Tunnel Profiling via Shuttle Inertial Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for tunnel profiling during boring operations are inadequate due to weak signal penetration in below-ground environments, limited accuracy, and interference from tunnel curvatures and equipment, making it difficult to determine the tunnel's location and profile accurately.
Innovation Solution
A shuttle system with a movement sensor moves within a shuttle track between the boring apparatus and a base station, recording movement parameters such as linear and angular displacement values, which are then transferred to a tunnel profiler to determine the tunnel profile, allowing for precise profiling and steering of the boring apparatus.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If ground-penetrating radars and acoustics methods are used for tunnel profiling, then some profiling capability is achieved, but the accuracy is insufficient and suitable only for limited depths
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces ground-penetrating radar and acoustic methods with an inertial measurement system using accelerometers and gyroscopes on a moving platform. This mechanical/electronic measurement approach provides superior accuracy and depth capability by directly measuring motion parameters rather than relying on electromagnetic or acoustic wave propagation that degrades with depth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary moving platform (shuttle or vehicle) that carries sensors between the boring apparatus and base station. This intermediary carrier enables the transmission of movement parameters through the shuttle track, solving the problem of signal penetration by using mechanical connection rather than electromagnetic waves.
2Measurement precision
If laser and optical systems are used for tunnel profiling, then profiling is possible for straight and short tunnels, but tunnel curvatures interfere with the line of sight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces optical line-of-sight methods with inertial measurement systems that measure acceleration and rotation directly. This eliminates the line-of-sight requirement entirely, allowing accurate profiling in curved tunnels where optical systems fail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a moving platform that dynamically measures its own motion state through inertial sensors. This dynamic measurement approach adapts to any tunnel geometry including curves and variations, unlike static optical systems that require clear line-of-sight paths.
3Measurement precision
If above-ground positioning techniques such as GPS are used, then positioning is achieved in accessible areas, but signal penetration through the ground is weak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the shuttle track as an intermediary mechanical connection that transmits movement parameters from the boring apparatus through the ground to the base station. This physical connection bypasses the signal attenuation problem of electromagnetic waves by using direct mechanical coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces electromagnetic positioning systems (GPS, radar) with mechanical inertial measurement systems. The accelerometers and gyroscopes directly measure motion parameters without relying on signals that attenuate through the ground, providing accurate positioning underground.
4Measurement precision
If optical repeaters are installed to overcome tunnel curvatures, then line of sight is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex infrastructure of optical repeaters with a relatively simple inertial measurement system mounted on a moving platform. The sensor package measures motion directly without requiring intermediate optical reflection points, reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex optical system and concentrates it in a single inertial measurement package on the moving platform. This extraction eliminates the need for multiple optical repeaters while maintaining measurement capability.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are new methods and systems for profiling tunnels. A method comprises moving a shuttle within a shuttle track extending between a boring apparatus (inside a tunnel) and a base station (outside the tunnel). The shuttle is equipped with a movement sensor, which records various movement parameters (e.g., linear and/or angular accelerations) while the shuttle moves within the shuttle track. These movement parameters are then transferred to a tunnel profiler (e.g., a base station) and the profile of the tunnel is determined based on these movement parameters. For example, a shuttle track can be a flexible tube (e.g., continuous or segmented) with the shuttle positioned within the tube. The shuttle can be removed from the tube or remain in the tube while the movement parameters are transferred and, in some examples, while the shuttle is recharged.