Hydrological Monitoring Positioning in Signal-Free Tunnels Using LoRa Beacons
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The Qinling water conveyance tunnel in the Hanjiang-to-Weihe River diversion project lacks effective methods for real-time data monitoring due to the absence of communication and positioning signals, making it difficult to detect lining failures and leaks, especially in its ultra-long sections.
Innovation Solution
A method combining hydrodynamics-based hydrological monitoring, ultra-wideband (UWB) positioning technology, and LoRa wireless communication to enable precise positioning and information transmission using magnetic beacons and a data acquisition device with sensors, which acquires and processes data on water level, quality, and waves, and transmits this information through a wireless communication protocol.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring devices are used in the Qinling water conveyance tunnel, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but real-time monitoring cannot be achieved due to the absence of communication signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces magnetic beacons as intermediary devices that emit magnetic fields to enable positioning in the signal-free tunnel environment. The magnetic beacons serve as mediators between the monitoring devices and the external control system, allowing position information to be transmitted without requiring traditional communication signals within the tunnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromagnetic communication systems with a magnetic field-based positioning system. Instead of relying on radio signals or communication infrastructure, the system uses magnetic beacons that create magnetic fields for positioning, substituting the mechanical/electromagnetic signal transmission approach with a magnetic field interaction approach suitable for the tunnel environment.
2Measurement precision
If manual measurement ships are used in the tunnel, then detailed measurements can be obtained, but the system cannot operate dynamically or respond in time to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring devices are designed to autonomously navigate and collect data without requiring manual operation. The devices float downstream while automatically recording position information through magnetic beacon interactions and transmitting data to the control system, eliminating the need for manual measurement ships and surveyors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement and positioning functions from complex manual measurement systems and implements them in simplified autonomous devices. By separating positioning (via magnetic beacons) from data collection (via onboard sensors), the system achieves dynamic monitoring without the complexity and cost of manual measurement ships.
3Device complexity
If fixed-point monitoring devices are deployed, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but comprehensive monitoring of the ultra-long tunnel cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static fixed-point monitoring to dynamic mobile monitoring. The monitoring devices float downstream continuously, changing their position over time, which allows a single device to cover the entire tunnel length. The magnetic beacons are distributed along the tunnel to support this dynamic positioning approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring devices are designed as multi-functional units that combine hydrological sensing, magnetic beacon interaction for positioning, and wireless data transmission capabilities. This universal design allows a single device type to perform multiple functions throughout the entire tunnel, replacing the need for multiple specialized fixed installations.
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
This solution allows for real-time monitoring and communication in signal-free areas, ensuring timely operation condition assessment and preventing water resource misuse and engineering accidents by providing high-precision positioning and data transmission.
Implementation Method 1
arranging, in the signal-free area, magnetic beacons based on a coverage area of a single magnetic beacon
Implementation Method 2
transmitting, based on a wireless communication protocol between the magnetic beacon and the monitoring device, position information and time information
Data Source
AI summary
A positioning and information transmission method of a hydrological monitoring device in a single-free area combines a wireless communication technology with a hydrodynamics-based hydrological monitoring device, which can solve the problem of hydrological monitoring information transmission in a signal-free area such as a hydraulic tunnel. First, magnetic beacons each composed of an LoRa (long distance radio) terminal device and an ultra-wideband technology are arranged at the top of the interior of a signal-free tunnel at an interval of 500 m. When a hydrological monitoring device in use enters a coverage area of the magnetic beacon, the LoRa terminal device in the magnetic beacon will automatically start an internal communication protocol and receive data acquired by the device by monitoring, the data is transmitted based on a mutual LoRa communication protocol between the magnetic beacons, and finally, the data is transmitted to a ground central control system for storage.