Tower detection device and method based on in-phase parallel dipole antennas
By combining a parallel dipole antenna with a vector network analyzer and a signal processing unit, real-time monitoring and early warning of tower fractures are achieved, solving the problems of inaccurate detection and potential structural damage in existing technologies. It has strong robustness and anti-interference capabilities, and the hardware cost is low.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202511667106.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-11-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-03
AI Technical Summary
Existing tower detection methods are mostly based on the amplitude variation of S-parameters at specific frequencies of single or multiple antennas. These methods are easily affected by frequency shift interference, making it difficult to accurately detect whether the tower is broken. Furthermore, existing methods may damage the tower structure.
By employing a parallel dipole antenna in phase, a vector network analyzer, and a signal processing unit, the system detects the input impedance information of the utility pole, calculates the second derivative and segmentation of the characteristic interval using a hybrid differential algorithm, and achieves real-time monitoring and early warning of the pole structure.
It can stably reflect changes in the internal structure of the tower over a wide frequency range, has strong robustness, strong resistance to noise and environmental interference, does not rely on single-point parameters for detection, has low hardware cost, and is easy to promote and apply on a large scale.
Smart Images
Figure CN121596027A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This application relates to the field of radio technology, and in particular to a tower detection device and method based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna. Background Technology
[0002] As a crucial infrastructure for power transmission, the structural safety of power transmission towers directly impacts the stable operation of power and communication networks. Towers typically contain reinforcing steel bars or other metal components to enhance their overall strength. However, during long-term service, these steel bars may fracture due to corrosion, fatigue, or external forces. Failure to detect and repair these fractures promptly can easily lead to structural failure and even serious safety accidents. Existing flaw detection methods largely rely on the amplitude variations of S-parameters at specific frequencies using single or multiple antennas, making them highly susceptible to interference from frequency shifts. Summary of the Invention
[0003] The main objective of this application is to propose a pole detection device and method based on a parallel dipole antenna in phase, so as to accurately detect whether a utility pole is broken.
[0004] To achieve the above objectives, one aspect of this application proposes a tower detection device based on an in-phase parallel dipole antenna, the device comprising: an in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1), a vector network analyzer (2), and a signal processing unit (3); The in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) is arranged circumferentially along the utility pole; The vector network analyzer (2) is electrically connected to the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1); The signal processing unit (3) is electrically connected to the vector network analyzer (2).
[0005] In some embodiments, the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) employs multiple dipole antennas arranged in parallel along the circumference of the utility pole to expand the detection range.
[0006] In some embodiments, the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) includes a long rectangular microstrip line (11), a short rectangular microstrip line (12), a dielectric substrate (13), and a feed connector (14).
[0007] In some embodiments, a microstrip network is provided on the top of the dielectric substrate (13), the microstrip network being formed by two identical short rectangular microstrip lines (12) perpendicularly connected to the two ends of the long rectangular microstrip line (11), the two short rectangular microstrip lines (12) being parallel to each other and facing the same side; a microstrip network symmetrical to it in the opposite direction is provided on the bottom of the dielectric substrate (13).
[0008] In some embodiments, the center of the long rectangular microstrip line (11) of the top microstrip network is connected to one end of the feed connector (14), and the other end of the feed connector (14) is connected to the center of the long rectangular microstrip line (11) of the bottom microstrip network.
[0009] In some embodiments, the dielectric substrate (13) is square.
[0010] In some embodiments, the vector network analyzer (2) is used to detect and acquire the input impedance information of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) within a preset operating frequency range.
[0011] In some embodiments, the signal processing unit (3) is used to receive the input impedance information, process the impedance imaginary part data of the input impedance information, calculate the second derivative of the impedance imaginary part data through a hybrid differential algorithm, and perform feature interval segmentation, frequency domain feature extraction and multi-feature scoring accumulation on the interval where the extreme value of the second derivative is located to obtain a cumulative score.
[0012] In some embodiments, the signal processing unit is used to trigger an alarm signal when the cumulative score of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) exceeds a preset threshold, so as to realize real-time monitoring and early warning of pole breakage.
[0013] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of this application proposes a tower detection method based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna. This method is applied to the aforementioned tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna, and includes: The input impedance information of a utility pole is detected using a parallel dipole antenna of the same phase. The input impedance information is detected and acquired within a preset operating frequency range using a vector network analyzer. The signal processing unit processes the imaginary part of the input impedance information, calculates the second derivative of the imaginary part of the impedance using a hybrid differential algorithm, and performs feature interval segmentation, frequency domain feature extraction, and multi-feature scoring accumulation on the interval where the second derivative extrema are located to obtain a cumulative score. When the cumulative score of the parallel dipole antenna exceeds a preset threshold, the signal processing unit triggers an alarm signal to achieve real-time monitoring and early warning of the broken utility pole.
[0014] The embodiments of this application include at least the following beneficial effects: This application provides a pole tower detection device and method based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna. The detection device includes a parallel in-phase dipole antenna, a vector network analyzer, and a signal processing unit. By extracting the second-order conduction extremum features of the imaginary part of the input impedance through the parallel in-phase dipole antenna, it can stably reflect changes in the internal structure of the pole tower over a wide frequency range, determine whether structural anomalies have occurred, and has strong robustness. The vector network analyzer collects impedance information in real time, and the signal processing unit quickly completes data processing and judgment, realizing real-time monitoring of fractures. The detection does not rely on single-point parameters but is based on multi-feature accumulation discrimination, which has strong anti-noise and anti-environment interference capabilities. The antenna is arranged around the outside of the utility pole without damaging the pole structure, making installation and maintenance convenient. Moreover, the core components of the detection device are the parallel in-phase dipole antenna, the vector network analyzer, and the signal processing unit, which have low hardware costs and are easy to promote and apply on a large scale. Attached Figure Description
[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0016] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 A flowchart illustrating the operation of a tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna, provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 A tilted schematic diagram of an in-phase parallel dipole antenna provided for an embodiment of this application; Figure 4 A tower detection setup diagram for an in-phase parallel dipole antenna provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 5 An algorithm block diagram of a signal processing unit provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 6 A second derivative diagram of the angles around the broken section of the utility pole provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 7 This is a detection result diagram provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation
[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this application and are not intended to limit it. In the following description, when referring to the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this application; they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this application as detailed in the appended claims.
[0018] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing embodiments of this application only and is not intended to limit this application.
[0019] Reference Figure 1 This application provides a tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna. The device includes: a parallel in-phase dipole antenna (1), a vector network analyzer (2), and a signal processing unit (3). The in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) is arranged circumferentially along the utility pole; The vector network analyzer (2) is electrically connected to the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1); The signal processing unit (3) is electrically connected to the vector network analyzer (2).
[0020] Optionally, the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) employs multiple dipole antennas arranged in parallel along the circumference of the utility pole to expand the detection range.
[0021] Optionally, the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) includes a long rectangular microstrip line (11), a short rectangular microstrip line (12), a dielectric substrate (13), and a feed connector (14).
[0022] Optionally, a microstrip network is provided on the top of the dielectric substrate (13), the microstrip network consisting of two identical short rectangular microstrip lines (12) perpendicularly connected to the two ends of the long rectangular microstrip line (11), the two short rectangular microstrip lines (12) being parallel to each other and facing the same side; a microstrip network symmetrical to it in the opposite direction is provided on the bottom of the dielectric substrate (13).
[0023] Optionally, the center of the long rectangular microstrip line (11) of the top microstrip network is connected to one end of the feed connector (14), and the other end of the feed connector (14) is connected to the center of the long rectangular microstrip line (11) of the bottom microstrip network.
[0024] Optionally, the dielectric substrate (13) is square.
[0025] Optionally, the vector network analyzer (2) is used to detect and acquire the input impedance information of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) within a preset operating frequency range.
[0026] Optionally, the signal processing unit (3) is used to receive the input impedance information, process the imaginary part data of the input impedance information, calculate the second derivative of the imaginary part data of the impedance through a hybrid differential algorithm, and perform feature interval segmentation, frequency domain feature extraction and multi-feature scoring accumulation on the interval where the extreme value of the second derivative is located to obtain a cumulative score.
[0027] Optionally, the signal processing unit is used to trigger an alarm signal when the cumulative score of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) exceeds a preset threshold, so as to realize real-time monitoring and early warning of pole breakage.
[0028] To achieve the above objectives, another aspect of this application proposes a tower detection method based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna. This method is applied to the aforementioned tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna, and includes: The input impedance information of a utility pole is detected using a parallel dipole antenna of the same phase. The input impedance information is detected and acquired within a preset operating frequency range using a vector network analyzer. The signal processing unit processes the imaginary part of the input impedance information, calculates the second derivative of the imaginary part of the impedance using a hybrid differential algorithm, and performs feature interval segmentation, frequency domain feature extraction, and multi-feature scoring accumulation on the interval where the second derivative extrema are located to obtain a cumulative score. When the cumulative score of the parallel dipole antenna exceeds a preset threshold, the signal processing unit triggers an alarm signal to achieve real-time monitoring and early warning of the broken utility pole.
[0029] The following sections will provide a detailed description and explanation of some optional embodiments of this application, using specific application examples.
[0030] This embodiment discloses a tower detection device based on an in-phase parallel dipole antenna. The device includes an in-phase parallel dipole antenna, a vector network analyzer, and a signal processing unit. In-phase parallel dipole antennas are arranged circumferentially along the utility pole; in-phase parallel dipole antennas are used to transmit and receive electromagnetic signals, and their input impedance changes with the surrounding electromagnetic environment.
[0031] The vector network analyzer is electrically connected to the in-phase parallel dipole antenna and is used to detect and acquire the input impedance information of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna within a preset operating frequency range. The input impedance information includes the real part and the imaginary part of the impedance. The microstrip line network consists of two short rectangular microstrip lines of the same shape connected to a long rectangular microstrip line.
[0032] The signal processing unit is electrically connected to the vector network analyzer and is used to receive the input impedance information transmitted by the vector network analyzer and process the imaginary part data of the impedance of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna: First, the imaginary part data of the impedance is extracted within the operating frequency range, and its second derivative and its extrema are calculated; then, adjacent extrema are segmented, and the scores of features such as the number of segments, absolute slope, maximum absolute value, and variance are weighted and accumulated to obtain the cumulative score; finally, the cumulative score is compared with a preset threshold. If the cumulative score of the antenna exceeds the threshold, an alarm signal is triggered.
[0033] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the technical solution in this embodiment include: This embodiment can connect multiple dipoles in parallel to expand the detection area. By extracting the second-order conduction extremum features of the imaginary part of the input impedance through in-phase parallel dipole antennas, it can stably reflect changes in the internal structure of the tower over a wide frequency range, determine whether structural anomalies have occurred, and has strong robustness. The vector network analyzer collects impedance information in real time, and the signal processing unit quickly completes data processing and judgment to achieve real-time monitoring of fractures. The detection does not rely on single-point parameters, but is based on multi-feature accumulation and discrimination, and has strong anti-noise and anti-environment interference capabilities. The antenna is arranged around the outside of the utility pole without damaging the pole structure, making installation and maintenance convenient. Moreover, the core components of the system are in-phase parallel dipole antennas, vector network analyzers, and microcontroller signal processing units, resulting in low hardware costs and facilitating large-scale promotion and application.
[0034] The technical solution of this embodiment will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.
[0035] This embodiment discloses a tower detection device and method based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna. Figure 2 Here is an example of the device's workflow; Parallel in-phase dipole antennas, such as Figure 3 As shown, there is a long rectangular microstrip line 11, a short rectangular microstrip line 12, a dielectric substrate 13, and a feed connector 14. At the top of the dielectric substrate, two short rectangular microstrip lines 12 of the same shape are placed parallel to each other in the same direction, and are perpendicularly connected at both ends of a long rectangular microstrip line 11 of the same shape, forming a microstrip line network. The center of the long microstrip line 11 is connected to a feed connector 14. At the bottom of the dielectric substrate, a similar microstrip line network is placed symmetrically in the opposite direction. In the specific implementation process, the length of the long rectangular microstrip line 11 is 120mm and the width is 5mm; In the specific implementation process, the short rectangular microstrip line 12 has a length of 58.5 mm and a width of 3 mm; In the specific implementation process, the length of the power supply connector 14 is 5mm and the width is 1.5mm; The dielectric substrate 13 is square, and in the specific implementation, an epoxy board substrate is used.
[0036] In the specific implementation process, the dielectric substrate has a side length of 120mm and a thickness of 1.5mm.
[0037] Figure 4 This is a diagram of the tower detection setup in this embodiment. The in-phase parallel dipole antenna is arranged circumferentially along the utility pole, and the distance between the in-phase parallel dipole antenna and the surface of the utility pole is 15mm.
[0038] Figure 5 This is a block diagram of the detection algorithm in this embodiment. The signal processing unit (STM32F103RCT6 microcontroller) first obtains the imaginary part data of the input impedance of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna through a vector network analyzer (NanoVNA); it then processes this imaginary part data using a hybrid differential algorithm to calculate its second derivative; next, it finds the maxima and minima from the second derivative data; based on the intervals where these extreme values are located, it performs multi-feature mining operations such as phase feature interval segmentation and frequency domain feature extraction, and weights and accumulates feature scores such as the number of segments, absolute slope, maximum absolute value, and variance to obtain a cumulative score; finally, it compares the cumulative score with a preset threshold. If the cumulative score of the antenna exceeds the threshold, an alarm signal is triggered. This achieves accurate detection and early warning of broken utility poles.
[0039] Figure 6 This is a second derivative diagram of the angles around the fracture point in this embodiment, showing the second derivative results of the imaginary part of the input impedance under three conditions (no fracture, one broken rebar, and two broken rebars).
[0040] Figure 7 This is a diagram showing the test results in this embodiment, obtained under three conditions (no breakage, one broken rebar, and two broken rebars).
[0041] The embodiments described in this application are for the purpose of more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of technology and the emergence of new application scenarios, the technical solutions provided by the embodiments of this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.
[0042] Those skilled in the art will understand that the technical solutions shown in the figures do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments of this application, and may include more or fewer technical solutions than shown, or a combination of certain technical solutions, or different technical solutions.
[0043] The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. (if present) in the specification and accompanying drawings of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate so that the embodiments of this application described herein can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms “comprising” and “having,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.
[0044] It should be understood that in this application, "at least one (item)" means one or more, and "more than" means two or more. "And / or" is used to describe the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three cases: only A exists, only B exists, and both A and B exist simultaneously, where A and B can be singular or plural. The character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects are in an "or" relationship. "At least one (item) of the following" or similar expressions refer to any combination of these items, including any combination of single or plural items. For example, at least one (item) of a, b, or c can represent: a, b, c, "a and b", "a and c", "b and c", or "a and b and c", where a, b, and c can be single or multiple.
[0045] The preferred embodiments of the present application have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, but this does not limit the scope of the claims of the present application. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and substance of the embodiments of the present application shall be within the scope of the claims of the present application.
Claims
1. A tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna, characterized in that, The device includes: a parallel in-phase dipole antenna (1), a vector network analyzer (2), and a signal processing unit (3); The in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) is arranged circumferentially along the utility pole; The vector network analyzer (2) is electrically connected to the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1); The signal processing unit (3) is electrically connected to the vector network analyzer (2).
2. The tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The parallel dipole antenna (1) uses multiple dipole antennas connected in parallel along the circumference of the utility pole to expand the detection range.
3. The tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) includes a long rectangular microstrip line (11), a short rectangular microstrip line (12), a dielectric substrate (13), and a feed connector (14).
4. The tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The top of the dielectric substrate (13) is provided with a microstrip network, which consists of two identical short rectangular microstrip lines (12) perpendicularly connected to the two ends of the long rectangular microstrip line (11). The two short rectangular microstrip lines (12) are parallel to each other and face the same side. The bottom of the dielectric substrate (13) is provided with a microstrip network that is symmetrical to it in the opposite direction.
5. A tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna according to claim 4, characterized in that, The center of the long rectangular microstrip line (11) of the top microstrip network is connected to one end of the feed connector (14), and the other end of the feed connector (14) is connected to the center of the long rectangular microstrip line (11) of the bottom microstrip network.
6. A tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna according to claim 3, characterized in that, The dielectric substrate (13) is square.
7. A tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna according to claim 1, characterized in that, The vector network analyzer (2) is used to detect and acquire the input impedance information of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) within a preset operating frequency range.
8. A tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna according to claim 7, characterized in that, The signal processing unit (3) is used to receive the input impedance information, process the imaginary part data of the input impedance information, calculate the second derivative of the imaginary part data of the impedance through a hybrid differential algorithm, and perform feature interval segmentation, frequency domain feature extraction and multi-feature scoring accumulation on the interval where the extreme value of the second derivative is located to obtain the cumulative score.
9. A tower detection device based on a parallel in-phase dipole antenna according to claim 8, characterized in that, The signal processing unit is used to trigger an alarm signal when the cumulative score of the in-phase parallel dipole antenna (1) exceeds a preset threshold, so as to realize real-time monitoring and early warning of pole breakage.
10. A tower detection method based on in-phase parallel dipole antennas, characterized in that, The method is applied to a tower detection device based on a parallel dipole antenna as described in claim 1, and the method includes: The input impedance information of a utility pole is detected using a parallel dipole antenna of the same phase. The input impedance information is detected and acquired within a preset operating frequency range using a vector network analyzer. The signal processing unit processes the imaginary part of the input impedance information, calculates the second derivative of the imaginary part of the impedance using a hybrid differential algorithm, and performs feature interval segmentation, frequency domain feature extraction, and multi-feature scoring accumulation on the interval where the second derivative extrema are located to obtain a cumulative score. When the cumulative score of the parallel dipole antenna exceeds a preset threshold, the signal processing unit triggers an alarm signal to achieve real-time monitoring and early warning of the broken utility pole.