Phased Array Sound Wave Geological Exploration for Shield Tunneling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current advanced geological forecast methods for shield tunneling machines face challenges such as insufficient image resolution, severe seismic wave attenuation, limited detection distance, and interference from clutter, making it difficult to accurately detect boulders and ripraps, which can lead to cutterhead wear and operational issues.
Innovation Solution
A phased array sound wave system with multiple sonic probe groups arranged on the cutterhead, emitting and receiving sound waves in a phase-control mode to achieve high-resolution, high-penetrability imaging, utilizing a telescopic and cleaning apparatus to maintain probe contact and reduce interference, and employing a time reversal mirror algorithm for detailed two-dimensional and three-dimensional imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If reflected wave seismic exploration is used for advanced geological forecast, then forecast distance is extended, but image resolution becomes insufficient and cannot meet fine shield tunneling construction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sound wave frequency spectrum into multiple frequency components, using different frequencies for different detection purposes. Low frequencies penetrate deeper while high frequencies provide finer resolution, resolving the contradiction between detection distance and image resolution by utilizing the complementary characteristics of different frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent dynamically adjusts sound wave frequency parameters based on detection depth requirements. By changing frequency parameters adaptively, the system achieves both long-distance penetration and high-resolution imaging, resolving the contradiction between forecast distance and image resolution.
2Ease of operation
If conventional seismic wave methods are used in soil stratum or soft rock stratum, then detection can be performed, but severe attenuation of seismic waves occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes sound wave frequency parameters specifically for soil and soft rock strata, using lower frequencies that experience less attenuation in these materials. This enables effective detection while minimizing energy loss in challenging geological conditions.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution geological radar method is used to scan tunnel face, then detection resolution is improved, but observation system layout is limited due to cutterhead position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the cutterhead serve multiple functions: both excavation and detection platform. By integrating sound wave emission and reception capabilities into the cutterhead structure, the system eliminates the need for separate observation systems, achieving high-resolution detection while simplifying system layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional radial detection geometry to a rotational detection approach, where the cutterhead rotates to provide multi-angle coverage. This dimensional change in detection geometry enables comprehensive tunnel face scanning without requiring complex external observation system layouts.
4Area of stationary object
If many phased array sound wave transducers are used, then detection coverage is improved, but data quantity containing abnormal geologic body information becomes huge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the relevant abnormal body information from the vast amount of detection data. By identifying and isolating signals corresponding to geological abnormalities, the system reduces data quantity while maintaining comprehensive detection coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback processing of detection data, continuously analyzing incoming signals and adjusting detection parameters. This feedback mechanism enables efficient processing of large data volumes by focusing computational resources on identifying abnormal bodies rather than processing all data equally.
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
The system provides high automation, efficient, and accurate geological imaging with reduced interference, enabling safe and efficient tunnel construction by enhancing detection resolution and reducing energy attenuation, allowing for reliable three-dimensional imaging of the tunnel face with minimal cutterhead rotation.
Implementation Method 1
each of the sound wave emitting and receiving units has functions of emitting a sound wave and receiving a reflected wave
Implementation Method 2
Phase-control emitting is characterized in that an emitted sound wave signal is emitted to a stratum in a form of a beam with a certain width, and its sound field has certain directivity
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a system and method for phased array sound wave advanced geological exploration for a shield tunneling machine. The system includes a phased array sound wave emitting and receiving apparatus, a probe automatic telescopic apparatus, an automatic protection and cleaning apparatus, and a signal processing and imaging system. Sonic probes are installed on a side wall of a main spoke, opposite to a rotation direction, of a cutterhead of the shield tunneling machine, on the basis of automatic detection of a telescopic state and a contact state, sonic array probes are enabled to make contact with a tunnel face by a hydraulic push rod, a focus sound wave is emitted by using a phased array emitting technology, and a reflected wave signal with front geological information reflected from the front of the tunnel face is received. A scanning direction of a sound wave beam is controlled and changed continuously through a host system, on the premise of obtaining a suspected abnormal body position, the suspected position is imaged in detail by using a focusing image till scanning of a whole two-dimensional section is completed, then the cutterhead is rotated to change an arrangement direction of an array to continue scanning of a next two-dimensional section, and finally three-dimensional geological exploration in front of the tunnel face is realized.