Reconfigurable Wireless Sensor Network for Subsurface Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting and locating fluid leaks and subsurface anomalies beneath composite concrete and asphalt structures are destructive, impractical, or inaccurate, as they require damaging the pavement or permanently burying electrodes, and lack the ability to dynamically reconfigure current distribution and voltage measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus using a reconfigurable wireless network of sensors that wirelessly transmit control data to dynamically reconfigure the position of current sources and voltage meters, allowing for non-linear electrode arrangements and real-time three-dimensional resistivity modeling, with GPS for accurate sensor location and automatic sensor replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If radar signals are directed through composite concrete and asphalt structures to detect subsurface anomalies, then non-destructive detection is achieved, but the reinforced concrete drastically attenuates the radar signals making accurate return signals unobtainable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces electrical resistivity measurement as an intermediary method that bypasses the signal attenuation problem. Instead of using radar signals that penetrate through the attenuating concrete, the system places electrodes directly on or through the pavement to measure electrical resistivity of the subgrade soil, which correlates with moisture content and anomaly detection, thus avoiding the signal attenuation issue entirely
2Duration of action of stationary object
If electrodes are permanently buried beneath pavement to detect subsurface anomalies, then continuous monitoring capability is achieved, but the installation becomes destructive and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a reconfigurable electrode array system where electrodes can be dynamically positioned and reconfigured based on monitoring needs. The system uses a control processor that can wirelessly reconfigure the positions of current sources and voltage meters among multiple electrodes, allowing the same physical electrodes to serve multiple locations and purposes over time, thus achieving continuous monitoring capability without permanent burial at fixed locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the monitoring system into multiple independent electrodes that can be individually positioned and configured. This segmentation allows the electrode array to be adapted to different monitoring scenarios and enables flexible placement strategies that avoid destructive installation while maintaining monitoring capability
3Device complexity
If a fixed electrode array is used for resistivity measurement, then system simplicity is maintained, but the ability to detect anomalies at different locations and depths is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a reconfigurable electrode array where the positions of current sources and voltage meters can be dynamically changed under control of a control processor. This allows the same physical electrode array to be configured for different measurement geometries and target depths, significantly increasing detection coverage and versatility while maintaining a single deployable system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the electrode array system to perform multiple functions: detecting leaks, identifying tree roots, locating voids, and monitoring subgrade moisture content. The reconfigurable nature of the array allows it to adapt to different detection objectives, making a single system universally applicable to various subsurface anomaly detection scenarios
4Measurement precision
If sections of pavement are fractured or removed to inspect subsurface soil, then accurate anomaly location is achieved, but structural damage and repair costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses electrical resistivity measurement as an intermediary that provides accurate anomaly location information without requiring physical access to the subsurface. By measuring electrical resistivity variations through the pavement, the system can precisely locate moisture anomalies, leaks, and other subsurface features, enabling accurate identification without fracturing or removing pavement sections
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of breaking and removing pavement with an electrical measurement approach. Instead of using physical tools to expose and inspect subsurface conditions, the system uses electrical resistivity measurements to non-destructively detect and locate anomalies, thereby eliminating the need for destructive pavement intervention
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 non-destructive, accurate, and real-time detection and location of fluid leaks and anomalies beneath paved road surfaces, reducing downtime and costs by allowing flexible electrode placement and interchangeable sensors, while minimizing voltage losses and errors.
Implementation Method 1
detecting and locating fluid leaks and other subsurface anomalies beneath composite concrete and asphalt structures by measuring changes in the conductivity and/or resistivity of the adjacent soil
Implementation Method 2
Each sensor may include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that provides spatial location information to the control processor
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are provided for receiving, detecting and transmitting geophysical data from a plurality of electrodes inserted through a structure's pavement foundation in a non-destructive manner and into the soil utilizing a dynamically reconfigurable wireless control unit located on each electrode. Data from the control units is transmitted by a wireless signal to a centralized data processor for analysis. Control data is provided from a central control processor to the control unit by wireless transmission. The control unit, which is positioned, includes a multi-channel radio frequency transmitter/receiver and a processor to actuate relays and record data returns from the measured substrate soil for transmission to the central data processor. The control unit incorporates a changeable code or address to unambiguously identify itself, and its spatial relationship to other electrodes, to the central data processor and the central control processor. The control units are equipped with a GPS positioning device to allow for automatic transmission of electrode location and for electrode placement without a manual survey being required.