Coaxial Waveguide Deformation Sensor with Adjustable Gauge Length
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing geotechnical deformation measurement technologies face challenges in achieving long-term, automated, and precise monitoring of deformation at different depths within geotechnical bodies, particularly due to complex installation processes, susceptibility to interference, and inflexible gauge lengths that fail to match varying layer thicknesses.
Innovation Solution
A coaxial waveguide-based geotechnical multi-point deformation sensor with magnetic metal support frames and annular magnets allows for adjustable gauge-length measurement by reconstructing interference spectra between reflection points, enabling continuous real-time monitoring and precise deformation calculation without requiring separate sensors for each layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional settlement observation markers or single-point displacement transducers are used, then deformation measurement at different depths is achieved, but installation complexity increases and automated monitoring becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single integrated sensor system. The coaxial waveguide structure integrates multiple magnetic metal support frames at different depths within one device, eliminating the need for separate markers or transducers at each depth level. This merging approach simplifies installation while maintaining multi-depth measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system performs multiple functions through a single device: it measures deformation at multiple depths simultaneously, provides automated monitoring capability, and eliminates the need for manual readings. The interference spectrum analysis method enables the system to extract deformation information from multiple reflection points, achieving universal applicability across different depth levels
2Measurement precision
If Hall effect-based measurement system is used, then high-precision online continuous measurement is achieved, but susceptibility to electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coaxial waveguide structure as an intermediary transmission medium between the measurement field and the detection system. The waveguide confines and guides electromagnetic waves along a defined path, isolating the measurement process from external electromagnetic interference. This intermediary structure protects the high-precision measurement from environmental electromagnetic disturbances while maintaining continuous monitoring capability
3Measurement precision
If hydraulic layered settlement instrument is used, then deformation measurement at different depths is achieved, but installation complexity increases and measurement stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex hydraulic system with a simpler electromagnetic wave-based detection system. Instead of using hydraulic fluids, pipes, and pressure sensors to measure deformation, the system uses electromagnetic wave propagation and reflection analysis. This substitution dramatically simplifies installation while improving measurement stability by eliminating hydraulic system vulnerabilities
4Measurement precision
If optical fiber sensing technique is used, then deformation measurement at different depths is achieved, but device fragility increases and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the sensing medium from fragile optical fibers to robust magnetic metal support frames within a protective coaxial waveguide structure. This parameter change in material selection and structural design maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving device reliability and ease of installation in harsh geotechnical environments
5Device complexity
If fixed gauge length sensors are used, then simple sensor design is achieved, but adaptability to varying geotechnical layer thicknesses decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the fixed gauge length concept into a dynamic, adjustable measurement system. By using interference spectrum analysis of electromagnetic waves reflecting from multiple magnetic metal support frames at different depths, the system can dynamically determine gauge lengths based on the actual thickness and position of geotechnical layers. This dynamic approach maintains simple sensor design while achieving high adaptability to varying layer configurations
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 real-time, automated, and precise deformation monitoring at different depths with adjustable gauge lengths, ensuring accurate measurement of geotechnical layer deformations and stability evaluation.
Implementation Method 1
a coaxial waveguide-based geotechnical multi-point deformation sensor comprises: an outer conductor (1) that is open at opposite ends and hollow inside; an inner conductor (3) inside said outer conductor (1) and extending from one of the opposite ends of said outer conductor (1) to the other of the opposite ends of said outer conductor (1)
Implementation Method 2
enabling continuous real-time monitoring and precise deformation calculation by reconstructing interference spectra between reflection points
Implementation Method 3
magnetic metal support frames inside said outer conductor and sequentially spaced along an axial direction of said outer conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A coaxial waveguide-based geotechnical multi-point deformation sensor and an adjustable gauge-length measurement method are provided. The coaxial waveguide-based geotechnical multi-point deformation sensor includes an outer conductor, open at opposite ends and hollow inside; magnetic metal support frames, inside the outer conductor, sequentially spaced along an axial direction of the outer conductor and each having a through-hole; an inner conductor inside the outer conductor and passing through each through-hole; and annular magnets, surrounding the outer conductor and configured to move along it, driving the nearest magnetic metal support frame to follow its movement. Each magnetic metal support frame acts as a reflection point. By reconstructing the interference spectra of any two reflection points, a gauge-length can exist between any two of the magnetic metal support frames. By collecting the changes in the interference spectrum signals of different gauge-lengths, deformation of geotechnical layers corresponding to the gauge-length(s) can be calculated, thus allowing the deformation of any geotechnical layer to be determined.