A flexible inclinometer and method of inclinometry

Abstract

This invention discloses a flexible inclinometer. This design employs a unique combination of top and bottom double guide wheel sets with a central flexible inclinometer rod, reducing the mechanical dependence on the inclinometer tube guide groove in its physical structure, thereby significantly reducing the transmission effect of tube torsion on the measuring device. Through rigorous laboratory calibration, this design obtains precise angle correction values ​​for the flexible rod segment under various postures. By actively compensating for the actual tilt angle difference between the flexible inclinometer rod and the inclinometer tube using these angle correction values, the true two-dimensional horizontal offset of the inclinometer tube and its depth-related variation curve are directly and accurately calculated. This method overcomes the limitation of traditional equipment that must assume no torsion in the inclinometer tube, significantly improving the reliability and accuracy of displacement data in complex geological conditions and long-distance monitoring scenarios, providing a more solid data foundation for the safety and stability assessment of projects such as slopes and deep foundation pits.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of inclinometer technology, specifically to a flexible inclinometer and inclinometer method. Background Technology

[0002] Inclinometer monitoring is a crucial safety monitoring technology in geotechnical and geological engineering. Its core purpose is to accurately grasp the deep horizontal displacement changes of the soil and rock masses inside and around engineering structures such as slopes, foundation pits, dams, and tunnels. By drilling into the soil or rock strata that may deform and burying a special inclinometer tube with an internal guide groove, engineers can periodically or continuously insert the inclinometer probe into the tube to measure the tilt angle of different positions along the depth direction relative to the vertical direction of gravity. Then, by integrating the data, the cumulative horizontal displacement of each point can be calculated, thereby revealing the location of potential sliding surfaces, judging the deformation development trend, assessing the stability of the project, and providing timely warnings of risks.

[0003] Inclinometer tubes should be installed vertically to prevent torsion. However, in practice, due to insufficient torsional stiffness of the tube material itself and errors in connection processes, significant torsion at different depths is a common phenomenon, not an isolated case. This problem is particularly prominent in slope monitoring because the inclinometer tube needs to penetrate the potential sliding surface and reach a certain depth into the underlying stable soil and rock layer, resulting in a tube length much greater than in typical foundation pit projects. The longer the tube, the greater the accumulated risk of torsional error.

[0004] The working principle of traditional inclinometers dictates that they can only measure the tilt angle along a preset guide groove and calculate the horizontal displacement based on cumulative integration. Their inherent limitation lies in the fact that the sensor itself cannot detect or correct for measurement reference deviations caused by the rotation of the inclinometer tube around its axis. When the tube twists, the instrument still uses the initial guide groove direction as the reference for measurement, leading to significant errors in deep horizontal displacement monitoring. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, in order to solve the above problems, the purpose of this invention is to provide a flexible inclinometer, including an inclinometer assembly connected to a control device. The inclinometer assembly includes a first guide wheel group, a last guide wheel group, and an inclinometer rod group. The two ends of the inclinometer rod group are respectively connected to the first guide wheel group and the last guide wheel group. The first guide wheel group and the last guide wheel group are located at the upper and lower ends of the inclinometer tube. A retractable steel wire rope is connected between the first guide wheel group and the last guide wheel group. The inclinometer rod group includes several flexible inclinometer rods connected end to end. Inclination sensors are installed on the flexible inclinometer rods.

[0006] Preferably, the upper end of the inclinometer tube is provided with a protective cover.

[0007] Preferably, the upper end of the inclinometer tube is equipped with a downward pressure screw connected to the first guide wheel assembly.

[0008] A method for measuring tilt using the aforementioned flexible inclinometer includes the following steps: Inclinometer tubes are installed at the measurement location; Place the inclinometer assembly into the inclinometer rod; Rewind the steel wire rope until the flexible inclinometer rod contacts the inclinometer tube; The control device calculates the tilt angle based on the received tilt angle sensor data.

[0009] Preferably, the control device calculates the inclination using received inclination sensor data. Specifically, the first guide wheel assembly, the last guide wheel assembly, and the flexible inclinometer rod are designated as inclinometer rods and numbered, with the first guide wheel assembly being the first inclinometer rod and the last guide wheel assembly being the last inclinometer rod. The horizontal offset of the inclinometer tube is calculated using a formula: in, The inclination angle of each section of the inclinometer rod is the actual output of the sensor; where, The correction values ​​for the inclination angles of the second and penultimate sections of the inclinometer rod. This is the correction value for the tilt angle of the intermediate inclinometer member. , Pre-determination, To measure the length of the inclined rod.

[0010] The beneficial effects of this invention are: This scheme employs a unique design combining top and bottom double guide wheel sets with a flexible inclinometer rod in the middle. This reduces the mechanical dependence on the inclinometer tube guide groove in terms of physical structure, thus significantly reducing the transmission effect of tube torsion on the measuring device. Through rigorous laboratory calibration, this scheme obtains precise angle correction values ​​for the flexible rod segment under various postures. By actively compensating for the actual tilt angle difference between the flexible inclinometer rod and the inclinometer tube using these angle correction values, it directly and accurately calculates the true two-dimensional horizontal offset of the inclinometer tube and its variation curve along depth. This method overcomes the limitation of traditional equipment that must assume no torsion in the inclinometer tube, significantly improving the reliability and accuracy of displacement data in complex geological conditions and long-distance monitoring scenarios, providing a more solid data foundation for the safety and stability assessment of projects such as slopes and deep foundation pits. Attached Figure Description

[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0012] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing inclined plane measuring tube. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the inclination angle of the inclinometer tube; The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0013] 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.

[0014] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and 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. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0015] Unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections, detachable connections, or integral connections; they can refer to mechanical connections or electrical connections; they can refer to direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0016] Example 1: Figures 1-3 This invention illustrates a flexible inclinometer, comprising an inclinometer assembly connected to a control device. The inclinometer assembly includes a first guide wheel group, a last guide wheel group, and an inclinometer rod group. The inclinometer rod group comprises multiple flexible inclinometer rods connected end-to-end, forming a multi-section deflectable inclinometer rod. The first and last flexible inclinometer rods are respectively connected to the first and last guide wheel groups. Inclination sensors are provided on the first and last guide wheel groups and the flexible inclinometer rods. A steel wire rope connects the first and last guide wheel groups, which can be wound or released to change the distance between the first and last guide wheel groups, thereby controlling the inclinometer rod's tilt state. In actual use, the entire device is placed in a pre-embedded inclinometer tube. After winding the steel wire rope, the flexible inclinometer rod gradually tilts relative to the inclinometer tube until both ends abut against the inner wall of the inclinometer tube, facilitating subsequent inclinometer operations.

[0017] The first guide wheel assembly is designed with a rotating connection structure. After all the lower flexible inclinometer rods are installed, the guide wheels of the first flexible inclinometer rod are adjusted to match the guide groove of the inclinometer tube to ensure smooth installation.

[0018] A protective cover is installed at the top of the inclinometer tube to prevent debris from entering the inclinometer tube.

[0019] A pressure screw is installed at the upper end of the inclinometer tube. The pressure screw is connected to the protective cover. The function of the pressure screw is to ensure that the inclinometer rod is tightly attached to the wall of the inclinometer tube.

[0020] The installation steps for the protective cover and the pressure screw are as follows: Adjust the length of the lowering rod to be flush with the inclinometer tube opening. Pass the steel wire rope and flexible inclinometer cable through the central hole of the lowering cover. Remove the hex socket screws from the lowering rod, and after securing the lowering rod to the lowering cover, re-tighten the hex socket screws. Tighten the four screws on the side of the protective cover to secure it to the inclinometer tube, and turn the hex socket screws clockwise until the lowering rod is fully depressed.

[0021] This embodiment also provides a method for measuring tilt using the above-mentioned flexible inclinometer, including the following steps: Inclinometer tubes are buried at the measurement site. The inclinometer tubes need to be laid in advance before construction. After laying, wait for a stabilization period of 3-5 days. The inclinometer component is placed in the inclinometer rod. After the inclinometer tube is laid and stabilized, the inclinometer component is placed in the inclinometer tube at different time points during construction to carry out inclinometer operations. The inclinometer tube offset data after different procedures can be obtained. After the inclinometer assembly is fully inserted into the inclinometer tube, the wire rope is wound up until the flexible inclinometer rod abuts against the inclinometer tube. The control device calculates the tilt angle based on the received tilt angle sensor data. The tilt angle sensor feeds back the tilt angle of the flexible inclinometer rod it is installed on to the control device. The tilt angle sensor can be a servo accelerometer or a microelectromechanical system (MEMS) type.

[0022] The inclinometer assembly provided in this embodiment differs from conventional inclinometers. Its multiple guide wheel sections are replaced by a flexible inclinometer rod, avoiding inclinometer tilt angle testing deviations caused by inclinometer tube torsion. Therefore, a new inclinometer calculation method is required. Specifically, the first guide wheel assembly, the last guide wheel assembly, and the flexible inclinometer rod are designated as inclinometer rod components and numbered. The first guide wheel assembly is the first inclinometer rod component, and the last guide wheel assembly is the last inclinometer rod component. The horizontal offset of the inclinometer tube is calculated using the following formula: in, The tilt angle of each section of the inclinometer rod is the actual output of the sensor. The correction values ​​for the inclination angles of the second and penultimate sections of the inclinometer rod. This is the correction value for the tilt angle of the intermediate inclinometer member. , To ensure a fixed value, the multi-section foldable flexible inclinometer rod designed in this scheme will abut against the inclinometer tube at its end after the wire rope is tightened. Its inclination angle relative to the inclinometer tube is fixed and can be predetermined. , These are fixed values ​​that have been pre-determined in the laboratory. To measure the length of the inclined member, This is to measure the horizontal offset of the upper and lower ends of the inclinometer tube.

[0023] The deflection direction of the flexible inclinometer rod inside the inclinometer tube can be referenced. Figure 3 .

[0024] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art will be able to make various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions without departing from the scope of protection of the present invention. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A flexible inclinometer, characterized in that, The device includes a clinometer assembly connected to a control device. The clinometer assembly includes a first guide wheel assembly, a last guide wheel assembly, and a clinometer rod assembly. The two ends of the clinometer rod assembly are respectively connected to the first guide wheel assembly and the last guide wheel assembly. The first guide wheel assembly and the last guide wheel assembly are located at the upper and lower ends of the clinometer tube. A retractable steel wire rope is connected between the first guide wheel assembly and the last guide wheel assembly. The clinometer rod assembly includes several flexible clinometer rods connected end to end. Inclination sensors are installed on the flexible clinometer rods.

2. The flexible inclinometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inclinometer tube is equipped with a protective cover at its upper end.

3. The flexible inclinometer according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the inclinometer tube is equipped with a downward pressure screw that connects to the first guide wheel assembly.

4. A method for measuring inclination using the above-mentioned flexible inclinometer, comprising the following steps: Inclined tubes are installed at the measurement location; Place the inclinometer assembly into the inclinometer rod; Rewind the steel wire rope until the flexible inclinometer rod contacts the inclinometer tube; The control device calculates the tilt angle based on the received tilt angle sensor data.

5. The method for measuring tilt according to claim 4, wherein the control device calculates the tilt angle based on received tilt sensor data, characterized in that, The first guide wheel assembly, the last guide wheel assembly, and the flexible inclinometer rod are designated as inclinometer rods and numbered accordingly. The first guide wheel assembly is the first inclinometer rod, and the last guide wheel assembly is the last inclinometer rod. The horizontal offset of the inclinometer tube is calculated using the following formula: in, To measure the actual tilt angle of the inclined member; These are the tilt angle correction values ​​for the second section of the positive inclinometer members and the penultimate set of inclinometer members; This is the correction value for the tilt angle of the intermediate inclinometer member; , Pre-determination, To measure the length of the inclined rod.

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