An extensible deep displacement monitoring device suitable for dynamic heap fill dump

Abstract

The utility model discloses an expandable deep displacement monitoring device suitable for dynamic heap filling dump, which comprises a first monitoring array as a starting unit, a data acquisition terminal arranged at the topmost part, and one or more second monitoring arrays as extension units. The monitoring array is composed of a continuous detection casing pipe, with sensor modules fixed at intervals in the pipe. A rigid protective sleeve is correspondingly sleeved outside to form a rigid segment, and the exposed casing pipe between the protective sleeves constitutes a flexible connection segment. The first end of the first monitoring array is sealed, and the top end is provided with a first electrical connector. The second ends of the second monitoring arrays are respectively provided with second and first electrical connectors. The arrays are connected through connectors and the ends of the casing pipes are welded to achieve expansion. The data acquisition terminal is connected to the top array through a sleeve with a sealing ring. The utility model can be extended as the heap filling process proceeds. By collecting the inclination data of each rigid segment, continuous and layered monitoring of the entire filling process and the subsequent stability can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of geotechnical engineering safety monitoring equipment, specifically to an expandable device for real-time monitoring of deep displacement during dynamic filling processes in projects such as spoil heaps, landfills, and tailings ponds. Background Technology

[0002] In open-pit mines and geological disaster prevention, stability monitoring of spoil heaps and fill bodies is a crucial step in ensuring construction and operational safety. Traditional deep displacement monitoring typically uses fixed inclinometers or displacement gauges, installed through drilling after the fill is completed. This method has the following significant drawbacks: 1. Inability to monitor the process: Soil deformation during the filling process cannot be captured in real time, creating blind spots that pose safety hazards; 2. Fixed equipment length: Once installed, it cannot be extended with the increase of filling height. If monitoring deeper parts is required, new holes must be drilled, which is costly and inefficient. 3. Poor resistance to mechanical damage: Frequent mechanical operations at landfill sites make traditional sensors susceptible to damage from impacts or compression, leading to failure. 4. Poor scalability and adaptability: It lacks modular expansion capabilities and is difficult to adapt to dynamically changing engineering scenarios.

[0003] Therefore, developing a deep displacement monitoring device that can be expanded with the filling progress, has a robust structure, is easy to install, and can achieve dynamic monitoring throughout the entire process has important practical engineering value. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to provide a deep displacement monitoring device that is dynamically expandable, structurally reliable, and easy to install, so as to achieve real-time, layered, and accurate monitoring of the entire process of spoil heap filling and its long-term stability.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: An scalable deep displacement monitoring device suitable for dynamic landfill dumps includes, from top to bottom, a first monitoring array as the initial monitoring unit, a data acquisition terminal at the top, and one or more second monitoring arrays as extension units.

[0006] The core structure of the monitoring array includes a continuous axially oriented detection sleeve. Multiple sensor modules are fixedly installed at intervals along the axial direction inside the detection sleeve, and these sensor modules are electrically connected in series via internal cables passing through the sleeve. Externally, corresponding to the location of each sensor module, a rigid protective sleeve is fitted and fixed to the outside of the detection sleeve. Spacing is left between these rigid protective sleeves, allowing the detection sleeve sections located between them to remain exposed.

[0007] Structural characteristics definition: In the monitoring array, the detection sleeve section covered and reinforced by the rigid protective sleeve constitutes the rigid segment of the array; while the exposed detection sleeve section not covered by the rigid protective sleeve between adjacent rigid segments constitutes a flexible connection segment that allows the array to bend and deform.

[0008] Modular and Expandable Array: The first monitoring array has a sealed end formed by the bottom of its detection sleeve, and a first electrical connector at its top. The second monitoring array has the same structure as the first monitoring array, with a second electrical connector matching the first electrical connector at the bottom of its detection sleeve, and the first electrical connector at its top. The data acquisition terminal integrates a main controller, a power supply, and a wireless communication module. Its bottom has a rigid connecting sleeve with a sealing ring and a second electrical connector matching the first electrical connector, used for a detachable sealed connection with the topmost monitoring array, and responsible for powering the entire device, collecting data from each sensor module, and transmitting it remotely.

[0009] Connection and Expansion Method: Between adjacent monitoring arrays, electrical connectivity, structural alignment, and mechanical locking are achieved through the insertion and mating of the first and second electrical connectors. The electrical connectors are integrated components (such as aviation connectors). After connection, circumferential sealing welding is performed at the mating end faces of two adjacent detection sleeves, fusing them into a continuous detection sleeve, thus achieving final structural continuity and waterproof sealing, and forming a new flexible connection segment near the welding point. The data acquisition terminal uses its bottom rigid connecting sleeve to fit and lock the exposed section of the detection sleeve of the top monitoring array. During this process, the second electrical connector inside the terminal automatically mates with the first electrical connector at the top of the array, thereby simultaneously achieving reliable mechanical connection and electrical connectivity.

[0010] Dynamic expansion installation method: Initially, the first monitoring array is installed and connected to the data acquisition terminal; as the filling surface rises, when the filling surface approaches the top of the existing device, the data acquisition terminal is temporarily removed; the second monitoring array is added to the top of the existing device; the data acquisition terminal is reconnected; the filling operation continues, and the newly added monitoring array immediately starts working; the above steps are repeated until the filling reaches the design elevation, and then the long-term monitoring phase begins.

[0011] System Composition and Measurement Principle: The device consists of multiple standardized monitoring arrays connected sequentially from top to bottom. Each monitoring array is an axially continuous detection sleeve, within which multiple sensor modules are spaced apart along the axial direction. These sensor modules are electrically connected in series via cables, used to sense the component of gravitational acceleration and measure the inclination angle of their respective axes in two horizontal directions in real time. When the soil being measured deforms, the flexible connecting section bends under stress, causing the rigid segment to tilt, and the inclination angle of each sensor module also changes. By collecting the inclination angle data of each module and combining it with the known spacing, the relative horizontal displacement and settlement of each point from bottom to top can be calculated using a geometric integration algorithm. During dynamic filling, by connecting new monitoring arrays, the monitoring range is synchronously extended upwards. The new array uses its installation position as a reference and begins to monitor the deformation of the newly added fill, thus achieving continuous monitoring throughout the entire process. Beneficial effects

[0012] Dynamic scalability: The modular and standardized monitoring array design supports the gradual addition of equipment as the filling height increases during the filling process, achieving continuous and follow-up monitoring of the entire filling process; 1. Accurate and reliable measurement: Based on high-precision MEMS tilt sensing technology, combined with a rigid-flexible alternating structural design, it can clearly and accurately capture and transmit soil deformation information at different depths, and realize layered displacement calculation; 2. Robust and durable structure: It adopts a composite structure with a rigid outer shell and a flexible inner shell. The rigid protective sleeve provides pressure and impact resistance, while the internal flexible connecting section effectively releases deformation stress. The whole structure is waterproof and sealed, adapting to complex and harsh engineering environments and has a long service life. 3. Convenient and economical installation: The prefabricated monitoring arrays are quickly plugged in and welded on site, which greatly reduces the number of connection points on site, resulting in high installation efficiency, controllable quality, and significant savings in monitoring costs and time. 4. Intelligent monitoring and management: Data can be transmitted to a remote monitoring platform in real time via wireless network, supporting automatic data processing, visualization, trend analysis and early warning, realizing intelligent and automated monitoring; 5. Excellent sealing and adaptability: The fully sealed structure design ensures long-term stable operation of the device in humid and water-rich environments, making it suitable for various dynamic filling engineering scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the monitoring array described in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of the first monitoring array in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the composition of the second monitoring array in this utility model. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional schematic diagram of the connection between the data acquisition terminal and the detection array described in this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the extended installation state of this utility model during the dynamic stacking process.

[0014] The annotations in the figure are explained as follows: 11-First Electrical Connector 12-Rigid Protective Sleeve 13-Detection sleeve 14-Internal cabling 15-Sealing filler 16-Sensor Module 17-Second Electrical Connector 18-Sealing end cap 19-Rigid connecting sleeve 100-First Monitoring Array 200-Second Monitoring Array 300-Data Acquisition Terminal Detailed Implementation

[0015] The preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Example

[0016] like Figure 1 As shown, the monitoring array of this invention is constructed around a continuous axial detection sleeve 13. The detection sleeve 13 is preferably a seamless metal tube, such as a seamless aluminum tube, which combines good sealing performance, corrosion resistance, and moderate flexibility. Inside the detection sleeve 13, multiple sensor modules 16 are fixed axially at intervals by a sealing filler 15 (such as epoxy resin). Each sensor module 16 consists of a sensor circuit board and integrated high-precision triaxial MEMS accelerometer, microcontroller (MCU), power management circuit, and communication interface circuit, used to sense the gravitational field component and output the tilt angle data of its node unit axis in two horizontal directions in real time. The sensor modules 16 are connected in series via internal cables 14.

[0017] Outside the detection sleeve 13, corresponding to the installation position of each sensor module 16, a rigid protective sleeve 12 is respectively fitted and welded and fixed. The rigid protective sleeve 12 is preferably made of high-strength steel or alloy, and its length is greater than that of the sensor module 16. A certain distance is maintained between each rigid protective sleeve 12, so that the wall of the detection sleeve 13 is kept exposed between them.

[0018] Thus, in the monitoring array, the detection sleeve section covered by the rigid protective sleeve 12 forms a robust rigid segment, which functions to protect the internal precision sensor module 16 from direct compression and impact from soil and rock, and effectively transmit soil pressure. The exposed detection sleeve section 13 between adjacent rigid segments forms a flexible connection section. This section, relying on the inherent toughness of the metal pipe, allows the monitoring array to bend at this point when the soil deforms. This bending causes relative tilting between rigid segments at different depths in the array. The sensor module 16, fixed inside each rigid segment, measures the spatial tilt angle of its segment in real time. By collecting the tilt angle data of all sensor modules and combining it with the known spacing, the displacement distribution along the depth direction of the monitoring profile can be calculated.

[0019] like Figure 2 As shown, the first monitoring array 100 is a continuous detection sleeve module of a specific length, prepared in the manner described above. The bottom end of its detection sleeve 13 is permanently waterproofed by welding a sealing cap 18, and a rigid protective sleeve 12 extends to cover the cap area, forming a robust rigid end. A first electrical connector 11 is installed at the top end of its detection sleeve 13.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, the total length of the first monitoring array 100 can be 4 meters. Within its detection sleeve 13, a sensor module 16 is arranged approximately every 1 meter along the axial direction, for a total of four modules. Correspondingly, four rigid protective sleeves 12 are fitted externally, thus forming four rigid segments and three flexible connecting segments located between them. Those skilled in the art will understand that the aforementioned total length, sensor module distribution density, and number can be adjusted according to different engineering monitoring accuracy and depth requirements.

[0021] like Figure 3 As shown, the second monitoring array 200 is completely identical to the first monitoring array 100 in its core structure. The bottom end of its detection sleeve 13 is equipped with a second electrical connector 17, and the top end is equipped with a first electrical connector 11.

[0022] The first electrical connector 11 and the second electrical connector 17 are preferably aviation connectors (e.g., aviation plugs / sockets). The aviation connector is an integrated component whose male and female heads simultaneously provide electrical conduction and mechanical locking during insertion. Specifically, it establishes a circuit connection through internal metal contacts and achieves precise alignment, tensile fixation, and initial sealing through external threaded tightening, snap-fit, or locking mechanisms. Its excellent waterproof, dustproof, and mechanical strength make it particularly suitable for the rapid and reliable connection needs of field engineering projects.

[0023] During on-site expansion installation, firstly, align, insert, and tighten the second electrical connector 17 at the bottom of the second monitoring array 200 with the first electrical connector 11 at the top of the already installed array. Then, align and press the mating ends of the upper and lower detection sleeves 13 together, and perform circumferential sealing welding at the annular joint. Welding fuses the two detection sleeves 13 into a continuous tube, achieving final structural continuity and a permanent waterproof seal. A new flexible connection section is formed near this welding point.

[0024] like Figure 4 As shown, the data acquisition terminal 300 integrates a main control module, a power supply battery, and a wireless transmission module (such as a 4G / 5G DTU). Its bottom is equipped with a rigid connecting sleeve 19 with a sealing ring (such as an O-ring) and a second electrical connector 17. During installation, the exposed section of the detection sleeve 13 of the topmost monitoring array is inserted into the rigid connecting sleeve 19, aligning the internal electrical connectors. Then, the locking mechanism (such as threads) of the sleeve is tightened to achieve electrical connection, mechanical fixation, and environmental sealing. This design facilitates quick disassembly when reconnection is required.

[0025] like Figure 5 As shown, the dynamic expansion installation and monitoring process is as follows: S1: Drill holes at the initial landfill platform or bedrock, install the first monitoring array 100, connect the data acquisition terminal 300 and start it to begin initial monitoring; S2: As the filling operation proceeds, the filling operation shall be suspended when the top surface of the filling material approaches the top of the existing equipment; S3: Disassemble and remove the data acquisition terminal 300; S4: Install (plug in and solder) one section of the second monitoring array 200 to the top of the existing device; S5: Reconnect (insert and lock) the data acquisition terminal 300 to the top of the newly installed second monitoring array 200; S6: Continue the backfilling operation; the newly installed monitoring array begins to monitor the deformation of the newly added backfill. S7: Repeat steps S2 to S6 until the fill reaches the final design elevation; S8: Entering the long-term stability monitoring phase of the fill body.

[0026] The data acquisition terminal 300 uploads the tilt data collected by each sensor module to the cloud or a local server via its internal wireless transmission module. The monitoring platform software, based on a preset algorithm, uses the module spacing and tilt data to calculate the cumulative displacement curve along the depth direction, enabling visualization of deformation data and intelligent early warning functions. Example

[0027] In another embodiment of this invention, the number and spacing of sensor modules 16 included in a single monitoring array can be adjusted according to the monitoring density requirements of a specific project. For example, more sensor modules can be arranged with shorter spacing to improve deformation resolution. Its basic structure, connection method, and expansion principle are the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0028] The scalable deep displacement monitoring device provided by this utility model is applicable to all geotechnical engineering safety monitoring scenarios with dynamic filling or phased construction characteristics, including but not limited to: open-pit coal mine and metal mine spoil heaps, construction waste disposal sites, tailings ponds, landfills for domestic waste or industrial waste, and road and railway subgrade filling and slope engineering. This device solves the problem that traditional methods cannot perform dynamic process monitoring, and has significant economic benefits and broad prospects for widespread application.

Claims

1. A scalable deep displacement monitoring device suitable for dynamic landfill dumps, characterized in that, Including settings from bottom to top: The first monitoring array (100), which serves as the initial monitoring unit, includes an axially continuous detection sleeve (13). Multiple sensor modules (16) are spaced apart along the axial direction inside the detection sleeve (13), and each sensor module (16) is electrically connected via a cable (14). Outside the detection sleeve (13), rigid protective sleeves (12) are respectively fitted and fixed at the positions of each sensor module (16), and there is a gap between each rigid protective sleeve (12). The bottom end of the detection sleeve (13) is closed, and the top end is provided with a first electrical connector (11). One or more second monitoring arrays (200) serving as extension units have the same core structure as the first monitoring array (100), with a second electrical connector (17) at the bottom of the detection sleeve (13) that matches the first electrical connector (11), and the first electrical connector (11) at the top. The data acquisition terminal (300) located at the top has a second electrical connector (17) at its bottom that matches the first electrical connector (11). The detection sleeve section covered by the rigid protective sleeve (12) constitutes a rigid segment, and the exposed detection sleeve section between adjacent rigid segments constitutes a flexible connection segment.

2. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjacent monitoring arrays achieve structural alignment, mechanical locking, and electrical connection through the insertion and engagement of the first electrical connector (11) and the second electrical connector (17).

3. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 2, characterized in that, The detection sleeves (13) of adjacent monitoring arrays are finally connected and sealed by sealing welding.

4. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The first electrical connector (11) and the second electrical connector (17) are aviation connectors.

5. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both the first monitoring array (100) and the second monitoring array (200) contain at least two sensor modules (16).

6. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sensor module (16) integrates a three-axis MEMS accelerometer, a microcontroller, a power management circuit, and a communication interface circuit.

7. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection sleeve (13) is made of a tough metal tube.

8. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 7, characterized in that, The detection sleeve (13) is a seamless aluminum tube.

9. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 1, characterized in that, The data acquisition terminal (300) is used to power the entire device, collect data from each sensor module (16), and transmit the data remotely via a wireless communication module.

10. The scalable deep displacement monitoring device for dynamic landfill dumps according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom of the data acquisition terminal (300) is provided with a rigid connecting sleeve (19) with a sealing ring, which is used to fit and lock the exposed section of the detection sleeve (13) of the top monitoring array.

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