Avalanche monitoring and early warning system

Abstract

The invention discloses an avalanche monitoring and early warning system which comprises a support, the support is composed of at least two stand columns, a plurality of pressure-bearing snowboard assemblies are arranged in the longitudinal direction of the support, each pressure-bearing snowboard assembly comprises a sliding rail, the two ends of the sliding rail are fixedly connected with the stand columns, a sliding block is arranged on the sliding rail, and a pressure-bearing snowboard is fixedly arranged at one end of the sliding block. The pressure-bearing snowboard is perpendicular to the moving direction of accumulated snow, the other end of the sliding block is connected with a monitoring sensor through a pull wire, the monitoring sensor is electrically connected with a far-end intelligent terminal, snowboard limiters are fixedly arranged on the sliding rail and located on the two sides of the sliding block, and a buffer spring is arranged between the snowboard limiter located on the upstream of the moving direction of the accumulated snow and the sliding block. A reset spring is further fixedly connected to the sliding block in the direction opposite to the accumulated snow moving direction. According to the invention, by arranging a plurality of groups of monitoring units in the vertical direction, independent sliding amount analysis of different depths of a snow layer is realized; the device is simple in structure, more direct and accurate in monitoring, lower in cost, easy to assemble and deploy and high in reuse rate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of avalanche monitoring technology, and more specifically, to an avalanche monitoring and early warning system. Background Technology

[0002] Ground-based sensor networks: The mainstream system consists of fixed monitoring terminals, data relay devices, and a monitoring center. Monitoring terminals are typically equipped with position sensors (such as GPS), accelerometers (triaxial MEMS), ZigBee communication modules, and solar power systems, and are fixed to the snow layer using metal cones or mounting rods. Data relay devices employ a multi-hop transmission mode to address high-altitude network coverage issues. For example, in the avalanche monitoring project in Nyingchi, Tibet, one relay station is configured for every 6-8 monitoring terminals, achieving an effective transmission distance of 3.5 kilometers. However, the battery efficiency of these devices decreases by more than 40% in extreme low-temperature environments (<-30℃), and the accelerometers lack sensitivity during the low-speed snow creep phase (<5cm / s).

[0003] Remote sensing monitoring platform:

[0004] Ground-based laser scanning systems, exemplified by the Automated Ground Laser Scanner (ATLS), complete a slope scan every 12 hours, with an average point spacing of 0.4–1.1 meters and an accuracy of ±0.05 meters. In continuous winter monitoring in the Austrian Alps, this system successfully acquired millimeter-level data on snow thickness variations. However, the scanning range is limited by terrain obstruction, and the effective monitoring area of ​​a single station is typically less than 2 square kilometers.

[0005] Manual observation stations: Standardized snow pit observation networks have been established in regions such as Davos, Switzerland, to manually measure snow layering (hardness, crystal form, temperature gradient) and characteristics of vulnerable layers. This type of data is used to correct the parameters of the SNOWPACK model, but the station density is insufficient (average 100 square kilometers / station), and the sampling frequency in high-altitude areas is low (1-2 times per month).

[0006] In summary, existing avalanche monitoring technologies have the following two shortcomings:

[0007] (1) Lack of information on snow layer deformation: Existing technologies have weak capabilities in detecting the internal structure of snow layers. Ground-based laser scanning only acquires surface deformation, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR), although capable of penetrating snow layers, has insufficient resolution (>10cm). Especially during the formation stage of the wet snow transition layer (temperature gradient 0.3-1.5℃ / cm), there is a lack of effective means to quantify its thickness evolution, resulting in a deviation of up to 40% in the assessment of the strength of the vulnerable layer.

[0008] (2) Poor data transmission timeliness: The revisit time of spaceborne remote sensing monitoring, such as Sentinel-1, is 6 days, and a ground-based radar scan also takes 10-15 minutes per cycle. This delay cannot immediately trigger the on-site sound and light alarm device, and thus cannot warn personnel to quickly evacuate from the danger zone. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to propose an avalanche monitoring and early warning system to overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings in the prior art.

[0010] To achieve the above-mentioned technical objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is implemented as follows:

[0011] An avalanche monitoring and early warning system includes a support frame consisting of at least two columns. Several pressure-bearing snowboard assemblies are arranged longitudinally along the support frame. Each pressure-bearing snowboard assembly includes a slide rail arranged along the direction of snow movement. Both ends of the slide rail are fixedly connected to the columns. A slider is mounted on the slide rail. A pressure-bearing snowboard is fixedly mounted on one end of the slider, and the pressure-bearing snowboard is perpendicular to the direction of snow movement. The other end of the slider is connected to a monitoring sensor via a pull wire. The monitoring sensor is electrically connected to a remote intelligent terminal. Snowboard limiters are fixedly mounted on both sides of the slider on the slide rail. A buffer spring is provided between the snowboard limiter located upstream in the direction of snow movement and the slider. A return spring is also fixedly connected to the slider in the opposite direction to the direction of snow movement.

[0012] Preferably, the support frame consists of four square-shaped columns. Three sets of pressure-bearing snowboard assemblies are arranged longitudinally along the support frame. Each set of pressure-bearing snowboard assemblies includes two slide rails arranged along the direction of snow movement. Both ends of each slide rail are fixedly connected to the columns. Each slide rail has a fixing block and a slider arranged sequentially along the direction of snow movement. A first connecting rod is fixedly connected between the two sliders. The pressure-bearing snowboard is fixedly mounted on one end of the first connecting rod. A second connecting rod is fixedly connected between the two fixing blocks. A return spring is connected between the fixing block and the slider on each slide rail. Two more slide rails are arranged on the columns above the pressure-bearing snowboard assemblies. A third connecting rod and a fourth connecting rod are fixedly connected sequentially between the two slide rails along the direction of snow movement. Three monitoring sensors are fixedly mounted on the upper end of the third connecting rod. Each monitoring sensor is connected to the pressure-bearing snowboard via a pull wire passing through the guide wheel assembly.

[0013] Preferably, the pulley assembly includes a guide wheel assembly fixedly mounted on the fourth connecting rod, the first connecting rod, and the second connecting rod.

[0014] Preferably, the columns are articulated columns.

[0015] Preferably, the slide rail is fixed to the column by a sleeve-type fixing block.

[0016] Preferably, the monitoring sensor is a high-precision tensile sensor.

[0017] The beneficial effects of this invention: Layered monitoring mechanism: For the first time, independent sliding quantitative analysis of snow layers at different depths is achieved through multiple sets of vertically stretched wires;

[0018] Dynamic height adaptation: Adjustable brackets solve the problem of terrain differences and reduce deployment costs by more than 50% (compared to fixed height equipment).

[0019] It adopts a frame structure and is equipped with multiple tension sensors and pull rods. The monitoring width and height can be set freely. It has automatic reset and limit functions to ensure the stability and durability of the device. The elastic reset structure increases the equipment reuse rate to 90% and significantly reduces maintenance costs.

[0020] Compared to existing composite monitoring methods (such as radar, infrasound, vibration, video, etc.), this device has a simpler structure, more direct and accurate monitoring, lower cost, and is easier to assemble and deploy. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the system described in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 2 This is a side view of the system described in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] As shown in the figure:

[0024] 1-Column; 2-Monitoring sensor; 3-Guide wheel assembly; 4-Slider; 5-Slide rail; 6-Support base; 7-Sleeve-type fixing block; 8-Pull cable; 9-Reset spring; 10-Pressure-bearing snowboard; 11-Snowboard limiter; 12-Buffer spring; 13-Fixing block; 14-First connecting rod; 15-Second connecting rod; 16-Third connecting rod; 17-Fourth connecting rod. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," indicating orientation or positional relationships, are based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings and are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as limiting the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0027] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0028] like Figure 1-2As shown, this invention discloses an avalanche monitoring and early warning system, including a support frame. The support frame consists of four square-shaped columns 1. The distance between two columns in the width direction is 600mm, and the distance between two columns in the length direction is 2000mm. Since the system is installed in the avalanche area and directly faces the avalanche impact, the overall size of 600*2000mm is the most stable size for the system. The columns 1 are articulated columns, supporting height adjustment from 0.5-3m (achieved through sliding grooves and locking buckles), adapting to different snow depth areas. Three sets of pressure-bearing snow plate assemblies are arranged longitudinally along the support frame. The height of the pressure-bearing snow plate 10 is related to the resolution of the monitored snow layer thickness. The higher the required resolution, the narrower the pressure-bearing snow plate 10 is set. Generally, the height of each snow plate is 100mm, and the distance between adjacent snow plates is 10mm. This is to prevent the snow plates from getting stuck. Each set of pressure-bearing snowboard assembly includes two slide rails 5 arranged along the snow movement direction. Both ends of each slide rail 5 are fixedly connected to sleeve-type fixing blocks 7 on the column 1 via support bases 6. The sleeve-type fixing blocks 7 can slide up and down along the column 1 and be fixed, thereby achieving the purpose of adjusting the pressure-bearing snowboard assembly to monitor snow layers at different heights. Each slide rail 5 has a fixing block 13 and a slider 4 arranged sequentially along the snow movement direction. Snowboard limiters 11 are fixedly installed on both sides of the slider 4. A buffer spring 12 is installed between the snowboard limiters 11 and the slider 4. A first connecting rod 14 is fixedly connected between the two sliders 4. The pressure-bearing snowboard 10 is fixedly installed at one end of the first connecting rod 14, and the pressure-bearing snowboard 10 is arranged perpendicular to the snow movement direction. A second connecting rod 15 is fixedly connected between the two fixing blocks 13. A return spring 9 connects the fixed block 13 and the slider 4 on the slide rail 5. Two more slide rails 5 are installed on the column 1 above the snowboard assembly. A third connecting rod 16 and a fourth connecting rod 17 are sequentially fixed between the two slide rails 5 along the snow movement direction. Three monitoring sensors 2 are fixedly installed at the upper end of the third connecting rod 16. Each monitoring sensor 2 is connected to the snowboard 10 via a pull wire 8 passing through the guide wheel assembly. The pull wire 8 is preferably made of 6mm diameter stainless steel. The monitoring sensor 2 is a high-precision tension sensor, such as the RS-LGLF-DC-4G-1000 cable crack gauge. This sensor has a range of 1000mm, a resolution of 0.1mm, a built-in high-capacity battery, and uses 4G transmission. It can be powered by an external solar power supply and supports resume transmission after network outage. The stroke of the snowboard 10 is set according to the range of the cable sensor. Since the sensor's range is 1000mm, the maximum stroke of the snowboard 10 is also set to 1000mm.

[0029] Furthermore, the pulley system includes a guide wheel assembly 3 fixedly mounted on the fourth connecting rod 17, the first connecting rod 14, and the second connecting rod 15. This pulley system allows the monitoring sensor to be positioned high on the column, ensuring that the sensor is never covered by snow.

[0030] Avalanche monitoring principle:

[0031] After the system described in this invention is set up according to the snow area to be monitored (generally a ski resort classified according to the difficulty level of the ski slope and the avalanche risk level), as the snow accumulation increases, the pressure-bearing snowboard 10 will be buried by the snow layer, becoming one with the snow accumulation, and will move together with the snow as it slides down. When the pressure-bearing snowboard 10 moves, it will stretch the outward displacement cable. At this time, the monitoring sensor 2 will collect the outward displacement distance of the snow accumulation. When the pressure-bearing snowboard 10 moves to the maximum distance, it will be blocked by the snowboard limiter 11. At this time, it can be predicted that an avalanche may occur. The different displacement distances of the snowboard within the travel range before the avalanche occurs can help us to warn and predict the risk level of the avalanche. The sudden change in the outward displacement of the snowboard at the moment before and after the avalanche can allow us to accurately monitor the time of the avalanche. The increase in the snow layer displacement speed indicates that the snow layer is becoming unstable. The deep slip data can directly determine the damage to the snowboard layer and the weak layer. When an avalanche occurs and ends, the pressure-bearing snow plate 10 buried by snow will be exposed above the snow surface and will return to its initial position under the tension of the return spring 9. By observing the different outward displacement changes of the pressure-bearing snow plate 10, data such as the time of the avalanche can be accurately determined.

[0032] Through long-term data accumulation, we can later build a large avalanche early warning model. Within the cycle of an avalanche, by recording the outward movement trend of snow accumulation over time, the change of snow depth over time, and the time from when the snow displacement reaches the maximum travel distance of the snowboard to when the avalanche occurs, we can simulate an avalanche prediction model.

[0033] In summary, compared to ground-based sensor networks for avalanche monitoring, this invention can directly monitor the sliding distance of snow layers before an avalanche occurs. The device of this invention employs a direct measurement method combined with a sensor measurement method. After the load-bearing snow plate is buried by snow, it slides along with the snow. The sliding of the snow plate pulls the tension sensor's rope. The sensor can accurately measure the sliding distance of the snow by monitoring the length of the rope pulled out. Finally, after an avalanche occurs, the load-bearing snow plate returns to its initial position under the tension of the return spring. By monitoring the changes in the sensor's tension rope, the occurrence of the avalanche can be monitored in real time.

[0034] Compared to remote sensing monitoring platforms for avalanches, this invention can be flexibly deployed according to various complex terrains, covering the entire avalanche occurrence area through multi-point deployment, and can monitor in real time, with low monitoring cost and high efficiency.

[0035] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An avalanche monitoring and early warning system, characterized in that, The system includes a support frame consisting of at least two columns (1). Several pressure-bearing snowboard assemblies are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the support frame. Each pressure-bearing snowboard assembly includes a slide rail (5) arranged along the direction of snow movement. Both ends of the slide rail (5) are fixedly connected to the columns (1). A slider (4) is provided on the slide rail (5). A pressure-bearing snowboard (10) is fixedly provided on one end of the slider (4). The pressure-bearing snowboard (10) is arranged perpendicular to the direction of snow movement. The other end of the slider (4) is connected to a monitoring sensor (2) via a pull wire (8). The monitoring sensor (2) is electrically connected to a remote smart terminal. Snowboard limiters (11) are fixedly provided on both sides of the slider (4) on the slide rail (5). A buffer spring (12) is provided between the snowboard limiter (11) located upstream of the direction of snow movement and the slider (4). A reset spring (9) is also fixedly connected on the slider (4) in the opposite direction to the direction of snow movement.

2. The avalanche monitoring and early warning system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame consists of four square-shaped columns (1). Three sets of pressure-bearing snowboard assemblies are arranged longitudinally along the support frame. Each set of pressure-bearing snowboard assemblies includes two slide rails (5) arranged along the direction of snow movement. Both ends of each slide rail (5) are fixedly connected to the columns (1). Each slide rail (5) is sequentially provided with a fixing block (13) and a slider (4) along the direction of snow movement. A first connecting rod (14) is fixedly connected between the two sliders (4). The pressure-bearing snowboard (10) is fixedly mounted on one end of the first connecting rod (14). The two fixing blocks (13) are fixedly connected... A second connecting rod (15) is connected. A return spring (9) is connected between the fixed block (13) and the slider (4) on each slide rail (5). Two slide rails (5) are also provided on the column (1) above the pressure snowboard assembly. A third connecting rod (16) and a fourth connecting rod (17) are fixedly connected between the two slide rails (5) in sequence along the direction of snow movement. Three monitoring sensors (2) are fixedly provided at the upper end of the third connecting rod (16). Each monitoring sensor (2) is connected to the pressure snowboard (10) through a pull wire (8) passing through the guide wheel assembly.

3. The avalanche monitoring and early warning system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pulley system includes a guide wheel assembly (3) fixedly mounted on the fourth connecting rod (17), the first connecting rod (14), and the second connecting rod (15).

4. The avalanche monitoring and early warning system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The column (1) adopts an articulated column.

5. The avalanche monitoring and early warning system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The slide rail (5) is fixed to the column (1) by the sleeve-type fixing block (7).

6. The avalanche monitoring and early warning system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The monitoring sensor (2) is a pull-wire crack gauge RS-LGLF-DC-4G-1000.

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