through innovative geometric layouts while maintaining casing integrity.

[0070] Through the above technical solution, the present application can reduce the attenuation interference of the metal probe 1 shell on the acoustic wave signal, improve the acoustic detection module's ability to capture multi-directional acoustic wave signals, enhance the spatial resolution and integrity of the acoustic wave detection data, and thus improve the accuracy of soil acoustic property testing.

[0071] Furthermore, the protective layer is made of non-metallic material.

[0072] Among them, non-metallic materials refer to solid materials that do not contain metal elements. Specifically, polyurethane, polyetheretherketone or carbon fiber composite materials can be used. The density of such materials is lower than that of conventional metals. Therefore, they can reduce acoustic impedance through their low-density characteristics, and avoid electromagnetic shielding effects through their non-metallic characteristics.

[0073] Specifically, when the protective layer outside the measurement chamber 14 is made of a low-density non-metallic material, the difference in acoustic impedance between it and the surrounding soil medium is significantly reduced, reducing the reflected energy generated when the sound wave propagates from the soil to the protective layer, thereby reducing the signal attenuation. Furthermore, because non-metallic materials do not provide electromagnetic shielding, the sound wave receiving unit can directly capture the original acoustic waveform, avoiding distortion of the signal amplitude and phase. During the penetration process, the low-density non-metallic material maintains its mechanical protection function for the measurement module 2 through its high modulus properties. For example, polyetheretherketone can achieve a tensile strength of over 90 MPa, and ceramic-based composite materials can achieve a compressive strength of over 300 MPa.

[0074] In some embodiments, the protective layer can be a multi-layer composite structure, for example, with an inner layer made of a carbon fiber-reinforced resin matrix to provide impact resistance and an outer layer made of a porous ceramic material to further reduce acoustic impedance. The protective layer can be secured to the measurement chamber 14 via injection molding or adhesive, and an anti-corrosion coating can be applied to the surface to protect against marine salt spray environments.

[0075] Compared to existing technologies, traditional metal protective layers have significantly higher acoustic impedance than the soil layer, resulting in strong sound wave reflection at the interface. Furthermore, the metal's shielding effect on electromagnetic waves can interfere with acoustic signal acquisition. Low-density non-metallic materials, on the other hand, improve sound wave penetration efficiency by matching acoustic impedance and eliminating electromagnetic interference, while maintaining structural strength through high-modulus composite materials.

[0076] Through the above technical solution, the present application solves the problem of sound wave signal distortion caused by the metal protective layer, enabling the acoustic detection module to accurately obtain the original acoustic characteristic parameters of the soil medium, while ensuring the structural integrity of the probe 1 during the penetration process.

[0077] Furthermore, the transition rod 13 is detachably connected to the measuring cabin 14, and both the transition rod 13 and the measuring cabin 14 are provided with spring pin connectors. The drive cabin 12 is integrated with a power module and a data protocol interface. The power module is used to provide an adaptive power supply for the acoustic detection module, the temperature and pressure sensing module, and the chemical detection module. The data protocol interface is used to provide standardized data transmission for the acoustic detection module, the temperature and pressure sensing module, and the chemical detection module.

[0078] The load bar 14a also features a radially extending mounting plate. Both the mounting plate and the transition bar 13 are equipped with pogo pin connectors, enabling electrical connection to the measurement module 2 within the protective layer. The power module can adjust the output power to the measurement module 2, while a data protocol interface switches standardized data transmission between the acoustic detection module, the temperature and pressure sensing module, and the chemical detection module. The drive compartment 12 houses a built-in lithium battery pack (24V DC, 5000mAh capacity, IP67 protection rating), which powers the measurement module 2 via the pogo pin connector embedded within the transition bar 13. The data protocol interface utilizes an RS-485 bus, enabling real-time communication with a host computer.

[0079] Among them, the detachable connection refers to the rapid separation and combination of the transition rod 13 and the measuring cabin 14 through a mechanical interface. Specifically, a threaded connection or a snap-on locking structure can be used to support the modular replacement of the measuring cabin 14. Among them, the spring pin connector refers to an electrical connection device using elastic contacts. Specifically, a structure in which a gold-plated spring pin and a metal contact are matched can be used to maintain stable electrical contact in a marine corrosion environment. Among them, the power module refers to a power supply unit with multiple independent outputs. Specifically, a voltage divider circuit and a voltage regulator chip combination design can be used to provide matching voltage and current for different sensors. Among them, the data protocol interface refers to a data transmission channel that complies with a unified communication specification. Specifically, RS-485 or CAN bus protocol can be used to be compatible with the data formats of multiple types of sensors.

[0080] Specifically, the detachable connection between the transition rod 13 and the measurement cabin 14 allows for replacement of measurement cabin 14 modules with different functions according to test requirements. The spring pin connectors are symmetrically distributed across the connection interface, enabling multi-point contact during mechanical locking, thus avoiding signal interruption caused by single-point contact failure. The power module within the drive cabin 12 supplies power to the acoustic detection module, temperature and pressure sensing module, and chemical detection module through an isolation circuit, preventing signal crosstalk caused by power coupling. The data protocol interface utilizes shielded cables and standard communication protocols to uniformly encode the data output by each sensor and transmit it to external devices, eliminating the impact of electromagnetic noise on data integrity.

[0081] Compared with existing technologies, traditional probes 1 use fixed welding or conventional connectors for electrical connections, which are prone to oxidative corrosion and poor contact in the high-humidity, high-salt marine environment. Existing power supply solutions often use a single power supply to power multiple sensors. Differential power consumption among different sensors causes voltage fluctuations, affecting measurement accuracy. Existing data transmission often relies on unshielded cables and custom protocols, making signals susceptible to interference and poor compatibility. This solution improves corrosion resistance through spring pin connectors, eliminates power supply interference through multiple independent power supplies, and ensures data transmission stability through standardized protocols and shielded interfaces.

[0082] Through the above technical solution, this application achieves rapid replacement and reliable connection of probe 1's functional modules, avoiding signal distortion caused by poor electrical contact. The independent power supply design adapted to different sensors effectively suppresses the impact of power supply noise on measurement accuracy. The standardized data transmission protocol and anti-interference interface design ensure the compatibility and integrity of multi-source heterogeneous sensor data, thereby improving the operational reliability of probe 1 in complex marine environments.

[0083] The present application also provides an application example of acoustic testing, which is as follows: Penetration stage: the external probe rod pushes the probe 1 into the soil layer, the drive motor 41 keeps the sheath 31 in a protective state, the pointed cone 32 guides the penetration, and the sheath 31 withstands external impact.

[0084] Measurement phase: After the probe 1 reaches the predetermined depth, the drive motor 41 rotates in reverse, the planetary gear 44 drives the threaded rod 45 to rotate, and the sheath 31 moves upward to expose the measurement chamber 14. The acoustic wave receiving unit directly contacts the soil layer and collects unattenuated signals.

[0085] Data return: The acoustic wave receiving unit uploads data to the ground terminal through the interface.

[0086] Recovery stage: the drive motor 41 rotates forward, and the sheath 31 is reset to a protective state to prevent the measuring module 2 from being damaged when the probe 1 is pulled out.

[0087] In summary, the contact probe 1 device of the present embodiment achieves precise control of the protective assembly 3 through the combination of a power source and a transmission mechanism, thus avoiding manual operation errors. Furthermore, the composite design of the protective layer and the protective assembly 3 significantly reduces signal attenuation and improves test accuracy. Furthermore, the detachable design of the transition rod 13 and the measurement chamber 14 enables rapid component replacement to accommodate diverse testing needs.

[0088] The embodiments of the present application have been described above. The above description is illustrative and not exhaustive, and is not limited to the disclosed embodiments. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the described embodiments. The terminology used herein is selected to best explain the principles of the embodiments, their practical applications, or improvements to the technology in the market, or to enable other persons skilled in the art to understand the embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A contact probe device, characterized in that: include: A probe (1) having a measuring node and a driving node, wherein the measuring node is filled with a protective layer; A measurement module (2) is provided in the measurement node and is wrapped by a protective layer; A protection component (3) is sleeved on the probe (1), and the protection component (3) has a protection state of closing the measurement node and a measurement state of opening the measurement node; The driving component (4) is arranged in the driving node. Under the action of the driving component (4), the protection component (3) switches between the protection state and the measurement state.

2. The contact probe device according to claim 1, wherein: The probe (1) comprises a tail connecting rod (11), a driving cabin (12), a transition rod (13), a measuring cabin (14), and a penetration rod (15) for penetrating into the soil layer, which are connected in sequence; The driving cabin (12) is a hollow structure, and an opening is provided on the outer periphery of the driving cabin (12); The measuring cabin (14) comprises a load rod (14a), the two ends of which are respectively connected to the axis of the transition rod (13) and the penetration rod (15), and the measuring module (2) surrounds the load rod (14a).

3. The contact probe device according to claim 2, wherein: The protective assembly (3) comprises a sheath (31), the sheath (31) is nested in the probe (1), and a pointed cone (32) is provided at one end of the sheath (31) close to the penetration rod (15); The drive assembly (4) comprises a power mechanism and a transmission mechanism, wherein the transmission mechanism converts the output of the power mechanism into an axial displacement of the sheath (31).

4. The contact probe device according to claim 3, wherein: The power mechanism includes a drive motor (41) and a drive gear (42), wherein the drive motor (41) is fixedly arranged in the drive cabin (12), and the drive gear (42) is connected to the output shaft of the drive motor (41); The transmission mechanism comprises a driven shaft (43), a planetary gear (44) and a threaded rod (45), wherein the number of the driven shafts (43) is four, and the two ends of the driven shafts (43) are respectively rotatably connected to the tail end connecting rod (11) and the transition rod (13), and each driven shaft (43) is equidistantly arranged around the output shaft of the drive motor (41), and each driven shaft (43) is provided with the planetary gear (44) and the threaded rod (45), and the threaded rod (45) rotates coaxially with the driven shaft (43), and the planetary gear (44) is meshed with the drive gear (42); The inner peripheral wall of the sheath (31) is provided with a rack (33), and the rack (33) is meshedly connected with the threaded rod (45) through the opening.

5. The contact probe device according to claim 2, wherein: The end of the penetration rod (15) is a tapered structure, which is used to reduce penetration resistance.

6. The contact probe device according to claim 2, wherein: The measurement module (2) comprises any one of an acoustic detection module, a temperature and pressure sensing module, and a chemical detection module.

7. The contact probe device according to claim 6, wherein: The acoustic detection module includes an acoustic wave receiving unit, the temperature and pressure sensing module includes a piezoresistive pressure sensor and a platinum resistance temperature sensor, and the chemical detection module includes a micro-spectrometer and a fluid sampling unit.

8. The contact probe device according to claim 7, wherein: The sound wave receiving unit comprises a plurality of test nodes, and the plurality of test nodes are arranged in an array along the periphery of the measurement cabin (14).

9. The contact probe device according to claim 8, wherein: The protective layer is made of non-metallic material.

10. The contact probe device according to claim 9, wherein: The transition rod (13) is detachably connected to the measuring cabin (14). The transition rod (13) and the measuring cabin (14) are both provided with spring pin connectors. A power module and a data protocol interface are integrated in the driving cabin (12). The power module is used to provide an adaptive power supply for the acoustic detection module, the temperature and pressure sensing module, and the chemical detection module. The data protocol interface is used to provide standardized data transmission for the acoustic detection module, the temperature and pressure sensing module, and the chemical detection module.

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