Borehole GPR Antenna Carriage for 3D Underground Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground-penetrating radar (GPR) technologies struggle to effectively image underground features from a borehole, particularly in assessing underground assets and geological structures for remedial works, leading to inefficiencies in structural reinforcement and resource waste.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a carriage with a first and second ground-penetrating radar antenna, a transmitter, and a receiver, configured to travel along a borehole, allowing for one-, two-, or three-dimensional imaging of underground features through controlled radiation emission and reception, using antennas with varying opening angles and configurations to optimize imaging accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-penetrating radar antennas are used in contact with the ground, then imaging capability is improved, but accessibility to borehole locations is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the borehole itself as an intermediary medium to position the radar antennas at precise locations underground. The carriage system travels through the borehole to deliver antennas to target depths, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining imaging precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical contact-based radar system with an electromagnetic radiation-based system that can operate through the borehole medium, eliminating the need for direct ground contact while maintaining imaging capability.
2Reliability
If excess structural reinforcement material is used to ensure correct structural properties, then reliability is improved, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The radar imaging system provides real-time feedback on the actual structural properties and material distribution. This allows operators to monitor reinforcement effectiveness continuously and adjust material injection accordingly, preventing both over-injection (waste) and under-injection (reliability issues).
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary imaging assessments before structural reinforcement to establish baseline geological conditions. This enables precise planning of reinforcement requirements, avoiding unnecessary material usage while ensuring adequate structural properties.
3Device complexity
If one-dimensional assessment of geological structures is performed, then device complexity is reduced, but imaging accuracy is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional longitudinal assessment to two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging by utilizing the radial distribution of radar antennas around the borehole and their rotation capability. This multi-dimensional approach provides comprehensive geological structure mapping while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular antenna arrays.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables precise mapping of underground assets and geological structures, facilitating targeted remedial works by ensuring accurate distribution of structural reinforcement materials, reducing waste, and enhancing geological assessment before injection.
Implementation Method 1
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image geological features
Implementation Method 2
The second antenna may receive reflected signals from the first antenna
Data Source
AI summary
Ground-penetrating radar antennas are generally intended for use in contact with the ground; however, antennas spaced from the ground (e.g. in air above ground) have also been developed. The present invention allows underground features to be imaged from a borehole so that underground assets and geological structures can be assessed (for example, to determine their integrity), and remedial works may be monitored. For example, structural reinforcement (e.g. chemical pumped into the geology for stability) can be checked to see where it has occurred and where it may not have yet reached.