Sinkhole detection device

Abstract

A sinkhole detection device capable of detecting environmental changes around a pipe buried underground at an early stage is disclosed. The sinkhole detection device comprises a main body including a housing and a magnetic sensor disposed inside the housing, a separating member detachably coupled to the housing, and a support line coupled to the housing and extending upward toward the upper part of the underground to support the housing, wherein the magnetic sensor detects the separation of the separating member when the separating member is separated from the main body due to environmental changes in the underground.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a sinkhole detection device, and more specifically, to a sinkhole detection device capable of detecting environmental changes such as sinkholes, ground subsidence, cavity formation, or soil erosion occurring underground at an early stage. Background Technology

[0002] Due to urbanization, various pipes and electrical wires, including water pipes, gas pipes, communication lines, and power lines, are buried underground. Over time, these underground facilities, particularly pipes such as water and sewer pipes, deteriorate, which can lead to leaks at the joints. When leaks occur at pipe joints, surrounding soil is eroded, forming cavities underground; these cavities gradually expand and can eventually lead to sinkholes, where the surface collapses.

[0003] Early detection of sinkholes is crucial because they can occur suddenly without prior warning and cause casualties and property damage. However, existing sinkhole detection methods have limitations; they are primarily indirect methods utilizing surface exploration equipment or can only detect a sinkhole after a significant cavity has formed.

[0004] Therefore, there is a growing need for technology capable of detecting cavity formation in the early stages by installing sinkhole detection devices directly around underground pipes. Prior art literature

[0005] Republic of Korea Published Patent Application No. 10-2017-0084545 (Published July 20, 2017) The problem to be solved

[0006] The objective of the present invention to solve the aforementioned problems is to provide a sinkhole detection device capable of detecting environmental changes around a pipe buried underground at an early stage.

[0007] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a sinkhole detection device capable of early detection of ground subsidence or cavity formation before a sinkhole occurs.

[0008] Another objective of the present invention is to provide a sinkhole detection device capable of seamless wireless communication with the ground. means of solving the problem

[0009] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, a sinkhole detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a main body buried underground and including a housing and a magnetic sensor disposed inside the housing, a separating member detachably coupled to the housing, and a support line coupled to the housing and extending upward toward the upper part of the underground to support the housing, wherein the magnetic sensor detects the separation of the separating member when the separating member is separated from the main body due to a change in the environment of the underground.

[0010] The sinkhole detection device further includes a weight connected to the lower part of the separation member.

[0011] The above-mentioned weight body includes a weight member and a connecting member connecting the weight member and the separating member.

[0012] The sinkhole detection device further includes a support member that is detachably coupled to the weight member and the housing and supports the weight member.

[0013] The support member is separated from the weight member and the housing when the sinkhole detection device is buried underground, thereby releasing the support of the weight member.

[0014] One end of the above support line is buried in the asphalt layer on the ground.

[0015] The above-mentioned separating member is coupled to the lower part of the housing by magnetic force.

[0016] The magnetic sensor detects a change in the magnetic force.

[0017] To achieve the above-mentioned purpose, a sinkhole detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a housing buried underground, a magnetic sensor installed within the housing, a separating member disposed at the bottom of the housing and falling into the cavity by gravity when a cavity occurs in the bottom of the housing, and a support line coupled to the housing and having at least a portion buried in an asphalt layer on the ground to prevent the housing from falling when the cavity occurs, and the magnetic sensor detects the falling of the separating member.

[0018] It further includes a communication module installed within the above housing and transmitting drop information of the separation member via wireless communication.

[0019] The above-mentioned separating member is installed around a pipe or a connection of a pipe buried in the ground, and the communication module is positioned at a predetermined distance from the pipe or the connection of the pipe.

[0020] The above housing includes a first housing in which the communication module is disposed, a second housing in which the magnetic sensor and the separating member are disposed, and a third housing connecting the first housing and the second housing, wherein the third housing separates the disposal positions of the communication module and the separating member.

[0021] The above asphalt layer includes a lower first layer and an upper second layer that is replaced during repair, and one end of the support line is embedded in the first layer.

[0022] It further includes a weight coupled to the above-mentioned separating member, and the weight promotes the drop of the separating member when the cavity occurs.

[0023] The above-mentioned weight body includes a weight member and a connecting member connecting the weight member and the separating member.

[0024] The sinkhole detection device further comprises a support member detachably coupled to the weight member and the housing, wherein the housing comprises at least one first coupling hole into which the support member is inserted, and the weight member comprises at least one second coupling hole into which the support member is inserted, and the support member is inserted into the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole to support the weight member, and the support member is removed from the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole when the sinkhole detection device is buried underground to release the support of the weight member.

[0025] The above-mentioned separating member is configured to include a permanent magnet so as to be attached to the housing, and the magnetic sensor detects a change in the magnetic field due to the fall of the separating member.

[0026] The above magnetic sensor is composed of any one of a Hall Effect Sensor, a Reed Switch, or a Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor.

[0027] The sinkhole detection device above operates by receiving power from radio waves received from the ground. Effects of the invention

[0028] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, by installing a sinkhole detection device around a pipe buried underground, particularly around a pipe connection, a sinkhole can be detected at the initial cavity formation stage caused by leakage at the pipe joint.

[0029] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, by burying one end of a support line connected to a housing in the lower layer of asphalt, the housing can be prevented from falling when a cavity occurs in the lower part of the sinkhole detection device.

[0030] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, by burying one end of a support line connected to the sinkhole detection device in the lower layer of asphalt, the support line can be preserved without damage even during future road or sidewalk paving repair work.

[0031] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, by installing a sinkhole detection device having an appropriate length according to the depth of a pipe buried underground, effective sinkhole detection is possible, and interference with wireless communication caused by the pipe can also be prevented.

[0032] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, changes in the underground environment, particularly sinkholes, ground subsidence, cavity formation, or soil loss, can be effectively detected with a simple structure.

[0033] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, ground subsidence or cavity formation can be detected at an early stage before a sinkhole fully develops, thereby preventing large-scale accidents in advance.

[0034] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, since it operates by utilizing natural physical forces such as magnetic force and gravity, it can perform basic detection functions without a separate power supply.

[0035] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, information on environmental changes in the underground can be wirelessly transmitted to the ground, enabling real-time monitoring.

[0036] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, through a durable housing structure including a waterproof layer, it can operate stably for a long period of time even in a humid underground environment.

[0037] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, through a configuration that operates by receiving power from radio waves received from the ground, semi-permanent use is possible without the need for separate battery replacement.

[0038] According to the sinkhole detection device of the present invention, underground information and cavity occurrence information can be stored in memory, and can be utilized for studying and predicting ground subsidence patterns through data analysis. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0039] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the installation steps of a sinkhole detection device according to the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the appearance of asphalt and underground where a sinkhole detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention is to be installed. FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the underground drilling appearance when installing a sinkhole detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the installation of a sinkhole detection device in a drilled hole and the injection of a filler into the drilled hole according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the appearance of asphalt being applied to the upper part of an underground area where a sinkhole detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed. FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a sinkhole detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention installed in a drilled hole underground. FIG. 7 is a drawing illustrating the separation member according to one embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 6 being separated from the main body and falling into a cavity. FIG. 8 is a drawing showing in detail each component installed in a sinkhole detection device according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 9 and FIGS. 10 are drawings illustrating a sinkhole detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention installed in a drilled hole underground. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the appearance of asphalt and underground where a sinkhole detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention is to be installed. FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the underground drilling appearance when installing a sinkhole detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the installation of a sinkhole detection device in a drilled hole and the injection of a filler into the drilled hole according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the appearance of asphalt being applied to the upper part of an underground area where a sinkhole detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention is installed. FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a sinkhole detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention installed in a drilled hole underground. FIG. 16 is a drawing illustrating a separation member according to another embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 15 being separated from the main body and falling into a cavity. FIG. 17 is a drawing showing in detail each component installed in a sinkhole detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 18 and 19 are drawings illustrating a sinkhole detection device according to another embodiment of the present invention installed in a drilled hole underground. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0040] Some embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the exemplary drawings. It should be noted that in assigning reference numerals to the components of each drawing, the same components are given the same reference numeral whenever possible, even if they are shown in different drawings.

[0041] Furthermore, in describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of related known configurations or functions would hinder understanding of the embodiments of the present invention, such detailed description is omitted.

[0042] In addition, terms such as first, second, A, B, (a), (b), etc., may be used when describing the components of the embodiments of the present invention. These terms are used merely to distinguish the components from other components, and the essence, order, or sequence of the components is not limited by the terms used.

[0043] In this specification, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used in this specification, “comprising” and / or “comprising” does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components.

[0044] Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0046] FIG. 1 is a flowchart showing the installation steps of a sinkhole detection device (100) according to the present invention.

[0047] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the appearance of asphalt and underground where a sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is to be installed, and FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the appearance of underground drilling when installing a sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0048] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the installation of a sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention in a drilled hole and the injection of a filler material into the drilled hole, and FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the construction of asphalt on the upper part of the underground where the sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0050] First, the process of installing a sinkhole detection device (100) underground according to one embodiment of the present invention will be explained with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5.

[0051] A sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be buried underground through the steps of: perforating the underground (20) toward a buried pipe (30) to create a hole (60) (S100); installing the sinkhole detection device (100) in the perforated hole (60) (S200); injecting a filling material (61) into the perforated hole (60) (S300); and applying asphalt (10) on the upper part of the perforated hole (60) so that at least a part of the sinkhole detection device (100) can be buried (S400).

[0052] The above step (S100) is a step of creating a hole (60) in the ground (20) by drilling into the ground (20) toward the buried pipe (30).

[0053] The above step (S100) first removes the asphalt (10) applied to the ground surface. In the above step (S100), the removal of the asphalt (10) applied to the ground surface can be performed using a metal excavator (not shown), etc. The metal excavator is equipment capable of cutting the asphalt (10) to an accurate size and depth using a diamond-coated circular saw blade.

[0054] In the above step (S100), when removing the asphalt (10), according to one embodiment, the asphalt (10) on the ground surface may be removed in a circular shape with a diameter of 50 mm to 150 mm. However, it is not limited thereto, and according to an embodiment, the entire layer of asphalt (10) within a certain range on the ground may be removed. After removing the asphalt (10), pieces of asphalt (10) are removed using an electric hammer or the like. During this process, care must be taken to ensure that the cut surface of the asphalt (10) remains clean, as this affects the bonding quality when the asphalt (10) is subsequently installed.

[0055] The above step (S100) removes the asphalt (10) constructed on the ground surface, and then removes the soil (A) in the ground (20) beneath the removed asphalt (10).

[0056] In the above step (S100), when removing soil, the soil (A) in the ground (20) is removed using a vacuum suction device (40). In the soil removal step (S120), the vacuum suction device (40) sucks up the soil (A) in the ground (20) using a powerful vacuum pump (not shown). The vacuum suction device (40) creates a hole (60) by sucking up the soil (A) in the ground (20) through a suction hose (41). According to one embodiment, the suction hose (41) may have a diameter of 50 mm to 150 mm, such as the removal diameter of asphalt (10). However, it is not limited thereto. The soil (A) sucked up by the vacuum suction device (40) can be collected within the vacuum suction device (40).

[0057] According to one embodiment, the vacuum suction device (40) may further include at least one air nozzle (43) that sprays air into the ground (20) to crush the soil (A) in the ground (20). The vacuum suction device (40) can crush the soil (A) by vibrating it as it sprays high-pressure air into the soil (A) in the ground (20) through the air nozzle (43). The vacuum suction device (40) can easily create a hole (60) by sucking the crushed soil (A) through the air nozzle (43) through the suction hose (41).

[0058] The greatest advantage of the vacuum suction device (40) is that it can create a hole (60) while minimizing physical damage to other facilities (electrical wires, communication lines, gas pipes, etc.) buried underground (20). Unlike conventional mechanical excavation equipment, the vacuum suction device (40) sucks only soil (A), so it does not directly impact the facilities buried underground (20). In addition, removing soil (A) using the vacuum suction device (40) enables drilling at an accurate location and minimizes disturbance to the surrounding ground. This is an important factor in ensuring ground stability after the installation of the sinkhole detection device (100).

[0059] When drilling into the ground (20) with a vacuum suction device (40), the suction depth can be set shallower than the depth (D1) of the buried pipe (30). This is to avoid direct contact with the pipe (30) while accurately detecting the surrounding environment of the pipe (30).

[0060] In the above step (S100), when creating a hole (60) by removing soil (A) in the ground (20) using a vacuum suction device (40), the underground conditions can be monitored through a monitoring device (50) and a camera (51) connected to the monitoring device (50).

[0061] The camera (51) connected to the monitoring device (50) may generally be an industrial camera (51) of the endoscope type, and, depending on the embodiment, may include a lens part with a diameter of 5 mm to 10 mm, a flexible cable, and a monitor on the ground. The camera (51) may be waterproof and dustproof, and may have built-in LED lighting to brightly illuminate a dark underground environment. The cable length of the camera (51) is generally about 5 m to 20 m, allowing for monitoring of underground conditions (20) at various depths.

[0062] The primary purpose of camera monitoring in the above step (S100) is to accurately identify the location of the buried pipe (30) or other facilities during the drilling process and to prevent damage to them. Additionally, the condition of the soil underground (20), the presence or absence of groundwater, and the occurrence of cavities can be checked in real time through the camera (51). In particular, it plays an important role in detecting early signs of sinkhole formation, such as signs of soil erosion or fine cracks around the pipe (30).

[0063] In the above step (S100), camera monitoring is performed in parallel with the vacuum suction device (40) operation, and the operator can adjust the suction direction and depth of the soil (A) while viewing real-time video of the underground (20) captured through the ground monitoring device (50). This ensures that drilling is performed at an accurate location and allows the work to proceed safely while avoiding other facilities buried underground (20).

[0064] Underground environments vary depending on the region and depth. A typical urban underground environment may consist of an asphalt layer (10) and a soil layer (20; crushed stone layer, sand layer, clay layer) from the top. Sinkholes mainly occur when fine soil is lost due to leakage in pipes (30) in an environment where the groundwater level is high and the soil particles are small. In particular, sandy soil has the characteristic of being easily lost by the flow of water because the binding force between particles is weak. Also, in areas with high groundwater levels, the rate of soil loss due to leakage in pipes (30) can be even faster.

[0065] Pipes (30) buried underground (20) generally come in various types, such as water and sewage pipes, gas pipes, and communication pipes. Among these, water and sewage pipes are mainly made of materials such as cast iron pipes, steel pipes, PVC pipes, and PE pipes, and their diameters usually vary from 80 mm to 3,000 mm. In particular, water and sewage pipes, which are important as urban infrastructure, are mostly buried at a depth of 1 m to 5 m under roads or sidewalks, and there are connecting parts (31) that connect the pipes (30) at regular intervals. These pipes (30) deteriorate over time, and the possibility of leakage increases significantly, especially in the case of pipes (30) that have been buried for more than 20 years.

[0066] The underground (20) drilling can be performed not only toward the pipe (30) buried underground, but also toward the connection part (31) of the buried pipe (30). The connection part (31) of the pipe (30) is generally connected using a socket, flange, coupling, etc., and a rubber packing or sealing material is used at the joint. Over time, such rubber packing or sealing material deteriorates, causing a decrease in airtightness, which may result in leakage.

[0067] Unlike the straight section of the pipe (30), the connection part (31) of the pipe (30) is a point where stress is concentrated and is more affected by external factors such as ground subsidence, vibration, and temperature changes. As a result, there is a high possibility that cracks or detachment may occur in the connection part (31).

[0068] In the case of water and sewage pipes, the flow of fluid is temporarily obstructed at the connection (31), causing vortices. These vortices cause fine erosion inside the pipe (30), which can accelerate damage to the connection (31) over the long term.

[0069] Accordingly, by installing a sinkhole detection device (100) around the pipe (30) and / or around the connection part (31) of the pipe, a sinkhole can be effectively detected during the initial cavity formation stage caused by leakage.

[0071] The above step (S200) is a step of installing a sinkhole detection device (100) at the bottom of the hole (60) created by drilling. After the above step (S100), the step (S200) of installing a sinkhole detection device (100) at the bottom of the drilled hole (60) is performed.

[0072] A sinkhole detection device (100) is an electronic device for detecting the occurrence of a cavity in the ground (20). Depending on the embodiment, the sinkhole detection device (100) may include a sensor (113, see FIGS. 6 to 10) for detecting a cavity in the ground (20), a communication module (115, see FIGS. 6 to 10) for transmitting detection data of the sensor (113) to a receiving device on the ground, and a housing (111, see FIGS. 6 to 10) forming the outer shape of the sinkhole detection device (100). A detailed description of the sinkhole detection device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described later with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

[0073] The sinkhole detection device (100) may further include a support line (101) connected to a housing (111). One end of the support line (101) may extend upward toward the ground, and the other end may be connected to the housing (111). Meanwhile, in this specification, the ground refers to the upper part of the underground (20).

[0074] According to the embodiment, the support line (101) may be composed of a durable synthetic fiber or a metal wire. The support line (101) may be used for positioning and retrieving the sinkhole detection device (100) during the installation process of the sinkhole detection device (100). The support line (101) supports the housing (111) when a cavity occurs underground, thereby preventing the housing (111) from falling toward the cavity. According to the embodiment, the length of the support line (101) may be prepared to be about 1m to 2m longer than the installation depth.

[0075] In the above step (200), the sinkhole detection device (100) may be installed around the pipe (30) and / or around the connection part (31) of the pipe (30), as described above. The location selection of the sinkhole detection device (100) is the result of considering early detection efficiency, sensor sensitivity optimization, and the underground environment.

[0076] Regarding the efficiency of early detection, if the sinkhole detection device (100) is installed too close to the pipe (30), it is highly likely that the soil around the pipe (30) has already been lost and a cavity has formed. This indicates that the sinkhole is already in progress, which diminishes the significance of early detection. On the other hand, by positioning it at an appropriate distance from the pipe (30), it is possible to detect the initial stage of soil loss spreading around the pipe (30).

[0077] Regarding the optimization of sensor sensitivity, the sensor of the sinkhole detection device (100) reacts very sensitively to changes in the surrounding environment. If installed too far from the pipe (30), it may not detect initial changes, and if installed too close, it may be affected by vibration or displacement of the pipe (30) itself.

[0078] In relation to consideration of the underground environment, the urban underground environment is very complex, and various facilities are buried in close proximity. As the sinkhole detection device (100) is installed around the pipe (30) and / or around the connection part (31) of the pipe (30), it can be located within the influence zone of the pipe (30) while avoiding interference with other major buried facilities.

[0079] In the above step (S200), one end of the support line (101) connected to the sinkhole detection device (100) is positioned to extend to the ground. The support line (101) is positioned so that a worker on the ground can hold and support it when installing the sinkhole detection device (100) in the drilled hole (60), and so that a portion of it remains on the ground even after the installation of the sinkhole detection device (100).

[0080] The above step (S200) may further include detailed processes such as a line preparation process, a sinkhole detection device (100) lowering process, a position adjustment process, and a line fixing process when one end of the support line (101) connected to the sinkhole detection device (100) is positioned to extend to the ground.

[0081] In the above step (S200), during the line preparation process, a support line (101) of appropriate length is first firmly connected to the sinkhole detection device (100) before the sinkhole detection device (100) is installed. The length of the support line (101) can be prepared to be about 1.5 to 2 times longer than the installation depth of the sinkhole detection device (100).

[0082] In the above step (S200), during the process of lowering the sinkhole detection device (100), the sinkhole detection device (100) is slowly lowered into the drilled hole (60) using a prepared support line (101). During the process of lowering the sinkhole detection device (100), the operator can control the lowering speed and position of the sinkhole detection device (100) by holding one end of the support line (101) on the ground, either directly or using a separate device. During the lowering of the sinkhole detection device (100), the position of the sinkhole detection device (100) can be monitored in real time through the aforementioned camera (51) to verify whether the sinkhole detection device (100) has reached the correct position.

[0083] In the above step (S200), during the position adjustment process, when the sinkhole detection device (100) reaches a target location (around the pipe (30) or around the connection part (31) of the pipe (30)), fine position adjustment is performed using a support line (101). During the position adjustment process, it is important to ensure that the sensor of the sinkhole detection device (100) makes good contact with the underground environment. Additionally, during the position adjustment process, the position of the sinkhole detection device (100) can be adjusted so that the direction of the antenna (115b) of the communication module (115) faces the ground, thereby maximizing communication efficiency.

[0084] In the above step (S200), once the position of the sinkhole detection device (100) is determined, one end of the support line (101) can be fixed to the ground during the line fixing process, and specifically, it can be fixed to the lower part of the existing asphalt (10). As one end of the support line (101) is fixed to the ground, the position of the sinkhole detection device (100) can be prevented from changing during the filling process to be described later. The support line (101) can be tied to a temporary fixture around the drilled hole (60) or under the asphalt (10), or fixed using a special clamp. During the line fixing process, one end of the support line (101) on the ground can be positioned in the lower layer (11) of the asphalt (10) during asphalt (10) construction. To do this, one end of the support line (101) is adjusted to a certain length, and if necessary, a protective tube or cover is placed over it to prevent damage to the support line (101).

[0086] The above step (S300) is a step of filling the drilled hole (60) by injecting a filler material (61). The above step (S300) is an important process for ensuring the stability of the ground after the installation of the sinkhole detection device (100) and for ensuring that the sinkhole detection device (100) comes into proper contact with the underground environment.

[0087] The filling material (61) may be soil, sand, stone powder, and / or other filling materials, and these serve to stably fill the space of the drilled hole (60).

[0088] When soil is used as a filler (61), the soil (A) extracted from the existing ground that was drilled can be reused. The use of soil has the advantage of being environmentally friendly because its physical and chemical properties are similar to those of the surrounding ground. However, since the soil (A) extracted by suction drilling has its particles separated and loses its original compressed state, if it is reused as is, settlement may occur over time. Therefore, when soil is used as a filler (61), appropriate compaction work may be required.

[0089] Sand is a filler material (61) with good drainage and compressibility, and is particularly effective in areas with high groundwater levels. The particle size of the sand used as the filler material (61) can be between 0.075 mm and 4.75 mm, and impurities can be minimized by using washed sand. Sand is easy to compact and has low friction with surrounding soil when the ground subsides later, which is advantageous for detecting displacement of the sinkhole detection device (100).

[0090] Stone powder consists of fine particles produced by crushing rocks, with a particle size generally of 0.075 mm or less. Stone powder possesses high density and low permeability, providing a stable filling effect. Additionally, it has the characteristic of hardening through a hydration reaction, causing its strength to increase over time. Stone powder is particularly effective when used in upper filling layers to ensure stability near the surface.

[0091] Depending on the situation, bentonite, fly ash, and slaked lime may be used in the form of mixtures as other fillers. These other fillers, such as bentonite, fly ash, and slaked lime, can be selected to address specific ground conditions or environmental requirements. For example, bentonite is used in environments requiring watertightness due to its high expansiveness and impermeability, while fly ash is suitable for large-scale filling due to its excellent lightweight properties and cost-effectiveness.

[0092] The above step (S300) may be performed, as in one embodiment, through a filler preparation process, a filler filling process, and a curing and stabilization process. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0093] In the above step (S300), first, the amount of filler (61) required according to the drilling depth and diameter during the filler preparation process is calculated and mixed in an appropriate ratio. In one embodiment, the lower part of the drilled hole (60) may be filled with sand, the central part of the drilled hole (60) with a mixture of soil and sand, and the upper part of the drilled hole (60) with stone powder or a special mixture, forming a multi-layered structure.

[0094] In the above step (S300), during the process of filling the filler material, according to one embodiment, the area around and below the sinkhole detection device (100) installed in the drilled hole (60) can be filled with sand. At this time, the filler material (61) is injected slowly and uniformly so that the position of the installed sinkhole detection device (100) does not change. Filling the lower part of the drilled hole (60) provides a stable installation environment for the sinkhole detection device (100) and establishes a foundation for the sensor (113) of the sinkhole detection device (100) to effectively detect changes in the ground.

[0095] In the above step (S300), during the filling process, after filling the lower part of the drilled hole (60), the central part of the drilled hole (60) can be filled with a mixture of soil and sand. When filling the central part of the drilled hole (60), a tamping rod or a vibratory compactor can be used to ensure an appropriate density. The compaction strength can be adjusted to be similar to the characteristics of the surrounding ground so that the filled area does not have characteristics different from the surroundings. Care must be taken to ensure that the support line (101) is not damaged during the compaction process.

[0096] In the above step (S300), during the filling process, after filling the central part of the drilled hole (60), the upper part of the drilled hole (60) can be filled with stone powder or a special mixture. Since the upper part of the drilled hole (60) serves as a foundation for the asphalt (10), high strength and stability are required. When filling the upper part of the drilled hole (60), it can be filled slightly higher (5mm to 10mm) than the surrounding ground to prepare for future subsidence. After the filling is completed, the upper surface of the drilled hole (60) is leveled to prepare for asphalt (10) construction.

[0097] In the above step (S300), care must be taken to ensure that the support line (101) connected to the sinkhole detection device (100) is not damaged during the filling process of the filler material (61). To this end, the area around the support line (101) may be filled by hand as much as possible, or a method of protecting the support line (101) by covering it with a protective tube may be applied. After the filling of the filler material (61) is completed, the condition and location of the support line (101) connected to the sinkhole detection device (100) are checked. If the support line (101) is damaged or its location has changed significantly, re-construction may be considered as necessary.

[0098] In the above step (S300), during the curing and stabilization process, after the filling work is completed, a curing period of a certain amount of time (usually 24 hours or more) is provided so that the filling material (61) can be stabilized. The curing period may be adjusted according to the type of filling material (61) used, ground conditions, weather conditions, etc.

[0100] The above step (S400) is a step of applying asphalt (10) to the upper surface of the drilled hole (60). In the above step (S400), the work of repairing the road or sidewalk surface and installing the sinkhole detection device (100) is completed.

[0101] The ground surface is generally paved with asphalt (10). The asphalt (10) structure of a road or sidewalk can be largely composed of a sub-base layer (11a; Sub-base), a base layer (11b; Base Course) located above the sub-base layer (11a), a binder layer (13a; Binder Course) located above the base layer (11b), and a surface layer (13b; Surface Course) located above the binder layer (13a) with its upper surface exposed to the ground. Additionally, a wear layer (not shown; Wearing Course) may be further included above the surface layer (13b), although not shown in the drawing.

[0102] In this specification, the first layer (11) is a lower layer disposed below the asphalt (10) and includes an auxiliary base layer (11a) and a base layer (11b). The first layer (11) is a part responsible for the structural stability of a road or sidewalk and serves to distribute the load and prevent uneven settlement of the ground.

[0103] The auxiliary base layer (11a) is located below the base layer (11b) and can provide support and perform drainage functions. The auxiliary base layer (11a) can be mainly composed of gravel or crushed stone. The auxiliary base layer (11a) can be composed of crushed stone or gravel, and its thickness can be about 15 cm to 40 cm.

[0104] The base layer (11b) is the main layer that provides structural support for the asphalt (10). The base layer (11b) may be composed of a mixture of asphalt (10) and aggregate larger than that of the surface layer (13b) and the intermediate layer (13a). The base layer (11b) may be composed of coarse aggregate (19mm to 25mm) and asphalt (10) binder, and the thickness may be about 10cm to 20cm depending on the road or sidewalk grade.

[0105] In this specification, the second layer (13) is an upper layer disposed on top of the asphalt (10) and includes an intermediate layer (13a) and a surface layer (13b). The second layer (13) is responsible for the functionality (friction, waterproofness, flatness, etc.) of the road or sidewalk surface.

[0106] The intermediate layer (13a) is located between the surface layer (13b) and the base layer (11b) and distributes the load. The intermediate layer (13a) may be made of aggregate that is slightly larger than that of the surface layer (13b). The intermediate layer (13a) may be composed of medium-sized aggregate (13mm to 19mm) and asphalt binder, and may have a thickness of about 5cm to 7cm.

[0107] The surface layer (13b) is the uppermost layer of the asphalt (10) and receives direct vehicle loads. The surface layer (13b) generally provides durability and slip resistance. The surface layer (13b) may be composed of fine aggregate (9.5 mm to 13 mm) and a high-quality asphalt (10) binder, and may have a thickness of about 4 cm to 5 cm.

[0108] Generally, when repairing a road or sidewalk, the first layer (11) is not removed and remains as is during general road or sidewalk repair work, and only the second layer (13) is removed and reconstructed.

[0109] That is, when repairing a road or sidewalk, in the case of light repairs such as cracks or surface damage, only the surface layer (13b) is thinly removed and only the surface layer (13b) is re-constructed (Surface Treatment), or if the damage extends beyond the surface layer (13b) to the intermediate layer (13a), the second layer (13) is removed and only the surface layer (13b) and the intermediate layer (13a) are re-constructed (Partial-depth Repair).

[0110] On the other hand, the first layer (11), namely the auxiliary base layer (11a) and the base layer (11b), remains intact even during the repair work of the asphalt (10).

[0112] The above step (S400) involves applying asphalt (10) to the upper surface of the drilled hole (60) so that at least a portion of the sinkhole detection device (100) can be embedded in the asphalt (10). In the above step (S400), at least a portion of the sinkhole detection device (100) is embedded in the lower layer of the asphalt (10) so that it remains intact even during maintenance work on the asphalt (10).

[0113] In detail, the above step (S400) involves applying asphalt (10) to the upper surface of a drilled hole (60) such that one end of a support line (101) connected to the housing (111) of the sinkhole detection device (100) is positioned in the first layer (11), which is the lower layer of the asphalt (10), so that one end of the support line (101) is embedded in the first layer (11) of the asphalt (10). The reason for positioning one end of the support line (101) in the lower layer of the asphalt (10) is to prevent damage that may be applied to the support line (101) during future asphalt (10) repair work.

[0114] In addition, one end of the support line (101) is embedded in the lower first layer (11) of the asphalt (10) to prepare for the case where a cavity (21, see FIG. 7) occurs in the lower part of the sinkhole detection device (100). When a cavity (21) occurs in the lower part of the sinkhole detection device (100), the separating member (120, see FIG. 6 to FIG. 10) of the sinkhole detection device (100) falls into the cavity (21). However, the main body (110) of the sinkhole detection device (100) is supported by the support line (101), so it is prevented from falling toward the cavity (21).

[0115] In general road or sidewalk repair work, as described above, only the upper second layer (13) of the asphalt (10) is removed and re-constructed, and thus, since one end of the support line (101) is located in the first layer (11) below the asphalt, the risk of the support line (101) being exposed or damaged during the repair work of the asphalt (10) is eliminated. This greatly improves the long-term stability and maintenance efficiency of the sinkhole detection device (100).

[0116] One end of the support line (101) is placed in or on the auxiliary base layer (11a) after the filling work is completed and before the construction of the first layer (11) of asphalt (10), specifically the base layer (11b). At this time, the one end of the support line (101) may be fixed in the first layer (11) by a metal member or may have a flat disc-shaped marker attached so that its location can be easily found using a metal detector or the like if necessary later. In addition, the one end of the support line (101) fixed in the first layer (11) may be waterproofed to prevent damage caused by moisture.

[0118] The above step (S400) may be performed, as in one embodiment, through a surface preparation process, a sub-base layer and base layer construction process, a sub-base layer and base layer compaction process, an intermediate layer construction process, a surface layer construction process, a final compaction and finishing process, and a line position verification process. However, it is not limited thereto.

[0119] In the above step (S400), during the surface preparation process, after the filling of the filler material (61) is completed and the filler material (61) has been sufficiently cured, the surface is prepared for asphalt (10) construction. In the above step (S400), during the surface preparation process, the surface of the area where the filler material was filled is leveled, and foreign matter is removed from the cut surface of the surrounding asphalt (10). Additionally, a tack coating can be applied to the cut surface to improve adhesion with the newly constructed asphalt (10).

[0120] In the above step (S400), during the construction process of the auxiliary base layer and base layer, the first layer (11), the auxiliary base layer (11a) and base layer (11b), are constructed. The asphalt mixture of the auxiliary base layer (11a) and base layer (11b) can be prepared at a high temperature (about 150°C to 160°C) and can be laid on-site using a small asphalt finisher or by hand. The thickness of the mixture can be matched to the same level as the surrounding road or sidewalk, and generally can be about 10cm to 15cm. In the above step (S400), during the construction process of the auxiliary base layer and base layer, one end of the support line (101) is placed within the base layer (11b) or the auxiliary base layer (11a).

[0121] In the above step (S400), the sub-base layer and base layer compaction step (S430) involves compacting the laid sub-base layer (11a) and base layer (11b) using a small roller or a vibratory compactor. Compaction is an important process for increasing the density and strength of the asphalt (10), and is generally performed by reciprocating 3 to 5 times. The compaction temperature may be between approximately 120°C and 140°C, and faster compaction is required when the temperature is low. During the sub-base layer and base layer compaction process, care must be taken to ensure that the support line (101) is not damaged, and it may be desirable to compact the area around the support line (101) by hand.

[0122] In the above step (S400), after the compaction of the auxiliary base layer (11a) and base layer (11b) is completed, the intermediate layer (13a), which is the first layer of the second layer (13), is constructed during the intermediate layer construction process. The asphalt mixture of the intermediate layer (13a) may be composed of finer aggregate than that of the base layer (11b). The paving thickness of the mixture may generally be about 5 cm to 7 cm. In the intermediate layer construction step (S440), tack coating may also be applied to increase adhesion with the base layer (11b).

[0123] The above step (S400) involves constructing the surface layer (13b), which is the second part of the second layer (13), during the surface layer construction process. The asphalt mixture of the surface layer (13b) may consist of the finest aggregate and a high-quality binder. The paving thickness of the mixture may generally be about 4 cm to 5 cm. The surface layer (13b) is a part that receives direct vehicle loads, and therefore, flatness and finish quality may be particularly important.

[0124] In the above step (S400), during the final compaction and finishing process, the asphalt mixture of the laid surface layer (13b) is finally compacted using a roller or the like. In the above step (S400), during the final compaction and finishing process, the flatness of the surface after compaction is checked, and if necessary, additional work is performed to ensure a level of flatness equivalent to that of surrounding roads or sidewalks. After compaction is completed, the joint portion with the cut surface is waterproofed by applying a sealant. Generally, rubber asphalt or polymer modified asphalt can be used as the sealant.

[0125] The above step (S400) may perform a line position verification process after the final compaction and finishing process. In the line position verification process of the above step (S400), after the asphalt (10) construction is completed, the location of the support line (101) may be verified using a metal detector or the like, and the location information may be recorded. This is so that it can be referenced later during maintenance or inspection of the sinkhole detection device (100).

[0127] A sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can be buried in the ground (20) through a process in which a filler material (61) is filled into the drilled hole (60) after being positioned in the ground (20). The sinkhole detection device (100) according to the present invention has a structure that is completely buried in the ground, thereby allowing it to operate more stably without being affected by the ground environment. The sinkhole detection device (100) according to the present invention has a structure that is completely buried in the ground, thereby not damaging the urban aesthetics.

[0128] Leakage may occur in the pipes (30), particularly in the pipe connection (31), for various reasons. The connection (31) where the pipes (30) are connected may be structurally weak and may deteriorate over time or weaken due to slight movements of the ground. In particular, in the case of small or medium-sized pipes connected by rubber rings or flanges, the sealing effect may be reduced due to the aging or deformation of the rubber rings. In the case of large welded steel pipes, there is also a possibility that leakage may occur in the connection (31) over time due to defects or corrosion in the welded area.

[0129] Leakage at the connection (31) initially starts at a minute level. However, continuous leakage at the connection (31) causes gradual changes in the underground environment. The leaked fluid, such as water, erodes the soil around the pipe (30). In particular, in soil with a lot of sand or fine particles, the soil is continuously lost due to the leaked fluid.

[0130] As time passes, if the soil around the connection (31) is continuously eroded and lost, a cavity (21) begins to form in the ground (20). The cavity (21) gradually expands, weakening the ground's bearing capacity over a wide area around the connection (31). Although it is difficult to detect these changes in the early stages of erosion, signs of ground subsidence begin to appear as the cavity (21) continues to expand and reaches near the surface. In severe cases, as the surface layer above the cavity (21) can no longer support its own weight, the ground suddenly collapses, resulting in a so-called sinkhole. Such sinkholes are dangerous phenomena that can cause the collapse of roads or sidewalks, damage to building foundations, and even serious casualties. Therefore, early detection of leakage near the connection (31) and monitoring changes in the underground environment caused by it are very important for preventing the occurrence of sinkholes.

[0131] A sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can effectively detect changes in the underground environment, such as ground subsidence, soil loss, the occurrence of a cavity (21), or the occurrence of a sinkhole, by being installed around a pipe (30) or a connection part (31) of a pipe. In detail, a sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention can detect the occurrence of a cavity (21) and a sinkhole in the underground (20) at an early stage by detecting the separation of a separation member (120) coupled to the lower part of the main body (110) at an early stage of ground subsidence.

[0133] Hereinafter, a sinkhole detection device (100) according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10.

[0134] FIG. 6 is a drawing showing a sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention installed in a drilled hole underground, and FIG. 7 is a drawing showing a separating member (120) according to one embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 6 being separated from the main body (110) and falling into a cavity.

[0135] FIG. 8 is a detailed drawing showing each component installed in a sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are drawings showing the sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention installed in a drilled hole underground.

[0137] A sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIGS. 6 to 10, includes a main body (110), a separating member (120), a weight (130), and a supporting member (140) together with the aforementioned support line (101).

[0138] As described above, the support line (101) can be attached to the upper part of the housing (111) that constitutes the exterior of the main body (110). The support line (101) extends upward from the upper part of the housing (111) toward the upper part of the underground and is fixed to the upper part of the underground or to an asphalt layer constructed above the underground to support the housing (111) buried underground. One end of the support line (101) is located above the underground, specifically above the filler material, and is fixed by the filler material or is buried in the lower layer of the asphalt, i.e., the first layer, to support the housing (111). At least a portion of the support line (101) is buried in the asphalt layer above ground to prevent the housing (111) from falling when a cavity occurs underground. As the support line (101) prevents the housing (111) from falling when a cavity occurs underground, the separation member (120) attached to the lower part of the housing (111) and the weight (130) connected to the lower part of the separation member (120) facilitate separation and falling from the housing (111).

[0140] The main body (110) is buried underground. The main body (110) includes a housing (111), a magnetic sensor (113), a communication module (115), a memory (117), a waterproof layer (118), and a first coupling hole (119).

[0141] The housing (111) has an internal space in which a magnetic sensor (113), a communication module (115), a memory (117), and a waterproof layer (118) are installed. The housing (111) may have a shape such as a cylinder, a square, or a polygon. The housing (111) may be made of a material with excellent corrosion resistance and durability, considering long-term use in an underground environment. In one embodiment, the housing (111) may be formed of stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, a high-strength plastic, or a composite material. In particular, the housing (111) may be selected from a material that is resistant to corrosion caused by chemical components in the soil and the humid environment of the underground (20). The internal space of the housing (111) is configured to be sealed so as to protect each component installed in the housing (111) from moisture, etc.

[0142] The housing (111) may be configured so that a separating member (120) can be coupled to its lower portion. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the housing (111) may have a flat surface or may include a groove (111a) or a stepped structure (111a) for coupling with the separating member (120).

[0143] The housing (111) may be configured so that a weight (130) can be attached to its lower portion. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the housing (111) may have a flat surface or may include a groove (111b) or a stepped structure (111b) for attachment to the weight (130).

[0145] A magnetic sensor (113) is placed within the housing (111). The magnetic sensor (113) may be installed in the lower part of the housing (111). The magnetic sensor (113) can detect the separation of a separation member (120) coupled to the lower part of the housing (111). The magnetic sensor (113) can detect the fall of the separation member (120) coupled to the lower part of the housing (111) toward the cavity (21).

[0146] The magnetic sensor (113) can detect changes in magnetic force and magnetic field due to changes in position, such as separation and falling of the separation member (120).

[0147] In a normal state, that is, when ground subsidence, soil loss, voids, sinkholes, etc. (21) do not occur in the ground (20), the separating member (120) remains attached to the lower part of the housing (111). The magnetic sensor (113) detects a constant magnetic field generated by the separating member (120) in the normal state.

[0148] When ground subsidence or a cavity (21) occurs in the ground (20) and the separation member (120) is separated from the housing (111) and falls toward the cavity (21), the distance between the separation member (120) and the magnetic sensor (113) increases, causing the strength of the magnetic field to decrease or its direction to change. The magnetic sensor (113) can detect the separation of the separation member (120) by detecting the change in the magnetic field due to the change in the position of the separation member (120).

[0149] The magnetic sensor (113) may be composed of a Hall Effect Sensor, a Reed Switch, or a Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor.

[0150] A Hall sensor can detect the separation of a separation member (120) by detecting a change in magnetic field strength that occurs when the distance from a magnetic material or permanent magnet included in the separation member (120) changes. A Hall sensor is a sensor that utilizes the Hall effect generated in a conductor through which current flows when placed in a magnetic field, and outputs a voltage proportional to the strength of the magnetic field. Since the Hall sensor operates in a non-contact manner, it has the advantage of having no mechanical wear and excellent durability.

[0151] The reed switch can detect the fall of the separating member (120) as the contact state of the reed switch changes when the magnetic material of the separating member (120) or the magnet attached to the separating member (120) moves away by more than a certain distance. The reed switch has a structure with two ferromagnetic contacts inside a glass tube and operates on the principle that the contacts close or open when an external magnetic field acts on the contacts. The reed switch is economical due to its simple structure and low manufacturing cost, and is suitable for long-term use as it consumes very little power.

[0152] The GMR sensor is a sensor that utilizes the characteristic of large changes in electrical resistance caused by a magnetic field, providing high sensitivity and a wide detection range. The GMR sensor can be miniaturized and has high stability against temperature changes, ensuring stable performance in various environments. The GMR sensor can detect even minute changes in the magnetic field, allowing for monitoring of the gradual separation process of the separation member (120).

[0153] Information regarding the change in position of the separating member (120) detected by the magnetic sensor (113) is transmitted to and processed by a communication module (115) installed in the housing (111). Information regarding the change in position of the separating member (120) detected by the magnetic sensor (113) is stored in a memory (117) or transmitted externally. This enables real-time monitoring and early warning of environmental changes in the underground (20).

[0155] The communication module (115) is installed within the housing (111). The communication module (115) can wirelessly communicate with a terminal (not shown) on the ground.

[0156] The communication module (115) receives and processes information on the position change of the separation member (120) detected by the magnetic sensor (113). The communication module (115) can transmit the processed information on the position change of the separation member (120) to the outside. The communication module (115) can transmit information on the separation and fall of the separation member (120) to the outside via wireless communication. The communication module (115) can also transmit underground information stored in the memory (117) to the outside. A detailed description of the underground information will be provided later.

[0157] The communication module (115) may be positioned at a predetermined distance from the pipe (30) or the connection part (31) of the pipe. Depending on the embodiment, the communication module (115) may be installed spaced apart from the pipe (30) or the connection part (31) of the pipe toward the ground.

[0158] The communication module (115) is positioned, for example, at a distance of at least 10 cm from the pipe (30) and the pipe connection (31). Since the communication module (115) is installed at a distance of at least 10 cm from the pipe (30) and the pipe connection (31), wireless communication is prevented from being interfered with by the metal pipe (30) and the pipe connection (31).

[0159] The communication module (115) may include a tag (not shown) for wireless communication (Wifi, Bluetooth, NFC, RF, LTE, etc.) according to the embodiment. The communication module (115) may also wirelessly communicate with a terminal on the ground through the tag for wireless communication.

[0160] According to the embodiment, the communication module (115) may operate in an energy harvesting manner, receiving power from an RF signal received from a terminal. An explanation of energy harvesting will be provided later.

[0162] The communication module (115) includes a processor (115a) and an antenna (115b).

[0163] The processor (115a) receives and processes position change information of the separation member (120) detected by the magnetic sensor (113). The processor (115a) provides wireless communication of the processed position change information.

[0164] According to the embodiment, the processor (115a) may output an analog signal corresponding to the degree of separation of the separation member (120) when processing position change information received from the magnetic sensor (113). Alternatively, the processor (115a) may output a so-called digital signal only when the position change information received from the magnetic sensor (113) exceeds a preset specific threshold.

[0165] The processor (115a) can receive a wireless communication signal along with unique information, such as a password, from a terminal on the ground. After verifying the unique information of the terminal, the processor (115a) can transmit information on the location change of the separation member (120) and information about the underground to the terminal through the antenna (115b).

[0167] The antenna (115b) provides transmission of position change information of the separation member (120) processed by the processor (115a).

[0168] The antenna (115b) can be installed to maintain a horizontal position relative to the ground while the sinkhole detection device (100) is buried underground (20). The reason the antenna (115b) maintains a horizontal position relative to the ground is to correspond to the polarity of the antenna (not shown) inside the terminal. The antenna (115b) can maintain a horizontal position relative to the ground in the underground (20) to ensure smooth wireless communication with the terminal. The antenna (115b) can be installed at a predetermined distance from the pipe (30) or the connecting part (31) while maintaining a horizontal position relative to the ground in the underground (20).

[0169] The antenna (115b) can transmit information regarding the change in position of the separation member (120) processed by the processor (115a) to a terminal on the ground. The antenna (115b) is electrically connected to the processor (115a). Depending on the embodiment, the antenna (115b) may be made of copper, chrome, or a similar material and may be formed in a shape having a certain pattern.

[0170] The antenna (115b) can directly receive power through a wireless communication signal received from a terminal. When the wireless communication signal from the terminal is transmitted to the antenna (115b), the antenna (115b) generates an RF field and then transmits the wireless communication signal to a processor (115a), etc. At this time, the efficiency of the antenna (115b) varies depending on the direction of wave generation, and the higher the efficiency, the more powerful and far-reaching the RF field the antenna (115b) has.

[0172] The antenna (115b) may include a core (115b1) and an antenna coil (115b2) wound around the outer surface of the core (115b1). In one embodiment, the core (115b1) may be a ferrite core made of ferrite.

[0173] The antenna coil (115b2) can maintain a horizontal position relative to the ground while wound around the core (115b1).

[0174] The antenna coil (115b2) and the antenna of the terminal (not shown) can communicate wirelessly while being substantially horizontal to each other.

[0175] The reason the antenna coil (115b2) maintains a horizontal position with the antenna of the terminal is, as previously described, to correspond to the polarity of the antenna within the terminal. The antenna coil (115b2) and the antenna of the terminal maintain a substantially horizontal position with each other to enable smooth wireless communication.

[0176] The wireless communication performance between the communication module (115) and the terminal is significantly affected by the direction and position of the antennas. When the antenna coil (115b2) and the antenna of the terminal are horizontal to each other, the signal transmission and reception path is optimized, the signal strength is maximized, and the accuracy and reliability of data transmission are improved. This maximizes the communication distance between the communication module (115) and the terminal and minimizes errors.

[0177] The antenna coil (115b2) has a pattern of emitting radio waves in a specific direction. When the antenna coil (115b2) and the terminal antenna are kept horizontal to each other, the radio wave patterns of the two antennas match, thereby reducing signal loss and maintaining communication consistency. This is particularly important in environments where the antenna is buried underground (20).

[0178] When the antenna coil (115b2) and the terminal's antenna are aligned horizontally, interference is minimized and the signal path becomes clear, which can reduce signal distortion or attenuation caused by external factors. Additionally, in order to determine the exact location of the communication module (115) buried underground (20), the terminal must accurately detect the location of the communication module (115). When the antenna coil (115b2) and the terminal's antenna are aligned horizontally, the precision of the location measurement is increased, allowing the location of the communication module (115) and the pipe (30) to be determined more accurately.

[0179] It is preferable that the antenna coil (115b2) of the communication module (115) buried in the ground (20) and the antenna of the terminal on the ground communicate with each other in a substantially horizontal state. In this specification, a substantially horizontal state may mean that, according to one embodiment, the antenna coil (115b2) and the antenna of the terminal are horizontal to each other at a level of -30° to 30°, preferably at a level of -20° to 20°, but is not limited thereto.

[0181] The memory (117) is placed within the housing (111). The memory (117) stores location information of the separation member (120) and underground information. The underground information stored in the memory (117) can be provided to the terminal together when the processor (115a) transmits location change information of the separation member (120) to the terminal.

[0182] Here, the underground information includes information about the connection part (31) buried in the underground (20). Specifically, the underground information includes information such as the date of burial of the pipe (30), the burial agency, the burial depth, the burial location, the burial direction, the material, the diameter, and production information. The underground information allows for the main information of the pipe (30) and the connection part (31) to be known in advance during future maintenance of the pipe (30) and the connection part (31), thereby enabling accurate maintenance and construction, as well as providing ease of maintenance and construction.

[0184] A waterproof layer (118) is placed inside the housing (111). The waterproof layer (118) covers the exterior of each component placed inside the housing (111), namely the magnetic sensor (113), the communication module (115), and the memory (117).

[0185] The waterproof layer (118) may be formed by filling it with epoxy resin, etc., as in one embodiment, but is not limited thereto. Any material capable of providing a waterproof environment to the internal components of the housing (111) may be applied to the waterproof layer (118).

[0187] A first coupling hole (119) is disposed on the outer surface of the housing (111). At least one first coupling hole (119) is disposed on the outer surface of the housing (111). A support member (140) is inserted into the first coupling hole (119). The first coupling hole (119) has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the support member (140) so that the support member (140) can be inserted. The first coupling hole (119) provides an appropriate frictional force between itself and the outer surface of the support member (140) so that the support member (140) inserted therein does not easily detach. A plurality of first coupling holes (119) may be disposed on both sides of the outer surface of the housing (111). A plurality of first coupling holes (119) disposed on both sides of the outer surface of the housing (111) are arranged so that a single support member (140) can pass through them. A plurality of first coupling holes (119) may be arranged on one side of the outer surface of the housing (111), and at least one first coupling hole (119) may be arranged on the other side of the outer surface of the housing (111). A single support member (140) may be inserted into the first coupling hole (119) to surround the lower part of the housing (111) after being inserted into the plurality of first coupling holes (119) arranged on one side of the outer surface of the housing (111) and at least one first coupling hole (119) arranged on the other side of the outer surface of the housing (111).

[0189] The separating member (120) according to the present invention is coupled to the main body (110).

[0190] The separating member (120) is, in detail, detachably disposed and coupled to the lower part of the housing (111). The separating member (120) can be configured to be easily separated from the lower part of the housing (111) due to environmental changes in the underground (20). The lower part of the housing (111) may experience minor ground subsidence, etc., due to environmental changes in the underground (20) or leakage in the pipe (30) or the pipe connection part (31). If ground subsidence, etc. occurs in the lower part of the housing (111), the soil supporting the separating member (120) at the lower part of the separating member (120) is lost, and the coupling position of the separating member (120) can be easily changed. That is, the separating member (120) can be separated from the housing (111) due to minor ground subsidence, or if a cavity, etc. (21) occurs in the lower part, it can fall into the cavity, etc. (21) by gravity and be separated from the lower part of the housing (111).

[0191] The separating member (120) includes a magnetic material.

[0192] In one embodiment, the separating member (120) may be made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel, cobalt, or an alloy thereof, or may be made of a composite material containing such magnetic material.

[0193] In another embodiment, the separating member (120) may include a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet may be a neodymium, ferrite, Alnico, or samarium cobalt magnet, etc. The permanent magnet may be placed in all or part of the separating member (120).

[0194] The connection between the housing (111) and the separating member (120) is achieved through the magnetic force of a magnetic material or a permanent magnet. The magnetic force of the magnetic material or permanent magnet contained in the separating member (120) keeps the separating member (120) attached to the lower part of the housing (111). If a cavity (21) occurs in the lower ground (20) of the housing (111) or the ground subsides, the supporting force of the ground supporting the separating member (120) is lost. Consequently, the gravitational force acting on the separating member (120) is not sufficiently offset by the magnetic force alone, and the separating member (120) is eventually separated from the housing (111) by gravity and falls into the lower cavity (21).

[0195] The separating member (120) may have a plate shape. The separating member (120) may have a shape corresponding to the shape of the lower part of the housing (111) so that the contact area with the lower part of the housing (111) is maximized. As the contact area between the separating member (120) and the housing (111) is maximized, the separating member (120) is prevented from being easily separated from the housing (111) when the sinkhole detection device (100) is installed underground (20), thereby making installation easier.

[0197] The weight (130) is connected and coupled to the lower part of the separation member (120). The weight (130) enables the magnetic sensor (113) to detect environmental changes in the underground (20) more sensitively. When a cavity (21) occurs in the underground (20) or the ground subsides, the weight (130) provides an additional load to the separation member (120), thereby facilitating the separation and fall of the separation member (120). The additional load of the weight (130) increases the gravitational force acting on the separation member (120). Due to the additional load of the weight (130), the separation member (120) can be separated more reliably from the housing (111) when environmental changes occur in the underground. The weight (130) enables the separation member (120) to be separated stably when the ground support capacity is weakened or lost due to changes in the underground environment, such as ground erosion.

[0198] The weight body (130) includes a weight member (131) and a connecting member (133).

[0199] The weight member (131) is connected to the lower part of the separation member (120). The weight member (131) facilitates the separation and falling of the separation member (120) when a change in the environment of the underground (20) occurs.

[0200] The weight member (131) provides an additional load to the separation member (120). The additional load of the weight member (131) increases the gravitational force acting on the separation member (120). The separation member (120) can be separated from the housing (111) more stably and quickly as the gravitational force is increased by the weight member (131).

[0201] The weight member (131) can be made of high-density metal such as lead, iron, or stainless steel.

[0202] The weight member (131) may also be made of a non-metallic material. In one embodiment, the weight member (131) may be composed of a non-metallic material such as stone, concrete, ceramic, glass, or a high-density polymer composite. Since these non-metallic materials do not have magnetism, they have the advantage of not causing interference with the magnetic field detection of the magnetic sensor (113).

[0203] In addition, if the weight member (131) is made of a non-metallic material, the non-metallic material is not affected by electromagnetic properties, so there is an advantage that it does not affect the wireless communication performance of the communication module (115).

[0204] The weight member (131) may further include a coating layer for corrosion prevention. The weight member (131) may be integrally coupled to the lower part of the separation member (120) or detachably attached.

[0206] The weight member (131) includes a second coupling hole (131a). The second coupling hole (131a) is disposed on the outer surface of the weight member (131). At least one second coupling hole (131a) is disposed on the outer surface of the weight member (131). The second coupling hole (131a) may be disposed on the lower surface of the weight member (131). A support member (140) is inserted into the second coupling hole (131a). The second coupling hole (131a) has an inner diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the support member (140) so that the support member (140) can be inserted. The second coupling hole (131a) provides an appropriate frictional force between itself and the outer surface of the support member (140) so that the support member (140) inserted therein does not easily detach. A plurality of second coupling holes (131a) may be disposed on the lower surface of the weight member (131). A plurality of second coupling holes (131a) disposed on the lower surface of the weight member (131) are arranged so that a single support member (140) can pass through them.

[0208] The connecting member (133) connects the separating member (120) and the weight member (131). The connecting member (133) allows the load of the weight member (131) to be effectively transferred to the separating member (120). Since the length of the connecting member (133) is a factor affecting the sensitivity and response speed of the sinkhole detection device (100), it can be appropriately adjusted according to the installation environment.

[0209] The connecting member (133) can be joined to the separating member (120) and the weight member (131) by means such as welding, riveting, or screw joining. The connecting member (133) can be configured to allow replacement or weight adjustment of the weight member (131) through a separable connecting structure.

[0210] The connecting member (133) can be implemented in various forms such as wire, chain, cable, etc., and can be made of a material that can maintain long-term durability in an underground environment, such as stainless steel, galvanized steel wire, or corrosion-resistant alloy.

[0211] In one embodiment, the connecting member (133) may be implemented in the form of a wire. The wire may be connected to the lower center or multiple points of the separating member (120) to stably support the weight member (131).

[0212] In another embodiment, the connecting member (133) may be implemented in the form of a chain. The chain provides both flexibility and strength, allowing it to respond to ground movement while maintaining sufficient durability. The chain can be used effectively, particularly when the weight member (131) is heavy.

[0213] In another embodiment, the connecting member (133) may be implemented in the form of a mesh or net. This provides a connection over a large area between the mesh or net-shaped separating member (120) and the weight member (131), thereby distributing the load more evenly. The mesh-shaped connecting member (133) is particularly useful when the separating member (120) has a large area.

[0214] A sinkhole detection device (100) according to one embodiment of the present invention provides a mechanism capable of detecting environmental changes in the underground (20) simply yet effectively. In particular, the coupling method using magnetic force between the main body (110) and the separating member (120) can provide stable attachment and separation at an appropriate time without a separate complex mechanical coupling structure.

[0216] The support member (140) is detachably coupled to the weight member (131) and the housing (111). The support member (140) supports the weight member (131) toward the housing (111). The support member (140) is configured to temporarily fix the weight member (131) to the lower part of the housing (111). When the sinkhole detection device (100) is buried underground in the aforementioned step (S200), the support member (140) is separated from the weight member (131) and the housing (111) to release the support of the weight member (131).

[0217] The support member (140) is inserted into the first coupling hole (119) and the second coupling hole (131a). The support member (140) is inserted into a plurality of first coupling holes (119) disposed on one side of the outer surface of the housing (111), a plurality of second coupling holes (131a) disposed on the lower surface of the weight member (131), and at least one first coupling hole (119) disposed on the other side of the outer surface of the housing (111), thereby supporting the weight member (131) upward toward the housing (111).

[0218] The support member (140) may be configured to have a length longer than the length of the housing (111). One end of the support member (140) may be configured to extend toward the ground when the sinkhole detection device (100) is buried underground. When the sinkhole detection device (100) is buried underground, the operator may separate the support member (140) from the weight member (131) and the housing (111) to release the support of the weight member (131). The support member (140) is detached or removed from the first coupling hole (119) and the second coupling hole (131a) by the operator's operation to release the support of the weight member (131).

[0219] By separating the support member (140), the weight member (131) can move downward to the bottom surface of the hole (60). The connecting member (133) is configured to have a length longer than the length by which the weight member (131) moves to the bottom surface of the hole (60) following the separation of the support member (140). Therefore, even when the support member (140) is separated and the weight member (131) moves to the bottom surface of the hole, the position of the separation member (120) does not change and still maintains a state of being connected and attached to the lower part of the housing (111).

[0220] The support member (140) may be configured in the form of a wire or cable so as to be detachably inserted into the first coupling hole (119) and the second coupling hole (131a).

[0221] The support member (140) provides ease of construction when the sinkhole detection device (100) is buried underground in a simple yet effective manner. The support member (140) temporarily supports the weight (130) so that it does not detach from the housing (111) when the sinkhole detection device (100) is buried underground. The support member (140) can provide a stable installation environment for the sinkhole detection device (100) by separating it from the sinkhole detection device (100) and releasing the support of the weight (130) when the sinkhole detection device (100) is positioned at the bottom of the hole (60) in the aforementioned step (S200).

[0222] The support member (140) may be made of a biodegradable material such as PLA (Polylactic Acid) or PBAT (Polybutylene Adipate Terephthalate) depending on the embodiment. PLA can be decomposed by soil microorganisms within 6 months to 2 years, and the decomposition rate of PBAT can be controlled according to humidity and temperature in the ground.

[0223] Since the support member (140) is made of a biodegradable material, it can be naturally released within several months after construction without any separate operation during construction, thereby solving the problem of the separation member (120) unintentionally detaching from the housing due to a mistake during the worker's removal process of the support member (140). Therefore, since the support member (140) is made of a biodegradable material, the ease of construction of the sinkhole detection device (100) can be improved.

[0225] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the appearance of asphalt and underground where a sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention is to be installed, and FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the appearance of underground drilling when installing a sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0226] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the installation of a sinkhole detection device (200) in a drilled hole and the injection of a filler into the drilled hole according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram briefly illustrating the construction of asphalt on the upper part of the underground where the sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention is installed.

[0228] With reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 to FIG. 14, the process of installing a sinkhole detection device (200) underground according to another embodiment of the present invention will be explained.

[0229] A sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 11 to FIG. 14, can be buried underground through the steps of: creating a hole (60) by perforating in the ground (20) toward a buried pipe (30) (S100); installing the sinkhole detection device (200) in the perforated hole (60) (S200); injecting a filling material (61) into the perforated hole (60) (S300); and applying asphalt (10) on the upper part of the perforated hole (60) so that at least a part of the sinkhole detection device (200) can be buried (S400).

[0230] The above steps (100) to (S400) can be applied identically or equally as described above, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0232] A sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention detects changes in the underground environment when the depth (D2) at which the pipe (30) is buried underground is deep or when the depth (D2) at which the pipe (30) is buried underground is unknown.

[0233] A sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (211) having a structure with a length extended from that of the aforementioned sinkhole detection device (100), a magnetic sensor (213), a separating member (220), and a weight (230) are disposed on the lower side of the pipe (30) of the extended housing (211), and a communication module (215) is disposed on the upper side of the ground side of the extended housing (211).

[0234] The reason the sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (211) with an extended structure is to install the communication module (215) close to the ground side. As the communication module (215) is positioned on the upper part of the extended housing (211), not only is interference with wireless communication by the metal pipe (30) and the pipe connection part (31) prevented, but communication signal loss due to soil underground is also prevented, and communication performance can be improved as the distance to the terminal on the ground is reduced.

[0235] The reason the sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes a housing (211) with an extended structure is that, along with installing a communication module (215) close to the ground side, a magnetic sensor (213) for detecting changes in the underground environment, a separating member (220), and a weight (230) are installed around a pipe (30) buried deep underground or a connection part (31) of the pipe, thereby enabling early detection of cavities, etc. caused by leakage of the pipe (30).

[0236] A sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention provides optimization of the length of the housing (211) according to the depth of the pipe (30) buried underground. For example, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, when the pipe (30) is buried at a relatively shallow depth (D1), a sinkhole detection device (100) with a standard length housing (110) is used, and as shown in FIGS. 11 to 14, when the pipe (30) is buried at a relatively deep depth (D2), a sinkhole detection device (200) with an extended structure housing (211) is used, so as to accommodate pipes (30) of various burial depths and also maintain an optimal distance between the pipe (30) and the sensor of the sinkhole detection device (200).

[0238] FIG. 15 is a drawing showing a sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention installed in a drilled hole underground, and FIG. 16 is a drawing showing a separating member (220) according to another embodiment of the present invention of FIG. 15 separated from the main body (210) and falling into a cavity.

[0239] FIG. 17 is a detailed drawing showing each component installed in a sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are drawings showing the sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention installed in a drilled hole underground.

[0241] A sinkhole detection device (200) according to another embodiment of the present invention includes, with reference to FIGS. 15 to 19, a support line (201), a main body (210), a separating member (220), a weight (230), and a support member (240).

[0242] The support line (201) can be attached to the upper part of the housing (211) that constitutes the exterior of the main body (210). The support line (201) extends upward from the upper part of the housing (211) toward the upper part of the underground and is fixed to the upper part of the underground or to an asphalt layer constructed on the upper part of the underground to support the housing (211) buried underground. Since the support line (201) has the same or equivalent configuration as the aforementioned support line (101), a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0244] The main body (210) is buried underground. The main body (210) includes a housing (211), a magnetic sensor (213), a communication module (215), a memory (217), a waterproof layer (218), and a first coupling hole (219).

[0245] The housing (211) may have a shape such as a cylinder, a square, or a polygon. The housing (211) may be made of a material with excellent corrosion resistance and durability, considering long-term use in an underground environment. In one embodiment, the housing (211) may be formed of stainless steel, a corrosion-resistant aluminum alloy, a high-strength plastic, or a composite material. In particular, the housing (211) may be selected from a material that is resistant to corrosion caused by chemical components in the soil and the humid environment of the underground (20). The internal space of the housing (211) is configured to be sealed so as to protect each component installed in the housing (211) from moisture, etc.

[0247] The housing (211) includes a first housing (211a) at the top, a second housing (211b) at the bottom, and a third housing (211c) at the center.

[0248] The first housing (211a) has an internal space in which a communication module (215) and a memory (217) are placed. Inside the first housing (211a), communication-related components such as a processor (215a), an antenna (215b), and a memory (217) of the communication module (215) are accommodated. The first housing (211a) is positioned to maximize wireless communication efficiency by minimizing the distance from the ground. Since the communication module (215) is installed within the upper first housing (211a), it is installed closer to the ground side, thereby improving communication performance.

[0250] The second housing (211b) has an internal space in which a magnetic sensor (213) is installed. The second housing (211b) is located at the bottom of the sinkhole detection device (200). A magnetic sensor (213) and a separating member (220) are placed in the second housing (211b). The second housing (211b) is positioned closest to the pipe (30) buried underground or the connection part (31) of the pipe, so as to be configured to quickly detect changes in the underground environment caused by leakage of the pipe (30). A separating member (220) is detachably coupled to the bottom of the second housing (211b) by magnetic force, and a magnetic sensor (213) that detects changes in the position of the separating member (220) is installed inside the second housing (211b). The second housing (211b) is made of a material with excellent corrosion resistance and durability to withstand the humid environment underground and corrosion caused by chemical components in the soil, and includes a waterproof layer (218) to protect internal components.

[0251] The second housing (211b) may be configured so that a separating member (220) can be coupled to its lower portion. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the second housing (211b) may have a flat surface or include a groove (211b1) or a stepped structure (211b1) for coupling with the separating member (220).

[0252] The second housing (211b) may be configured so that a weight (230) can be attached to its lower portion. In one embodiment, the lower portion of the second housing (211b) may have a flat surface or include a groove (211b2) or a stepped structure (211b2) for attachment to the weight (230).

[0254] The third housing (211c) connects the first housing (211a) and the second housing (211b). The third housing (211c) may have a length corresponding to the depth (D2) of the pipe (30) buried underground.

[0255] The third housing (211c) is an intermediate area connecting the first housing (211a) and the second housing (211b), and separates the placement location between the sinkhole detection system, such as the magnetic sensor (213), the separating member (220), and the weight (130), and the communication module (215). The length of the third housing (211c) can be determined according to the burial depth (D2) of the pipe (30), and may have an extended length to correspond to the pipe (30) buried deep. Inside the third housing (211c), a signal line (211c1) connecting the communication module (215) of the first housing (211a) and the magnetic sensor (213) of the second housing (211b) is arranged.

[0256] According to the embodiment, the third housing (211c) may be configured to have a variable length by being composed of a bellows tube with corrugations. In this case, even if the exact installation depth of the piping (30) is not known in advance, it can be installed by adjusting it to an appropriate length on-site, and the bellows structure can flexibly respond to minute movements of the ground or changes in stress during the installation process.

[0257] The signal line (211c1) electrically connects the communication module (215) placed in the first housing (211a) and the magnetic sensor (213) placed in the second housing (211b). The signal line (211c1) is positioned through the interior of the third housing (211c) and transmits information regarding the position change of the separation member (220) detected by the magnetic sensor (213) to the processor (215a) of the communication module (215). The signal line (211c1) may be composed of a wire or cable with an insulating sheath formed thereon to enable stable signal transmission even in a humid underground environment. The material of the signal line (211c1) may be a metal with excellent conductivity such as copper or silver, and the outer sheath may be formed of an insulating material with excellent moisture resistance and chemical resistance such as PVC or polyethylene.

[0258] In an embodiment where the third housing (211c) is composed of a bellows tube, the signal line (211c1) is configured to have a sufficient spare length to accommodate changes in the length of the bellows, or is formed in a spiral structure so that the signal transmission function is not damaged even when the length of the third housing (211c) is adjusted. Additionally, the signal line (211c1) is properly supported within the third housing (211c) through a fixing clip (not shown) or a guide (not shown) to protect it from vibration or external shock, and can be connected to each housing (211) through a waterproof connector (not shown), etc., to prevent damage to the signal line (211c1).

[0260] The magnetic sensor (213) is positioned in the second housing (211b) and can detect changes in position, such as separation and falling of the separation member (220). The magnetic sensor (213) may be composed of a Hall Effect Sensor, a Reed Switch, or a Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor.

[0261] The magnetic sensor (213) has the same or equivalent configuration as the aforementioned magnetic sensor (113), so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0263] The communication module (215) is disposed in the first housing (211a) and can receive and process information on the position change of the separation member (220) detected by the magnetic sensor (213) through the signal line (211c1) and transmit it to a terminal on the ground. The communication module (215) includes a processor (215a) and an antenna (215b), and the antenna (215b) includes a core (215b1) and an antenna coil (215b2).

[0264] The communication module (215) has the same or equivalent configuration as the communication module (115) described above, so a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0266] The memory (217) is placed in the first housing (211a) and stores location information of the separation member (220) and underground information. Since the memory (217) has the same or equivalent configuration as the memory (117) described above, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0268] The waterproof layer (218) is disposed within the first housing (211a), the second housing (211b), and the third housing (211c), and covers the exterior of each component disposed within each housing (211a, 211b, 211c), namely the signal line (211c1), the magnetic sensor (213), the communication module (215), and the memory (217). Since the waterproof layer (218) has the same or equivalent configuration as the aforementioned waterproof layer (118), a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0270] A first coupling hole (219) is disposed on the outer surface of the first housing (211a), the second housing (211b), and the third housing (211c), into which a support member (240) is inserted. At least one first coupling hole (219) is disposed on the outer surface of the first housing (211a), the second housing (211b), and the third housing (211c), and may be arranged so that a single support member (240) can pass through it. Since the first coupling hole (219) has the same or equivalent configuration as the first coupling hole (119) described above, a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0272] The separating member (220) is coupled to the main body (210). The separating member (220) is, in detail, detachably disposed and coupled to the lower part of the second housing (211b). The separating member (220) can be configured to be easily separated from the lower part of the second housing (211b) due to environmental changes in the underground (20). Since the separating member (220) has the same or equivalent configuration as the aforementioned separating member (120), a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0274] The weight body (230) is connected and coupled to the lower part of the separation member (220). The weight body (230) provides additional load to the separation member (220), thereby facilitating the separation and dropping of the separation member (220). The weight body (230) includes a weight member (231) and a connecting member (233). The weight member (231) includes a second coupling hole (231a). Since the weight body (230) has the same or equivalent configuration as the aforementioned weight body (130), a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0276] The support member (240) is detachably coupled to the weight member (231) and each housing (211a, 211b, 211c). The support member (240) is inserted into the first coupling hole (219) and the second coupling hole (231a) to support the weight member (231) upward toward the second housing (211b). The support member (240) is detached or removed from the first coupling hole (219) and the second coupling hole (231a) by the operation of a worker to release the support of the weight member (231). When burying the sinkhole detection device (200) underground, the worker can release the support of the weight member (231) by separating the support member (240) from the weight member (231) and the housing (211). Since the support member (240) has the same or equivalent configuration as the aforementioned support member (140), a detailed description thereof is omitted.

[0278] Each component of the sinkhole detection device (100, 200) according to the present invention can be operated in an energy harvesting manner. In particular, the magnetic sensor (113, 213), communication module (115, 215), and memory (117, 217) according to the present invention can be powered by radio frequency (RF) received from a terminal on the ground and operated.

[0279] The communication module (115, 215) can receive power from radio waves received from a terminal on the ground based on wireless communication technology (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, RF, LTE, etc.). The communication module (115, 215) can supply power received from radio waves to the magnetic sensor (113, 213) and memory (117, 217). The energy harvesting technology of the communication module (115, 215) enables the sinkhole detection device (100, 200) to operate without a separate battery.

[0280] According to one embodiment, the communication module (115, 215) can provide an energy harvesting system that collects energy from a Wi-Fi signal (2.4 GHz or 5 GHz). In particular, in environments where Wi-Fi routers are densely packed, such as in urban areas or inside buildings, a significant amount of RF energy can be continuously collected.

[0281] According to one embodiment, the communication module (115, 215) can provide an energy harvesting system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) technology. The Bluetooth Low Energy standard is designed to use very little power, and by combining this with an energy harvesting method, each component (113, 115, 117, 213, 215, 217) within the sinkhole detection device (100, 200) can be driven without a battery.

[0282] According to one embodiment, the communication module (115, 215) can provide an energy harvesting system utilizing Near Field Communication (NFC) technology. NFC is a short-range wireless communication technology that uses a frequency of 13.56 MHz, and enables effective energy transfer, particularly when an active device such as a terminal is nearby.

[0283] Additionally, the communication module (115, 215) may, according to one embodiment, provide an energy harvesting system utilizing a ZigBee communication protocol. ZigBee is a low-power wireless communication protocol that is widely used, particularly in sensor networks or IoT applications. The communication module (115, 215) may be configured to detect beacon signals of a ZigBee network and collect energy from them. Since beacon signals occur at regular intervals, the predictability and efficiency of energy collection can be increased.

[0284] The sinkhole detection device (100, 200) may have a passive structure that can operate without a battery or similar power supply means. The sinkhole detection device (100, 200) may transmit underground information and location change information of the separation member (120, 220) to the terminal based on power received from the terminal.

[0285] The processor (115a, 215a) can supply power received from the terminal via an energy harvesting method to the magnetic sensor (113, 213). The magnetic sensor (113, 213) can operate using the power received from the processor (115a, 215a) to detect a change in the position of the separation member (120, 220).

[0286] The magnetic sensor (113, 213) may be activated by a wireless communication signal between the terminal and the communication module (115, 215). The magnetic sensor (113, 213) does not constantly detect information on the position change of the separation member (120, 220), but rather detects the position change of the separation member (120, 220) by measuring the change in magnetic force or magnetic field caused by the separation member (120, 220) only when communication is established between the terminal and the communication module (115, 215). The magnetic sensor (113, 213) detects information on the position change of the separation member (120, 220) only when communication is established between the terminal and the communication module (115, 215), and then transmits the detected position change information to the communication module (115, 215). The communication module (115, 215) can store the position change information of the received separation member (120, 220) in the memory (117, 217) or transmit the position change information to a terminal through the antenna (115b, 215b).

[0287] That is, in a sinkhole detection device (100, 200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, when wireless communication between an antenna (115b, 215b) and a terminal is initiated, a magnetic sensor (113, 213) is operated by the communication to detect a change in the position of a separation member (120, 220), and a processor (115a, 215a) receives information on the change in position of the separation member (120, 220) detected by the magnetic sensor (113, 213), processes it by comparing it with information previously stored in a memory (117, 217), or transmits the received information on the change in position of the separation member (120, 220) to a terminal through the antenna (115b, 215b).

[0288] In a sinkhole detection device (100, 200) according to one embodiment of the present invention, the magnetic sensor (113, 213) operates only during wireless communication with a terminal, thereby minimizing the power consumption of the magnetic sensor (113, 213). Additionally, when the magnetic sensor (113, 213) operates only when communication is established between the terminal and the communication module (115, 215), the communication module (115, 215) does not store the position change information of the received separation member (120, 220) in the memory (117, 217) but transmits it directly to the terminal, thereby minimizing the power consumption of the memory (117, 217) as well.

[0290] In this specification, the term "part" includes a unit realized by hardware, a unit realized by software, and a unit realized using both. Additionally, one unit may be realized using two or more hardware, and two or more units may be realized by one hardware.

[0291] Although the embodiments of this specification have been described in more detail with reference to the attached drawings, this specification is not necessarily limited to these embodiments and may be modified in various ways within the scope of the technical spirit of this specification. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in this specification are intended to explain, not to limit, the technical spirit of this specification, and the scope of the technical spirit of this specification is not limited by these embodiments. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as illustrative in all respects and not restrictive. Furthermore, it is added once again that the scope of protection of this invention cannot be limited by obvious changes or substitutions in the technical field to which this invention belongs. Explanation of the symbols

[0292] 10: Asphalt 11: 1st layer 11a: Sub-base 11b: Base 13: Layer 2 13a: Intermediate layer 13b : Surface layer 20 : Subsurface 21 : Common 30 : Piping 31 : Pipe connection 40 : Vacuum suction device 41: Suction hose 43: Air nozzle 50: Monitoring device 51: Camera 60 : Hole 61 : Filler 100: Sinkhole detection device 101: Support line 110 : Main body 111 : Housing 113: Magnetic sensor 115: Communication module 115a: Processor 115b: Antenna 115b1 : Core 115b2 : Antenna coil 117 : Memory 118 : Waterproof layer 119: First coupling hole 120: Separating member 130 : Weight body 131 : Weight member 131a: Second coupling hole 133: Connecting member 140 : Support member 200 : Sinkhole detection device 201 : Support line 210 : Main body 211 : Housing 211a : First housing 211b: 2nd Housing 211c: 3rd Housing 211c1 : Signal line 213 : Magnetic sensor 215: Communication module 215a: Processor 215b : Antenna 215b1 : Core 215b2 : Antenna coil 217 : Memory 218: Waterproofing layer 219: First connecting hole 220: Separating member 230: Weight body 231: Weight member 231a: Second coupling hole 233: Connecting member 240: Supporting member A : Soil

Claims

Claim 1 A sinkhole detection device embedded in the ground, comprising: a main body including a housing and a magnetic sensor disposed inside the housing; a separating member detachably coupled to the housing; and a support line coupled to the housing and extending upward toward the upper part of the ground to support the housing; wherein the separating member is made of a material that generates a magnetic field, and the magnetic sensor detects the separation of the separating member when the separating member is separated from the main body due to a change in the environment of the ground, and detects a change in the magnetic field resulting from the separation of the separating member. Claim 2 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 1, wherein the sinkhole detection device further comprises a weight connected to the lower part of the separation member. Claim 3 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 2, wherein the weight body comprises a weight member and a connecting member connecting the weight member and the separating member. Claim 4 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 3, wherein the sinkhole detection device further comprises a support member detachably coupled to the weight member and the housing to support the weight member. Claim 5 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 4, wherein the support member is separated from the weight member and the housing when the sinkhole detection device is buried underground to release the support of the weight member. Claim 6 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 1, characterized in that one end of the support line is buried in an asphalt layer on the ground. Claim 7 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 1, wherein the separating member is coupled to the lower part of the housing by magnetic force. Claim 8 delete Claim 9 A sinkhole detection device embedded underground comprises: a housing; a magnetic sensor installed within the housing; a separating member disposed at the bottom of the housing and falling into the cavity by gravity when a cavity occurs in the bottom of the housing; and a support line coupled to the housing and having at least a portion embedded in an asphalt layer on the ground to prevent the housing from falling when the cavity occurs; wherein the separating member is made of a material that generates a magnetic field, and the magnetic sensor detects the falling of the separating member and detects a change in the magnetic field resulting from the falling of the separating member. Claim 10 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 9, further comprising a communication module installed within the housing and transmitting drop information of the separation member via wireless communication. Claim 11 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 10, wherein the separating member is installed around a pipe or a connection of a pipe buried in the ground, and the communication module is positioned at a predetermined distance from the pipe or the connection of the pipe. Claim 12 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 10, wherein the housing comprises a first housing in which the communication module is disposed, a second housing in which the magnetic sensor and the separating member are disposed, and a third housing connecting the first housing and the second housing, wherein the third housing separates the placement positions of the communication module and the separating member. Claim 13 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 9, wherein the asphalt layer comprises a lower first layer and an upper second layer that is replaced upon repair, and one end of the support line is embedded in the first layer. Claim 14 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 9, further comprising a weight coupled to the separating member, wherein the weight promotes the falling of the separating member when the cavity occurs. Claim 15 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 14, wherein the weight body comprises a weight member and a connecting member connecting the weight member and the separating member. Claim 16 The sinkhole detection device according to claim 15 further comprises a support member detachably coupled to the weight member and the housing, wherein the housing comprises at least one first coupling hole into which the support member is inserted, the weight member comprises at least one second coupling hole into which the support member is inserted, the support member is inserted into the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole to support the weight member, and the support member is removed from the first coupling hole and the second coupling hole when the sinkhole detection device is buried underground to release the support of the weight member. Claim 17 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 9, wherein the separating member is configured to include a permanent magnet so as to be attachable to the housing. Claim 18 A sinkhole detection device according to claim 9, wherein the magnetic sensor is one of a Hall Effect Sensor, a Reed Switch, or a Giant Magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor. Claim 19 In claim 9, the sinkhole detection device is a sinkhole detection device that operates by receiving power from radio waves received from the ground.

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