Shield tail brush sealing anti-leakage detection device
By combining limit switches and integrated temperature, humidity and pressure sensors, the position, temperature, humidity and pressure difference of the shield tail brush are monitored in real time, which solves the problem of inaccurate evaluation of shield tail sealing performance, realizes automated detection and early warning, and improves construction safety and efficiency.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202520196878.0
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-02-08
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-23
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-02-08
AI Technical Summary
In the existing technology, the sealing performance evaluation of the shield tail sealing brush relies on manual observation and experience judgment, which lacks accuracy and reliability, making it difficult to prevent leakage problems.
Limit switches and integrated temperature, humidity and pressure sensors are used to monitor the position, temperature, humidity and pressure difference of the shield tail brush in real time. Combined with signal processing modules and alarm systems, automated detection and early warning are achieved.
It improves the accuracy and reliability of shield tail sealing performance assessment, enables timely detection of potential leakage risks, reduces downtime, and enhances construction safety and efficiency.
Smart Images

Figure CN223827217U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tunnel boring machine technology, and in particular to a shield tail brush seal leak prevention detection device. Background Technology
[0002] In shield tunneling, the tail section of the tunnel boring machine (TBM) is typically equipped with a tail seal to prevent external mud or groundwater from seeping into the tunnel. However, during excavation, if the tunneling distance is too long, the segment may deviate from its original sealing area, thus weakening the sealing effect. Furthermore, after prolonged use, due to normal wear or changes in complex geological conditions, the tail seal brush may also suffer wear or damage, which can also lead to a decrease in sealing performance and potentially cause leakage problems.
[0003] Currently, the evaluation of the sealing performance of the tail seal brush mostly relies on manual observation and experience. Although this method is intuitive, it lacks sufficient accuracy and reliability. Utility Model Content
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a shield tail brush seal leak prevention detection device, which solves the problem that the current evaluation of the sealing performance of shield tail brushes mostly relies on manual observation and experience judgment. Although this method is intuitive, it lacks sufficient accuracy and reliability.
[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a shield tail brush sealing leak prevention detection device. The shield tail brush sealing leak prevention detection device includes a housing, a tube segment, a limit switch, and multiple integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors. On the side of the housing near the tube segment, a shield tail brush front fixing bracket, a first shield tail brush mounting protrusion, and a second shield tail brush mounting protrusion are sequentially arranged. A first shield tail brush body is mounted on the shield tail brush front fixing bracket. A second shield tail brush body is mounted on the first shield tail brush mounting protrusion, and a third shield tail brush body is mounted on the second shield tail brush mounting protrusion. The limit switch is also located on the side of the housing near the tube segment, away from the first shield tail brush body. Sealed cavities are formed between the first and second shield tail brush bodies and between the second and third shield tail brush bodies. The integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors are arranged inside the two sealed cavities and on the outside of the third shield tail brush body. Multiple integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors are mounted on the inner wall of the housing.
[0006] Each of the temperature, humidity and pressure integrated sensors includes a mounting base and a sensor body. The mounting base is bolted to the inner wall of the housing, and the sensor body is bolted to the side of the mounting base away from the housing.
[0007] The sensor body is provided with a mounting ring, which is attached to the side of the mounting base away from the housing. The mounting ring is installed on the mounting base by bolts. The mounting base is provided with an embedding groove inside, and the bottom of the sensor body is embedded into the embedding groove.
[0008] The inner wall of the embedding groove is provided with a first sealing ring, which is in contact with the outer wall of the bottom of the sensor body.
[0009] The mounting base is provided with a second sealing ring on the side away from the housing, and the second sealing ring is located outside the mounting ring.
[0010] This utility model discloses a shield tail brush sealing leak prevention detection device. Through the setting of the limit switch, the position of the tube segment is detected in real time to ensure it is in the correct working position, thereby monitoring whether the tube segment deviates from the shield tail brush sealing area. Through the setting of the integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor, temperature changes in the shield tail brush area can be monitored; excessively high temperatures may indicate poor lubrication or increased friction. Furthermore, humidity changes in the shield tail brush area can be detected; excessively high humidity may indicate leakage. Simultaneously, the sealing effect is evaluated by measuring the pressure difference between the inner and outer sides of the shield tail brush. Using the above structure, with the limit switch and multiple integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors, the working environment parameters are monitored in real time, resulting in higher accuracy and reliability compared to manual detection methods. Attached Figure Description
[0011] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model 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 this utility model. 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 the structure of the shield tail brush sealing leak prevention detection device provided by this utility model.
[0013] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor provided by this utility model.
[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram illustrating the operating principle of the shield tail brush sealing leak prevention detection device provided by this utility model.
[0015] 101-Housing, 102-Tube segment, 103-Limit switch, 104-Integrated temperature, humidity and pressure sensor, 105-Shield tail brush front fixing bracket, 106-First shield tail brush mounting protrusion, 107-Second shield tail brush mounting protrusion, 108-First shield tail brush body, 109-Second shield tail brush body, 110-Third shield tail brush body, 111-Sealing cavity, 112-Mounting base, 113-Sensor body, 114-Mounting ring, 115-Embedded groove, 116-First sealing ring, 117-Second sealing ring, 118-Signal processing module, 119-Alarm system, 120-Data storage and transmission unit. Detailed Implementation
[0016] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.
[0017] Please see Figures 1 to 3 This utility model provides a shield tail brush sealing leak prevention detection device, which includes a housing 101, a tube segment 102, a limit switch 103, and multiple integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors 104. On the side of the housing 101 near the tube segment 102, a shield tail brush front fixing bracket 105, a first shield tail brush mounting protrusion 106, and a second shield tail brush mounting protrusion 107 are sequentially arranged. A first shield tail brush body 108 is mounted on the shield tail brush front fixing bracket 105, a second shield tail brush body 109 is mounted on the first shield tail brush mounting protrusion 106, and a third shield tail brush body 110 is mounted on the second shield tail brush mounting protrusion 107. The housing 101 is also provided with a limit switch 103 on the side near the tube segment 102. The limit switch 103 is located on the side of the shield tail brush front fixing frame 105 away from the first shield tail brush body 108. The first shield tail brush body 108 and the second shield tail brush body 109 and the second shield tail brush body 109 and the third shield tail brush body 110 are both forming sealed cavities 111. The temperature, humidity and pressure integrated sensor 104 is provided inside the two sealed cavities 111 and outside the third shield tail brush body 110. Multiple temperature, humidity and pressure integrated sensors 104 are installed on the inner wall of the housing 101.
[0018] In this embodiment, the position of the tube segment 102 is detected in real time by setting the limit switch 103 to ensure that it is in the correct working position, thereby monitoring whether the tube segment 102 deviates from the shield tail brush sealing area. The temperature, humidity and pressure integrated sensor 104 can monitor the temperature change of the shield tail brush area. Excessive temperature may indicate poor lubrication or increased friction. It can also detect the humidity change of the shield tail brush area. Excessive humidity may mean leakage. At the same time, the sealing effect is evaluated by measuring the pressure difference between the inner and outer sides of the shield tail brush. With the above structure, the working environment parameters are monitored in real time by setting the limit switch 103 and multiple temperature, humidity and pressure integrated sensors 104. Compared with manual detection, the accuracy and reliability are higher.
[0019] Preferably, the threshold value for excessively high temperature of the integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor 104 is set with reference to the following:
[0020] Since the operating temperature of tunnel boring machines is typically between 50°C and 80°C, and the temperature in some high-load areas may be slightly higher, different materials used for sealing brushes and lubricants have varying temperature tolerances. The temperature threshold needs to be adjusted based on the actual thermal stability of the materials. For example, 80°C is the upper limit of operation for most greases; exceeding this temperature may cause a decrease in grease viscosity, accelerated oxidation, and a significant reduction in lubrication effectiveness, thus affecting sealing performance.
[0021] Overheat warning threshold: Based on the equipment's usage requirements, an overheat alarm threshold can generally be set, typically between 85°C and 100°C. If the temperature exceeds this range, an alarm and shutdown for inspection may be triggered. The specific temperature value can be fine-tuned based on experimental data and experience.
[0022] Rate of temperature rise: In addition to absolute temperature, the rate of temperature rise is also a key factor. If the rate of temperature rise is too fast (e.g., exceeding a certain value per minute), it can also serve as a warning condition, indicating that a component of the equipment is malfunctioning and may be causing the equipment to overheat.
[0023] Preferably, the threshold for excessively high humidity of the integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor 104 is set with reference to the following:
[0024] Humidity range: The humidity of the working environment for tunnel boring machines is generally between 60% and 90%. Humidity below 60% may indicate good sealing, while humidity above 90% may indicate sealing failure.
[0025] Warning threshold: Humidity exceeding 90% to 95% should be considered a warning state, which may indicate a risk of leakage and requires timely handling.
[0026] Humidity change rate: A rapid increase in humidity exceeding 10% per minute may be a sign of leakage and requires special attention.
[0027] Humidity warning and alarm: When the humidity exceeds 85%, a warning will be issued; when the humidity reaches 90%, an alarm will be triggered and the machine will be shut down to prevent equipment damage.
[0028] Preferably, the threshold value for the pressure difference of the integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor 104 is set with reference to the following:
[0029] The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the sealing cavity 111 is usually maintained within a certain range to ensure the effective operation of the sealing brush. The pressure difference between the inside and outside of the shield tail brush sealing system is between 0.2 MPa and 0.5 MPa.
[0030] When the pressure difference is less than 0.2 MPa, it may indicate that the sealing brush has failed to fit properly into the shield tail cavity, or that the sealing system has leaked.
[0031] Excessive pressure difference: If the pressure difference exceeds 0.5 MPa, it may be due to partial blockage in the sealing system or excessive compression of the sealing brush, leading to seal failure or damage.
[0032] If the pressure differential changes too rapidly (e.g., more than 0.1 MPa per minute), it may indicate a malfunction in the sealing system, causing the rapid pressure change. In this case, the system should issue an early warning to alert the operator to check the seal.
[0033] Specific alarm threshold recommendations:
[0034] Warning threshold: When the pressure difference is below 0.2 MPa or above 0.5 MPa, a warning threshold can be set to indicate potential sealing abnormalities in advance, facilitating timely inspection.
[0035] Alarm threshold: When the pressure difference is below 0.1 MPa or above 0.6 MPa, it can be used as an alarm threshold, indicating that the sealing system has seriously failed and may cause leakage or other serious problems. Operations must be stopped immediately and maintenance must be carried out.
[0036] Furthermore, each of the temperature, humidity, and pressure integrated sensors 104 includes a mounting base 112 and a sensor body 113. The mounting base 112 is bolted to the inner wall of the housing 101, and the sensor body 113 is bolted to the side of the mounting base 112 away from the housing 101. The sensor body 113 is provided with a mounting ring 114, which fits against the side of the mounting base 112 away from the housing 101. The mounting ring 114 is bolted to the mounting base 112. The mounting base 112 has an embedding groove 115 inside, and the bottom of the sensor body 113 is embedded into the embedding groove 115.
[0037] In this embodiment, the mounting base 112 is fixed to the inner wall of the housing 101 using screws, the bottom of the sensor body 113 is embedded into the embedding groove 115, and the mounting ring 114 is fixed to the mounting base 112 using screws, thus completing the installation of the sensor body 113 and the integrated temperature, humidity and pressure sensor 104.
[0038] Furthermore, a first sealing ring 116 is provided on the inner side wall of the embedding groove 115. The first sealing ring 116 is in contact with the outer side wall of the bottom of the sensor body 113. A second sealing ring 117 is also provided on the side of the mounting base 112 away from the housing 101. The second sealing ring 117 is located outside the mounting ring 114.
[0039] In this embodiment, the sealing performance of the temperature, humidity and pressure integrated sensor 104 is improved when it is installed on the housing 101 by setting the first sealing ring 116 and the second sealing ring 117.
[0040] Furthermore, the tail shield brush sealing leak prevention detection device also includes a signal processing module 118, an alarm system 119, and a data storage and transmission unit 120. The signal processing module 118 is used to receive data from various sensors, analyze the sensor data using algorithms, and determine the sealing status of the tail shield brush. The alarm system 119 is used to alert the operator through an audible and visual alarm when the signal processing module 118 detects a leakage risk in the tail shield brush, and automatically stop tunneling until the fault is cleared before continuing. The data storage and transmission unit 120 is used to record all sensor data and transmit the data to the monitoring center and the tunnel boring machine control system via a wireless communication module.
[0041] In this embodiment, the signal processing module 118 is implemented by using a microcontroller as the core processing unit, integrating an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and other necessary peripheral circuits. A software algorithm is written to determine the sealing status based on the changing trend of sensor readings.
[0042] The algorithm in the signal processing module 118 is as follows:
[0043] The process of analyzing temperature, humidity, and pressure sensor data using Support Vector Machines (SVM) involves the following key steps:
[0044] Data preprocessing: Standardize sensor data, handle missing values, and perform label encoding.
[0045] Model training: Select appropriate kernel functions and parameters, and train the SVM model using the training set.
[0046] Prediction and Detection: Use the trained model to predict new data and determine whether the sealing status is abnormal.
[0047] Optimization and Updates: Regularly update the model based on new data and the working environment to maintain its accuracy.
[0048] By using SVM, we can monitor the status of the shield tail seal in real time based on sensor data, promptly detect anomalies and take measures, thereby improving the safety and efficiency of shield tunneling.
[0049] The alarm system 119 is implemented by installing an audible and visual alarm in the main control room of the tunnel boring machine and displaying specific fault information through a host computer.
[0050] The data storage and transmission unit 120 is implemented by using a data logger with a memory card slot to store historical data and equipping it with a wireless communication module for data transmission.
[0051] In summary, the shield tail brush sealing leak prevention detection device provided by this utility model has the following advantages:
[0052] 1. Multi-dimensional monitoring
[0053] Integrated Sensor Network: The new solution integrates multiple sensors, including limit sensors, temperature sensors, pressure sensors, and humidity sensors, enabling monitoring of the tail brush's sealing status from multiple angles. Compared to traditional single-detection methods, this multi-dimensional monitoring approach provides a more comprehensive reflection of the tail brush's operational status, improving detection accuracy and reliability.
[0054] 2. Real-time monitoring and early warning
[0055] Real-time data acquisition and analysis: Sensor data is processed in real time by a microcontroller, and immediate judgments are made. Compared with periodic manual inspections, real-time monitoring can detect problems as soon as they occur, avoiding the risks that may result from delayed responses.
[0056] 3. High degree of automation
[0057] Automated Alarm System 119: When an abnormal situation is detected, the system can automatically trigger an alarm and display specific fault information. This reduces the need for manual intervention, making fault handling faster and more efficient.
[0058] 4. Strong data traceability
[0059] Data storage and remote monitoring: The data logger can not only store large amounts of historical data, but also transmit data to the monitoring center in real time via a wireless communication module. This means that it can not only monitor the current status, but also perform trend analysis based on historical data, providing a basis for future maintenance decisions.
[0060] 5. Improve construction safety
[0061] Timely problem detection: Through real-time monitoring and rapid response mechanisms, sealing problems of the tail shield brush can be detected and addressed in a timely manner, avoiding safety hazards caused by leakage and improving the overall safety of tunnel construction.
[0062] 6. Improve work efficiency
[0063] Reduced downtime: Because potential problems can be warned in advance and repaired in a timely manner, downtime caused by sudden failures is reduced, thus improving construction efficiency.
[0064] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art can understand that implementing all or part of the above-described embodiments and making equivalent changes in accordance with the claims of the present utility model are still within the scope of the utility model.
Claims
1. A shield tail brush seal leak prevention detection device, characterized in that, The device includes a housing, a tube segment, a limit switch, and multiple integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors. On the side of the housing near the tube segment, a shield tail brush front fixing bracket, a first shield tail brush mounting protrusion, and a second shield tail brush mounting protrusion are sequentially arranged. A first shield tail brush body is mounted on the shield tail brush front fixing bracket. A second shield tail brush body is mounted on the first shield tail brush mounting protrusion, and a third shield tail brush body is mounted on the second shield tail brush mounting protrusion. The limit switch is also located on the side of the housing near the tube segment, away from the first shield tail brush body. Sealed cavities are formed between the first and second shield tail brush bodies and between the second and third shield tail brush bodies. The integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors are arranged inside both sealed cavities and outside the third shield tail brush body. Multiple integrated temperature, humidity, and pressure sensors are mounted on the inner wall of the housing.
2. The shield tail brush seal leak prevention detection device as described in claim 1, characterized in that, Each of the temperature, humidity and pressure integrated sensors includes a mounting base and a sensor body. The mounting base is bolted to the inner wall of the housing, and the sensor body is bolted to the side of the mounting base away from the housing.
3. The shield tail brush seal leak prevention detection device as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The sensor body is provided with a mounting ring, which is fitted against the side of the mounting base away from the housing. The mounting ring is installed on the mounting base by bolts. The mounting base is provided with an embedding groove inside, and the bottom of the sensor body is embedded into the embedding groove.
4. The shield tail brush seal leak prevention detection device as described in claim 3, characterized in that, A first sealing ring is provided on the inner wall of the embedding groove, and the first sealing ring is in contact with the outer wall of the bottom of the sensor body.
5. The shield tail brush seal leak prevention detection device as described in claim 4, characterized in that, A second sealing ring is also provided on the side of the mounting base away from the housing, and the second sealing ring is located outside the mounting ring.