Underground Void Detection via Fluid Pressure Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting underground voids, such as tunnels and sinkholes, are inefficient due to the limited range of high-end sensors and the difficulty in locating these features in large-scale construction and archaeological projects.
Innovation Solution
A system involving a tunnel with fluid dispensing means and pressure sensing units that maintain a constant pressure, allowing fluid to penetrate the ground and detect abnormal pressure changes, triggering an alert and potentially marking the void's exit point with detectable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If high-end sensors are used for detecting underground voids, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases and detection range remains limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies pneumatic and hydraulic principles by injecting fluid under pressure into the ground through dispensing means. The fluid travels through underground voids and cavities, and pressure changes in the fluid are detected by sensors to locate voids. This method overcomes the limited range of traditional sensors by using fluid transmission to reach deeper underground structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses fluid as an intermediary medium to detect underground voids. Instead of using sensors that directly detect voids over long distances, the fluid serves as a mediator that penetrates into voids and transmits pressure changes back to detection sensors, enabling indirect detection of deep underground structures.
2Measurement precision
If fluid is dispensed continuously to maintain constant pressure, then detection accuracy is improved, but fluid consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where pressure sensors continuously monitor the pressure of the dispensed fluid. Based on the pressure readings, the system automatically adjusts the fluid dispensing rate to maintain a constant pressure threshold. This feedback control ensures detection accuracy while minimizing unnecessary fluid consumption by only dispensing fluid when needed to maintain pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to self-regulate fluid dispensing based on real-time pressure feedback. The automated control mechanism allows the system to maintain constant pressure without requiring continuous manual intervention or excessive fluid input, enabling the system to serve itself by adjusting dispensing rates according to actual detection needs.
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 efficient detection and location of underground voids by maintaining constant pressure and using detectable materials to mark exit points, improving the detection range and accuracy beyond the limitations of existing sensors.
Implementation Method 1
fluid pressure sensing means... constantly or periodically monitoring said pressure sensing mean... upon detection of abnormal low pressure in the system
Implementation Method 2
partially sealing the tunnel as to allow a reasonable portion of the fluids dispensed from said fluid dispensing means to travel downwards, deeper into the ground... allowing pressured fluid to be dispensed from said dispensing means
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting underground voids, comprising steps of: digging a tunnel to be the detection path; placing fluid dispensing means along the bottom part of the tunnel wherein said dispensing means further equipped with fluid pressure sensing means; partially sealing the tunnel as to allow a reasonable portion of the fluids dispensed from said fluid dispensing means to travel downwards, deeper into the ground; providing remote device in data or mechanical communication with said sensing means; on initial activation, allowing pressured fluid to be dispensed from said dispensing means until predefined constant pressure threshold in the system is met; maintaining predefined constant pressure range in the system by constantly or periodically dispensing fluid via said dispensing means; constantly or periodically monitoring said pressure sensing mean; and upon detection of abnormal low pressure in the system activating alert means.