Ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft pilot tunnel
By integrating ultrasonic radar and infrared laser into a vertical shaft pilot tunnel detection device, the reliability and accuracy issues of monitoring the pilot tunnel in front of the rotating cutterhead have been resolved, enabling real-time and accurate detection within the pilot tunnel and improving tunneling safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHINA THREE GORGES PROJECTS DEV CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-05
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing technologies struggle to dynamically, in real-time, and accurately monitor the pilot tunnel in front of the rotating cutterhead during vertical shaft excavation, especially under complex geological conditions. Traditional methods suffer from low reliability in power supply and signal transmission, and limited detection capabilities of single sensors.
It employs an integrated ultrasonic radar and infrared laser, combined with wireless transmission, and is fixed to the cutterhead crown via a mounting plate and bracket. It utilizes the long-distance detection of ultrasonic waves and the high-precision imaging of infrared lasers to achieve real-time monitoring of the tunnel.
It enables accurate identification of the tunnel interior, allowing for timely detection of anomalies such as blockages and collapses, thus improving tunneling safety and efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN121916043A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of vertical shaft and tunnel detection, and in particular to an ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft and tunnel detection. Background Technology
[0002] During construction, shaft boring machines typically utilize pre-constructed pilot tunnels for muck removal and guidance. The unobstructedness of these pilot tunnels directly impacts tunneling efficiency and construction safety. During tunneling, the pilot tunnel may experience localized collapses, water inrushes, or blockages by large rocks due to changes in geological conditions. Failure to detect these situations promptly can lead to muck removal system failure and even serious accidents such as machine jamming. Currently, methods for detecting the status of pilot tunnels are relatively limited, and traditional methods struggle to achieve dynamic, real-time, and accurate monitoring of the area in front of the rotating cutterhead. Installing detection equipment on the rotating cutterhead presents two major technical challenges: first, power supply and signal transmission. Wired methods require complex rotary joints, which are unreliable and prone to damage in harsh conditions involving dust, vibration, and moisture; second, the limited detection capabilities of a single sensor make it difficult to comprehensively and accurately identify the complex tunnel environment.
[0003] Therefore, it is essential to develop a device that can detect the condition of the guide tunnel in real time and accurately, and can adapt to the working conditions of the cutterhead rotation. Summary of the Invention
[0004] Therefore, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is that it is difficult to comprehensively and accurately identify the complex cave environment.
[0005] The above-mentioned technical problems are solved by the following technical solution: The present invention proposes an ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection, which includes a mounting base plate installed inside the cutterhead crown; A device mounting bracket is mounted on the mounting base plate; Both the ultrasonic radar and the infrared laser are mounted on the mounting frame of the device; The control box is connected to the ultrasonic radar and infrared laser; The terminal host is equipped with a wireless receiver, and the control box can wirelessly transmit data to the wireless receiver. The terminal host analyzes the blockage of the guide hole through data analysis.
[0006] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection described in this invention: the device mounting frame has an oblong hole for mounting the ultrasonic radar and the infrared laser.
[0007] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection described in this invention: the number of waist-shaped holes is three, namely a first hole, a second hole, and a third hole, the second hole is located between the first hole and the third hole, the second hole is for the probes of the ultrasonic radar and the infrared laser to pass through, and the first hole and the third hole are used to install the ultrasonic radar and the infrared laser.
[0008] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection described in this invention: the ultrasonic radar and the infrared laser are placed side by side, with the probes of the ultrasonic radar and the infrared laser facing the front end of the tunnel.
[0009] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection described in this invention: the control box is equipped with a power supply unit and a wireless transmission module, both of which are mounted on the cutterhead.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection described in this invention: the length of the waist-shaped hole on the device mounting frame is sufficient for the ultrasonic radar and infrared laser to move, and the ultrasonic radar and infrared laser can adjust their positions in the horizontal direction to compensate for the centerline error of the tunnel.
[0011] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection described in this invention: the control box, power supply unit, and wireless transmission module are all encapsulated in a metal casing.
[0012] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to the present invention: the ultrasonic radar and infrared laser can be aligned with the actual edge area of the tunnel by adjusting their horizontal positions.
[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection described in this invention: the device mounting frame is mounted on the mounting base plate by bolts.
[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft tunnel detection described in this invention: the ultrasonic radar and the infrared laser are connected to the first hole and the third hole by bolts.
[0015] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: This invention integrates ultrasonic radar and infrared laser through integrated sensors, adjustable installation structure and wireless control system. It utilizes the complementary advantages of long ultrasonic detection distance and clear infrared laser contour recognition to accurately identify abnormalities such as blockage and collapse in the tunnel. Attached Figure Description
[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention will be briefly described below. Obviously, the drawings described below only relate to some embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Wherein: Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention is shown; Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Enlarged view at point B in the middle; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 AA sectional view. Detailed Implementation
[0017] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings.
[0018] The terminology used in this invention is that which is currently widely used in the art in consideration of the function of the invention; however, these terms may vary according to the intent of those skilled in the art, precedent, or new technology in the art. Furthermore, specific terms may be chosen by the applicant, and in such cases, their detailed meanings will be described in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, the terms used in this specification should not be construed as simple names, but rather based on their meanings and the overall description of the invention.
[0019] Reference Figures 1 to 3 This embodiment provides an ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels, including a mounting plate 1, which is installed inside the crown of the cutter head 11. The mounting plate 1 is the basic installation structure of the entire detection device. The reason for choosing to install it inside the crown of the cutter head 11 is that this position is relatively close to the entrance of the tunnel, which can provide a more direct detection angle for the detection device. The specific shape and size of the mounting plate 1 can be adapted according to the actual internal space and structure of the crown of the cutter head 11 to ensure that it can be firmly attached.
[0020] The device mounting bracket 2 is mounted on the mounting base plate 1. The device mounting bracket 2 is a structural component used to support and fix the core detection element. It is mounted on the aforementioned mounting base plate 1, thereby indirectly obtaining stable support. The device mounting bracket 2 provides a suitable mounting plane and angle for the subsequently installed ultrasonic radar 3 and infrared laser 4 to ensure that the probe of the detection element can be accurately aligned with the direction of the guide hole. Its specific structural form can be plate-shaped, frame-shaped, or other suitable shapes, as long as it can meet the installation and support requirements.
[0021] Both the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4 are mounted on the device mounting frame 2. These two detection devices, operating on different principles, are integrated and installed on the same mounting frame 2. The ultrasonic radar 3, utilizing its long detection range and penetrating power in certain media such as loose rock debris, can effectively detect the approximate outline and distance of large obstacles or blockages within the tunnel. Meanwhile, the infrared laser 4, with its high positioning accuracy and ability to clearly identify object outline details, precisely scans and images the specific conditions inside the tunnel. Combining the two allows for complementary advantages and improves detection accuracy.
[0022] Control box 5 is connected to ultrasonic radar 3 and infrared laser 4. Control box 5 is the control and data processing center of the entire detection device. It establishes communication with ultrasonic radar 3 and infrared laser 4 through data cables. Control box 5 integrates necessary electronic components and circuits to send control commands to ultrasonic radar 3 and infrared laser 4, such as starting and stopping detection and adjusting detection parameters. At the same time, control box 5 is also responsible for receiving raw detection data from these two detection elements.
[0023] The terminal host is equipped with a wireless receiver. The control box 5 can wirelessly transmit data to the wireless receiver, and the terminal host analyzes the blockage of the guide hole through the data.
[0024] As an optional embodiment, the mounting bracket 2 has an oblong hole 21 for mounting the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4. The terminal host is a device for data reception, depth analysis and result display, and is set in a position that is easy for operators to observe and operate. In order to avoid laying complex and easily damaged cables between the rotating cutter head 11 and the fixed machine body, this device adopts wireless communication. The terminal host is equipped with a dedicated wireless receiver for receiving the preliminary detection data sent by the control box 5 via wireless signal.
[0025] The terminal host uses algorithms to identify whether there are blockages in the tunnel, the degree of blockage, the location of the blockage, and possible collapses or deformations. The analysis results are presented to the operators in an intuitive way, such as images, data reports, and alarm prompts, so that the operators can make timely judgments and decisions.
[0026] As an optional embodiment, the device mounting bracket 2 has an oblong hole 21 for mounting the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4.
[0027] As an optional embodiment, to optimize the installation effect and meet specific functional requirements, the number of oblong holes 21 is designed to be three. These three oblong holes 21 are arranged in a straight line on the device mounting bracket 2, and can be named first hole 211, second hole 212, and third hole 213 respectively. The second hole 212 is located between the first hole 211 and the third hole 213. The first hole 211, second hole 212, and third hole 213 each have a clear functional division: The second hole 212, located in the middle, is mainly for the probes of the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4 to pass through. This design ensures that the probes are not obstructed by the main structure of the mounting bracket and can directly and clearly face the inside of the guide hole, guaranteeing the effective transmission and reception of detection signals. The width and height of the second hole 212 are precisely matched according to the size of the probes to provide good guidance and a certain degree of protection.
[0028] The first hole 211 and the third hole 213 located on both sides are mainly used to install and fix the main body of the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4. The main body of the detection element is usually provided with corresponding mounting ears or threaded holes. Bolts and other connecting parts pass through the first hole 211 and the third hole 213 and are fastened to the mounting structure on the main body of the detection element, thereby stably fixing the entire detection element on the device mounting frame 2.
[0029] As an optional embodiment, the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4 are placed side by side, with the probes of the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4 facing the front end of the guide tunnel.
[0030] The ability to efficiently arrange two core detection elements within the limited space of the mounting bracket 2 facilitates the miniaturization and weight reduction of the overall device. Due to their close physical positions, their detection fields of view can highly overlap. When the ultrasonic radar 3 detects an anomaly within the guide hole using its long-range detection and certain penetration capabilities, the adjacent infrared laser 4 can utilize its high-precision positioning and clear contour recognition capabilities to perform a detailed scan of the anomaly area, obtaining more accurate shape, size, and location information.
[0031] As an optional embodiment, the control box 5 is equipped with a power supply unit and a wireless transmission module, both of which are mounted on the cutter head 11.
[0032] The power supply unit is responsible for providing operating power to the entire detection device, including the battery pack, power management circuit, charging module, and overcurrent and overvoltage protection circuits.
[0033] As an optional embodiment, the length of the waist-shaped hole 21 on the device mounting bracket 2 is sufficient to allow the ultrasonic radar 3 and infrared laser 4 to move. The ultrasonic radar 3 and infrared laser 4 can adjust their positions in the horizontal direction to compensate for the centerline error of the guide hole. By adjusting their horizontal positions, the ultrasonic radar 3 and infrared laser 4 can be aligned with the actual edge area of the guide hole.
[0034] In vertical shaft excavation operations, due to various factors such as the complexity of geological conditions, slight deviations in the operation of the tunneling machine, and the precision limitations of the pilot tunnel itself, the actual excavated center axis of the pilot tunnel may deviate from the designed center axis.
[0035] During operation, the drilling rig's posture may change slightly, which may cause the detection direction of the detection device installed on the cutterhead 11 to deviate from the ideal central axis of the pilot tunnel.
[0036] Because the positions of the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4 can be adjusted, they can effectively compensate for the centerline error of the guide tunnel and the attitude deviation of the shaft tunneling machine. Based on the observation of the actual position of the guide tunnel or information obtained by other measurement methods, the operator can adjust the horizontal position of the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4 so that the ultrasonic radar 3 and the infrared laser 4 can be re-aligned with the center of the guide tunnel or the desired detection area, thereby offsetting the negative impact of the above deviations.
[0037] The control box 5, power supply unit and wireless transmission module are all encapsulated in metal shells. The device mounting bracket 2 is mounted on the mounting base plate 1 by bolts. The ultrasonic radar 3 and infrared laser 4 are connected to the first hole 211 and the third hole 213 by bolts.
[0038] Finally, it should be noted that the methods and devices described in detail above are merely embodiments, and those skilled in the art can modify these embodiments in different ways as long as they do not depart from the scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. An ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels, characterized in that: include, Mounting plate (1), which is installed inside the crown of cutter head (11); The device mounting bracket (2) is mounted on the mounting base plate (1); The ultrasonic radar (3) and the infrared laser (4) are both mounted on the device mounting bracket (2); The control box (5) is connected to the ultrasonic radar (3) and the infrared laser (4); The terminal host is equipped with a wireless receiver. The control box (5) can wirelessly transmit data to the wireless receiver. The terminal host analyzes the blockage of the guide hole through data analysis.
2. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The mounting bracket (2) of the device has an oblong hole (21) for mounting the ultrasonic radar (3) and the infrared laser (4).
3. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the waist-shaped holes (21) is three, and the three waist-shaped holes (21) are distributed as a first hole (211), a second hole (212), and a third hole (213). The second hole (212) is located between the first hole (211) and the third hole (213). The second hole (212) is for the probes of the ultrasonic radar (3) and the infrared laser (4) to pass through. The first hole (211) and the third hole (213) are used to install the ultrasonic radar (3) and the infrared laser (4).
4. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The ultrasonic radar (3) and the infrared laser (4) are placed side by side, with the probes of the ultrasonic radar (3) and the infrared laser (4) facing the front end of the guide tunnel.
5. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The control box (5) is equipped with a power supply unit and a wireless transmission module, both of which are mounted on the cutter head (11).
6. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to claim 2, characterized in that: The length of the waist-shaped hole (21) on the mounting bracket (2) of the device allows the ultrasonic radar (3) and infrared laser (4) to move, and the ultrasonic radar (3) and infrared laser (4) can adjust their positions in the horizontal direction to compensate for the centerline error of the guide hole.
7. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to claim 5, characterized in that: The control box (5), power supply unit and wireless transmission module are all encapsulated in metal shells.
8. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for vertical shaft and tunnel detection according to claim 6, characterized in that: The ultrasonic radar (3) and infrared laser (4) can be aligned with the actual edge area of the guide hole by adjusting their horizontal positions.
9. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to claim 1, characterized in that: The device mounting bracket (2) is bolted to the mounting base plate (1).
10. The ultrasonic infrared laser device for detecting vertical shaft tunnels according to claim 3, characterized in that: The ultrasonic radar (3) and the infrared laser (4) are connected to the first hole (211) and the third hole (213) by bolts.