Device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil layer softness

By installing electrically operated telescopic rods and sensors in opposite directions inside a stainless steel casing, the problem of not being able to simultaneously measure the shield tail gap and soil softness in existing technologies has been solved. This enables simultaneous measurement of the shield tail gap and soil softness, improving the comprehensiveness of construction data and the accuracy of decision-making.

CN223841233UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-27SHANDONG JIAOTONG UNIV
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520331562.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-02-27
Publication Date
2026-01-27
Estimated Expiration
2035-02-27

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current technology cannot simultaneously measure the shield tail gap and soil softness, affecting the accuracy and timeliness of construction decisions.

Method used

A first electric telescopic rod and a second electric telescopic rod are installed in opposite directions inside a stainless steel shell. A contact displacement sensor is installed at the end of the first electric telescopic rod, a first pressure sensor is installed at the end of the second electric telescopic rod, and a second pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the second electric telescopic rod. The electric telescopic rod drives the sensor to touch the tunnel segment and the soil layer to obtain the shield tail gap and the soil softness.

Benefits of technology

It enables simultaneous measurement of shield tail gap and soil softness, improving the comprehensiveness of construction data and the accuracy of decision-making, while reducing the number of measuring devices required and construction costs.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a device for simultaneously measuring a shield tail gap and the softness of a soil layer, which belongs to the technical field of shield construction and comprises a stainless steel shell, and a first electric telescopic rod and a second electric telescopic rod which are arranged on two sides in the stainless steel shell respectively and face opposite directions; a contact type displacement sensor is arranged on the first electric telescopic rod, and a first pressure sensor is arranged on the second electric telescopic rod; a second pressure sensor is arranged on the surface of the stainless steel shell, a PLC is further arranged in the stainless steel shell, and the PLC is connected with the contact type displacement sensor, the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. The contact type displacement sensor is driven by the first electric telescopic rod to touch the duct piece, and the shield tail gap can be measured; whether a collapsed soil layer exists above the shield tunneling machine or not is obtained through a second pressure sensor, a second electric telescopic rod drives a first pressure sensor to obtain the pressure change of the collapsed soil layer, and therefore the softness of the collapsed soil layer is obtained; the shield tail gap and the soil layer softness can be measured at the same time.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of shield tunneling technology, specifically relating to a device for simultaneously measuring the shield tail gap and soil softness. Background Technology

[0002] The statements in this section are merely background information related to this utility model and do not necessarily constitute prior art.

[0003] In shield tunnel construction, the size of the tail gap has a significant impact on the assembly accuracy of the tunnel segments and the stability of the tunnel. If the tail gap is too small, it may cause the tunnel segments to be squeezed against the tail, damaging the segments and the tail seal; if the tail gap is too large, it may cause tunnel axis deviation and ground deformation. Furthermore, during shield tunneling operations, the soil above the shield machine may collapse due to construction disturbance, and the looseness of the soil layer affects the quality of simultaneous grouting after the tunnel segments are assembled.

[0004] Patent CN115307520A discloses an automatic shield tail gap measuring device and method. The piston rod of the measuring mechanism drives the contact sensor to move, so that the contact sensor touches the tunnel segment and generates a signal feedback to the controller, causing the piston rod to stop extending. The eddy current flow meter transmits the flow rate value to the host computer system. The host computer system calculates the extension of the oil cylinder by the ratio between the flow rate value and the cylinder diameter, and obtains the shield tail gap value.

[0005] The aforementioned measuring device can only measure the tail gap of the shield alone. It cannot determine whether the soil layer above the tunnel boring machine has collapsed, nor can it measure the softness of the collapsed soil layer. It cannot meet the requirement of simultaneously measuring the tail gap of the shield and the softness of the soil layer, making it difficult to obtain comprehensive construction data in real time, thus affecting the accuracy and timeliness of construction decisions. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the aforementioned problems, this utility model provides a device for simultaneously measuring the shield tail gap and soil softness. It comprises a first and a second electric telescopic rod arranged in opposite directions within a stainless steel casing. A contact displacement sensor is installed at the end of the first electric telescopic rod, and a first pressure sensor is installed at the end of the second electric telescopic rod. A second pressure sensor is installed on the outside of the stainless steel casing. The first electric telescopic rod drives the contact displacement sensor to contact the tunnel segment, thus measuring the shield tail gap. The second pressure sensor detects whether there is a collapsed soil layer above the tunnel boring machine. The second electric telescopic rod drives the first pressure sensor to detect pressure changes in the collapsed soil layer, thereby determining the softness of the collapsed soil layer. This device enables simultaneous measurement of both the shield tail gap and soil softness.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] A device for simultaneously measuring the tail gap and soil softness is installed at the tail of a tunnel boring machine. It includes a stainless steel shell, with a first electric telescopic rod and a second electric telescopic rod respectively installed on both sides inside the stainless steel shell. The first electric telescopic rod and the second electric telescopic rod face opposite directions. A contact displacement sensor is installed on the first electric telescopic rod, and a first pressure sensor is installed on the second electric telescopic rod.

[0009] A second pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the stainless steel casing, and a PLC controller is also installed inside the stainless steel casing. The PLC controller is connected to the contact displacement sensor, the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure sensor.

[0010] Preferably, the stainless steel outer shell has a first mounting groove inside, and a second mounting groove and a third mounting groove are respectively provided on both sides of the first mounting groove. The second mounting groove is connected to the first protruding channel, and the third mounting groove is connected to the second protruding channel. The opening directions of the first protruding channel and the second protruding channel are opposite.

[0011] Preferably, the second pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the stainless steel housing on the side where the second probe is located, and a rubber protective layer is provided on the outside of the second pressure sensor, which is fixedly connected to the stainless steel housing.

[0012] Preferably, an installation hole is opened on the tail of the tunnel boring machine, and a stainless steel shell is welded and fixed in the installation hole. The second protruding channel is set facing the outside of the tunnel boring machine.

[0013] Preferably, a PLC controller is installed in the first mounting slot, and the PLC controller is communicatively connected to a data processing terminal.

[0014] Preferably, the first electric telescopic rod includes a first drive motor, which is connected to the first telescopic probe through a first transmission system.

[0015] Preferably, the first drive motor is disposed in the second mounting groove, the first telescopic probe is located in the first protrusion channel, and the contact displacement sensor is disposed at the end of the first telescopic probe.

[0016] Preferably, the second electric telescopic rod includes a second drive motor, which is connected to the second telescopic probe through a second transmission system.

[0017] Preferably, the second drive motor is disposed in the third mounting groove, the second telescopic probe is located in the second protrusion channel, and the first pressure sensor is disposed at the end of the second telescopic probe.

[0018] Preferably, a soft silicone protective layer is provided at the end of the second probe channel, the diameter of the soft silicone protective layer is larger than that of the second probe channel, and a protective hole with a diameter smaller than that of the second telescopic probe is opened in the center of the soft silicone protective layer; the top of the first pressure sensor is flush with the top of the soft silicone protective layer.

[0019] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of this utility model are:

[0020] This invention features a first and a second electric telescopic rod arranged in opposite directions within a stainless steel casing. A contact displacement sensor is installed at the end of the first electric telescopic rod, and a first pressure sensor is installed at the end of the second electric telescopic rod. A second pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the stainless steel casing on the side where the second electric telescopic rod is located. The second electric telescopic rod faces outward from the tunnel boring machine. By having the first electric telescopic rod drive the contact displacement sensor to touch the tunnel segment, the shield tail gap can be measured. The second pressure sensor can be used to determine whether there is a collapsed soil layer above the tunnel boring machine. By having the second electric telescopic rod drive the first pressure sensor to obtain the pressure change of the collapsed soil layer, the softness of the collapsed soil layer can be determined. Thus, it is possible to simultaneously measure the shield tail gap and the softness of the soil layer. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings, which form part of this specification, are used to provide a further understanding of this utility model. The illustrative embodiments of this utility model and their descriptions are used to explain this utility model and do not constitute an improper limitation of this utility model.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional view of the device according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a tunnel boring machine according to an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the PLC controller connecting to the data processing terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the soft adhesive protective layer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] In the picture:

[0027] 1. Stainless steel casing; 11. First mounting slot; 12. Second mounting slot; 13. Third mounting slot; 14. First protruding channel; 15. Second protruding channel; 2. First electric telescopic rod; 21. First drive motor; 22. First telescopic probe; 23. Contact displacement sensor; 3. Second electric telescopic rod; 31. Second drive motor; 32. Second telescopic probe; 33. First pressure sensor; 4. PLC controller; 5. Second pressure sensor; 6. Rubber protective layer; 7. Soft silicone protective layer; 71. Protective hole; 8. Data processing terminal; 9. Tunnel boring machine; 91. Mounting hole; 92. Propulsion cylinder; 93. Segment; 10. Collapsed soil layer. Detailed Implementation

[0028] It should be noted that the following detailed description is illustrative and intended to provide further explanation of the present invention. Unless otherwise specified, 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 invention pertains.

[0029] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment discloses a device for simultaneously measuring the shield tail gap and soil softness, such as... Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown, the device includes a square stainless steel outer shell 1, which is installed at the tail of the tunnel boring machine 9. A first electric telescopic rod 2 and a second electric telescopic rod 3 are respectively installed on both sides inside the stainless steel outer shell 1, with the first electric telescopic rod 2 and the second electric telescopic rod 3 facing opposite directions. A contact displacement sensor 23 is installed on the first electric telescopic rod 2, and a first pressure sensor 33 is installed on the second electric telescopic rod 3. A second pressure sensor 5 is installed on the surface of the stainless steel outer shell 1. A PLC controller 4 is also installed inside the stainless steel outer shell, and the PLC controller is connected to the contact displacement sensor 23, the second pressure sensor 5, and the first pressure sensor 33.

[0030] Specifically, such as Figure 1 As shown, a first mounting slot 11 is located in the lower center of the stainless steel casing 1 for mounting the PLC controller 4. Inside the stainless steel casing 1, a second mounting slot 12 and a third mounting slot 13 are respectively located on either side of the first mounting slot 11. The second mounting slot 12 connects to a first protruding channel 14, which connects to the outside of the stainless steel casing 1; the third mounting slot 13 connects to a second protruding channel 15, which also connects to the outside of the stainless steel casing 1. It should be noted that the first protruding channel 14 and the second protruding channel 15 are opened in opposite directions.

[0031] In this embodiment, as Figure 3 As shown, the PLC controller 4 can communicate with the data processing terminal 8. Specifically, the PLC controller connects to the data processing terminal 8 wirelessly via a LoRa module, which is achievable with existing technology. The data processing terminal 8 can be a computer.

[0032] like Figure 1As shown, the first electric telescopic rod 2 is installed in the second mounting groove 12 and the first protrusion channel 14; the second electric telescopic rod 3 is installed in the third mounting groove 13 and the second protrusion channel 15. It is understood that the first electric telescopic rod 2 and the second electric telescopic rod 3 have the same structure, both employing existing technology and both including a drive motor. The drive motor is connected to the telescopic probe through a corresponding transmission system. The drive motor can rotate in both directions, and the forward and reverse rotation of the drive motor drives the telescopic probe to achieve telescopic movement. That is, the first electric telescopic rod 2 includes a first drive motor 21, which is connected to the first telescopic probe 22 through a first transmission system; the second electric telescopic rod 3 includes a second drive motor 31, which is connected to the second telescopic probe 32 through a second transmission system.

[0033] Specifically, the first drive motor 21 of the first electric telescopic rod 2 is located in the second mounting groove 12, and the first telescopic probe 22 of the first electric telescopic rod 2 is located in the first protrusion channel 14. The first drive motor 21 drives the first telescopic probe 22 to extend and retract within the first protrusion channel 14, and the end of the first telescopic probe 22 can extend out of the first protrusion channel 14 and continue to move to the outside of the stainless steel shell 1.

[0034] Similarly, the first drive motor 21 of the second electric telescopic rod 3 is set in the third mounting groove 13, and the second telescopic probe 32 of the second electric telescopic rod 3 is located in the second protrusion channel 15. The second drive motor 31 drives the second telescopic probe 32 to extend and retract in the second protrusion channel 15, and the end of the second telescopic probe 32 can extend out of the second protrusion channel 15 and continue to move to the outside of the stainless steel shell 1.

[0035] In this embodiment, the PLC controller is connected to the first drive motor 21 and the second drive motor 31. Specifically, inside the stainless steel housing 1, the output points of the PLC controller are respectively connected to the first drive motor 21 and the second drive motor 31 via cables. A relay or contactor is installed between the PLC controller and the first drive motor 21 or the second drive motor 31, which is achievable with existing technology. The PLC controller can control the start, stop, and forward / reverse rotation of the first drive motor 21 and the second drive motor 31, thereby controlling the extension and retraction of the first telescopic probe 22 and the second telescopic probe 32.

[0036] like Figure 1As shown, a contact displacement sensor 23 is provided at the end of the first telescopic probe 22. The contact displacement sensor 23 is also connected to the signal input terminal of the PLC controller via wireless communication. Specifically, the contact displacement sensor 23 and the PLC controller are wirelessly connected via a LoRa module, which is achievable with existing technology. This sensor transmits the detected information to the PLC controller. Specifically, when the first telescopic probe 22 extends under the drive of the first drive motor 21, it moves the contact displacement sensor 23. When the contact displacement sensor 23 touches an object, the PLC controller controls the first drive motor 21 to stop the first telescopic probe 22 from extending and simultaneously reset it.

[0037] Understandably, the initial position of the first telescopic probe 22 is zero. When the first telescopic probe 22 moves the contact displacement sensor 23 and touches an object, the distance between the first telescopic probe 22 and the object can be obtained. The PLC controller simultaneously transmits this distance information to the data processing terminal 8.

[0038] like Figure 1 As shown, a first pressure sensor 33 is provided at the end of the second telescopic probe 32. The first pressure sensor 33 is also connected to the signal input terminal of the PLC controller via wireless communication to transmit the detected information to the PLC controller. Specifically, when the second telescopic probe 32 extends under the drive of the second drive motor 31, it moves the first pressure sensor 33. When the first pressure sensor 33 touches an object, it transmits the pressure information it receives to the PLC controller. When the first pressure sensor 33 detects a sudden change in stress, the PLC controller controls the second drive motor 31 to stop the second telescopic probe 32 from extending and simultaneously reset it.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the main detection target of the second telescopic probe 32 is the collapsed soil layer 10 above the tunnel boring machine. The collapsed soil layer 10 has a characteristic of being soft. When the second telescopic probe 32 drives the first pressure sensor 33 to penetrate the collapsed soil layer 10 upwards, the collapsed soil layer 10 does not form a significant obstruction to the second telescopic probe 32. The first pressure sensor 33 will detect pressure. As the second telescopic probe 32 continues to penetrate upwards, it will also detect a certain pressure change. However, the pressure will only change abruptly and form a significant obstruction to the second telescopic probe 32 when it touches the undisturbed soil. The first pressure sensor 33 transmits the detected pressure change information to the PLC controller, which can then transmit this detected pressure change information to the data processing terminal 8.

[0040] like Figure 1 , Figure 4As shown, a soft silicone protective layer 7 is provided at the end of the second probe channel 15. The diameter of the soft silicone protective layer 7 is larger than the diameter of the second probe channel 15. A protective hole 71 with a diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the second telescopic probe 32 is opened in the center of the soft silicone protective layer 7. In this embodiment, the diameter of the protective hole 71 is 5mm smaller than the diameter of the second telescopic probe 32. The purpose is that when the measurement is completed and the second telescopic probe 32 retracts, the soft silicone protective layer 7 wraps around the second telescopic probe 32, and the contact surfaces of the two are tightly fitted throughout the process, which can prevent soil and rocks from entering the interior of the second probe channel 15.

[0041] like Figure 4 As shown, the soft silicone protective layer 7 can be tightly attached to the surface of the stainless steel housing 1 by four screw fasteners, and sealant is applied to the contact surface between the two.

[0042] In this embodiment, the initial position of the top of the first pressure sensor 33 is flush with the top of the soft silicone protective layer 7, preventing soil and rocks from entering the second probe channel 15. During detection, the first pressure sensor 33 pushes upward to open the protective hole 71 under the action of the second telescopic probe 32. The soft silicone protective layer 7 wraps around the second telescopic probe 32, and the contact surfaces of the two are tightly fitted throughout the process, preventing soil and rocks from entering the second probe channel 15.

[0043] like Figure 1 As shown, on the side where the second protruding channel 15 is located, a second pressure sensor 5 is installed on the surface of the stainless steel housing 1. The second pressure sensor 5 is encased inside a rubber protective layer 6, which is fixedly connected to the stainless steel housing 1. It can be understood that the rubber protective layer 6 can be bonded to the stainless steel housing. The second pressure sensor 5 is also connected to the signal input terminal of the PLC controller to transmit the detected pressure information to the PLC controller.

[0044] like Figure 2 As shown, mounting holes 91 are provided on the tail of the tunnel boring machine 9 for welding and fixing the stainless steel outer shell. During installation, the second protruding hole 15 is oriented towards the outside of the tunnel boring machine 9, and the first protruding hole is oriented towards the inside of the tunnel boring machine 9.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, the tunnel boring machine 9 advances forward under the action of the propulsion cylinder 92, and then installs the segment 93 at the tail of the shield. When soil collapse occurs above the tunnel boring machine 9, a layer of collapsed soil 10 will accumulate above the tunnel boring machine 9. At this time, the collapsed soil layer 10 will exert pressure on the second pressure sensor 5 of the measuring module set at the tail of the shield. Based on this information, the PLC controller controls the second drive motor 31 to work.

[0046] In practice, the tunnel boring machine 9 stops after advancing 1.5 meters and then assembles the tunnel segments. After the segment assembly is completed, the PLC controller first controls the first drive motor 21 to operate. When the first telescopic probe 22 drives the contact displacement sensor 23 to extend out of the first probe hole and touches the tunnel segment 93, the PLC controller controls the first drive motor 21 to stop the extension of the first telescopic probe 22 and reset it. Since the initial position of the first telescopic probe 22 is fixed, the tail gap at this time can be obtained through the displacement information acquired by the contact displacement sensor 23. This information is transmitted by the PLC controller to the data processing terminal.

[0047] When the tunnel boring machine 9 stops excavating and installing tunnel segments, the PLC controller uses the second pressure sensor 5 to determine whether there is a collapsed soil layer 10 above the tunnel boring machine 9. When the second pressure sensor 5 detects pressure information, the PLC controller controls the second drive motor 31 to operate. When the second telescopic probe 32 drives the first pressure sensor 33 to penetrate the collapsed soil layer 10 upwards, the collapsed soil layer 10 does not form a significant obstruction to the second telescopic probe 32. The first pressure sensor 33 will detect a certain pressure. As the second telescopic probe 32 continues to penetrate upwards, it will also detect a certain pressure change. However, when the second telescopic probe 32 touches the undisturbed soil, it will form a significant obstruction to the second telescopic probe 32. At this time, the pressure will undergo a drastic change. At this time, the PLC controller controls the second drive motor 31 to stop the extension of the second telescopic probe 32 and reset it. At the same time, the pressure value change obtained by the first pressure sensor 33 is transmitted to the data processing terminal by the communication module. Based on the obtained pressure value change, combined with construction experience and existing published research results, the softness of the collapsed soil is analyzed.

[0048] The measuring device in this embodiment can simultaneously measure the shield tail gap and soil softness, integrating the measurement functions of these two key parameters into one device. This reduces the number and complexity of measuring equipment during construction and lowers construction costs.

[0049] The device involved in this utility model must be welded and installed in the corresponding position of the tunnel boring machine before it leaves the factory and starts operation, and perform an initial scan of the inner wall of the shield tail of the tunnel boring machine and record the initial scan data.

[0050] During actual tunnel boring machine (TBM) operations, workers can use real-time tail gap measurements to determine if the construction has deviated from the planned route. If deviation is detected, immediate adjustments must be made to prevent accidents. The looseness of the collapsed soil above the TBM is also assessed to determine appropriate measures and ensure the quality of grouting after segment assembly.

[0051] Although the specific embodiments of the present utility model have been described above in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, this is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications or variations that can be made by those skilled in the art without creative effort based on the technical solution of the present utility model are still within the scope of protection of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A device for simultaneously measuring the shield tail gap and soil softness, installed at the shield tail of a tunnel boring machine, characterized in that, It includes a stainless steel outer shell, with a first electric telescopic rod and a second electric telescopic rod respectively installed on both sides inside the stainless steel outer shell, the first electric telescopic rod and the second electric telescopic rod facing opposite directions; a contact displacement sensor is installed on the first electric telescopic rod, and a first pressure sensor is installed on the second electric telescopic rod; A second pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the stainless steel casing, and a PLC controller is also installed inside the stainless steel casing. The PLC controller is connected to the contact displacement sensor, the first pressure sensor, and the second pressure sensor.

2. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The stainless steel shell has a first mounting groove inside, and a second mounting groove and a third mounting groove are respectively provided on both sides of the first mounting groove. The second mounting groove is connected to the first protruding channel, and the third mounting groove is connected to the second protruding channel. The opening direction of the first protruding channel and the second protruding channel is opposite.

3. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The second pressure sensor is installed on the surface of the stainless steel housing on the side where the second probe is located. A rubber protective layer is provided on the outside of the second pressure sensor, and the rubber protective layer is fixedly connected to the stainless steel housing.

4. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Mounting holes are made on the tail of the tunnel boring machine, and a stainless steel shell is welded and fixed inside the mounting holes. The second protruding channel is set facing the outside of the tunnel boring machine.

5. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 2, characterized in that, A PLC controller is installed in the first mounting slot, and the PLC controller is connected to the data processing terminal.

6. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The first electric telescopic pole includes a first drive motor, which is connected to the first telescopic probe through a first transmission system.

7. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The first drive motor is installed in the second mounting slot, the first telescopic probe is located in the first protrusion channel, and the contact displacement sensor is installed at the end of the first telescopic probe.

8. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The second electric telescopic rod includes a second drive motor, which is connected to the second telescopic probe through a second transmission system.

9. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The second drive motor is installed in the third mounting slot, the second telescopic probe is located in the second protrusion channel, and the first pressure sensor is installed at the end of the second telescopic probe.

10. The device for simultaneously measuring shield tail gap and soil softness as described in claim 8, characterized in that, A soft silicone protective layer is provided at the end of the second protruding channel. The diameter of the soft silicone protective layer is larger than that of the second protruding channel. A protective hole with a diameter smaller than that of the second telescopic probe is opened in the center of the soft silicone protective layer. The top of the first pressure sensor is flush with the top of the soft silicone protective layer.