Subsurface Imaging Using Existing Infrastructure as Acoustic Source
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current subsurface imaging technologies, such as ground-penetrating radar, are ineffective for imaging objects made of ceramic or plastic and are sensitive to soil moisture, while acoustic sources are difficult to install and require precise placement.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses existing subterranean infrastructure as a source to induce acoustic energy, which propagates through the ground and is recorded by an array of transducers, with machine learning algorithms generating high-quality subsurface images without the need for complex source installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If ground-penetrating radar is used for subsurface imaging, then imaging capability is provided, but it is ineffective for imaging objects made of ceramic or plastic and is sensitive to soil moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the imaging parameter from electromagnetic waves (radar) to acoustic waves, which fundamentally alters how subsurface objects are detected. Acoustic waves interact differently with materials like ceramic and plastic, making them detectable despite their electromagnetic wave transparency. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing reliable imaging for materials that radar cannot detect.
2Reliability
If traditional acoustic sources are used for subsurface imaging, then acoustic energy can be propagated, but the sources are difficult to install and require precise placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by using existing subsurface infrastructure (pipes, conduits, utilities) as acoustic sources. These objects already exist in the ground and require no installation. By inducing acoustic vibrations in these pre-existing structures, the system eliminates the need to deploy and precisely place traditional acoustic sources, greatly simplifying operation while maintaining reliable acoustic energy propagation for imaging.
3Measurement precision
If complex subsurface acoustic sources are installed, then high-quality subsurface images can be generated, but frequent excavation and deployment operations are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for installing complex acoustic sources by using existing subsurface infrastructure as self-service imaging targets. Acoustic energy is induced in these pre-existing structures, which then serve dual purposes: they are both the imaging targets and the acoustic waveguides. This approach generates high-quality subsurface images without requiring any excavation or deployment operations, completely resolving the time loss contradiction.
4Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If buried objects are imaged using ground-penetrating radar, then subsurface detection is attempted, but objects made of wood, plastic, or ceramic are difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from electromagnetic waves to acoustic waves, which have different interaction characteristics with various materials. Acoustic waves can effectively detect wooden objects, plastic pipes, and ceramic structures that are invisible to radar. This parameter change expands material detection range while improving the difficulty of detection for previously detectable objects, resolving the versatility contradiction.
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 flexible and high-fidelity detection of subsurface objects, including those difficult to image with other methods, without frequent excavation or complex deployment operations, allowing for the detection of anomalies and conditions like leaks or sinkholes.
Implementation Method 1
inducing an acoustic energy in a first object that extends into one or more subterranean formations from at or near a terranean surface. The acoustic energy propagates from the first object to a second object that is enclosed within the one or more subterranean formations.
Implementation Method 2
An array of transducers records reflected acoustic energy that propagates from the second object to the array
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure describes a system and method for generating images and location data of a subsurface object using existing infrastructure as a source. Many infrastructure objects (e.g., pipes, cables, conduits, wells, foundation structures) are constructed of rigid materials and have a known shape and location. Additionally these infrastructure objects can have exposed portions that are above or near the surface and readily accessible. A signal generator can be affixed to the exposed portion of the infrastructure object, which induces acoustic energy, or vibrations in the object. The object with affixed signal generator can then be used as a source in performing a subsurface imaging of subsurface objects, which are not exposed.