3D Tunnel Wall Scanning on Open-Type TBMs for Geological Logging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current manual geological logging methods for tunnel construction using open-type TBM are low in accuracy, time-consuming, and unable to obtain omnidirectional geological information of surrounding rocks effectively.

Innovation Solution

An automatic scanning system comprising a three-dimensional laser scanner, a walking unit, a circumferential track, connecting rods, and a remote-control unit, which enables automatic, accurate, rapid, and omnidirectional collection of geological information by scanning the tunnel walls while the TBM is in operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual geological logging is used, then the system complexity is low, but the measurement precision and productivity are poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeological information accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical logging operations with an automated three-dimensional laser scanning system. The laser scanner automatically captures geological information of tunnel walls, eliminating the need for manual measurement and recording, thereby significantly improving measurement precision while managing system complexity through automation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service geological logging by autonomously scanning tunnel walls and automatically processing the collected data. The laser scanner and control unit work together to perform measurements and generate geological reports without continuous human intervention, improving both precision and operational efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual geological logging is used, then the device complexity is low, but the productivity is low and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescanning speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces slow manual logging processes with rapid automated laser scanning. The three-dimensional laser scanner can quickly capture extensive geological data along the tunnel alignment, dramatically increasing productivity and reducing the time required for geological surveys compared to manual methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous scanning operation along the tunnel, with the laser scanner continuously capturing geological information as it moves. This continuous operation eliminates the intermittent nature of manual logging, maximizing productivity and minimizing total survey time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Loss of information

If manual geological logging is used, then the system complexity is low, but the ability to obtain omnidirectional information is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveomnidirectional information coverageVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional manual surface logging to three-dimensional laser scanning. The system captures geological information in three dimensions, enabling comprehensive omnidirectional coverage of tunnel walls, roof, and floor, thus eliminating information loss in any directional aspect.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The laser scanning system performs multiple functions simultaneously: it scans vertical walls, inclined surfaces, and horizontal surfaces in a single operation. This multi-functional capability ensures complete omnidirectional information coverage without requiring separate logging procedures for different tunnel surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 achieves high-accuracy, rapid, and omnidirectional scanning of geological conditions, reducing the need for manual operators, enhancing safety, and providing timely geological information for TBM construction projects.

Implementation Method 1

a three-dimensional laser scanner, configured to three-dimensionally scan geological information of the tunnel wall

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Data Source

PatentUS12216469B2Automatic scanning system for tunnel walls constructed by open-type TBM
Publication Date: 2025.02.04 BEIJING RES INST OF URANIUM GEOLOGY
  • US12216469B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An automatic scanning system for tunnel walls constructed by open-type TBM, to realize the automatic, accurate, rapid and omnidirectional scanning of tunnel wall. The system comprises a three-dimensional laser scanner, a walking unit, a circumferential track, several connecting rods and a remote-control unit; wherein the three-dimensional laser scanner is fixed on the walking unit. The walking unit is provided on the circumferential track and configured to walk on the circumferential track at a set speed and a set number of walking cycles according to a control instruction. The circumferential track is fixed on the main beam of open-type TBM through the connecting rods and located between the roof bolter and cylinder of gripper shoe. The remote-control unit is configured to issue the control instruction and control the three-dimensional laser scanner to scan the tunnel wall and transmit the scanning data using set scanning parameters.