Shoal tide level station laying device and auxiliary mounting system thereof

By using a spiral pipe structure and auxiliary installation system that is rotated and installed in shallow waters, the problem of deploying tide gauges in shallow waters has been solved, achieving stable and accurate tide level observation and reducing damage to the device and measurement errors.

CN121296835APending Publication Date: 2026-01-09ZHEJIANG INST OF HYDRAULICS & ESTUARY
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202511447412.4
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Applications(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-10-11
Publication Date
2026-01-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing tide level observation devices are difficult to deploy in shallow waters, are easily affected by typhoons and swells, and are prone to damage and inaccurate measurements due to tidal impacts.

Method used

Design a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device with a spiral pipe structure. Combined with an auxiliary installation system, the spiral pipe is rotated and installed in the mudflat to reduce tidal impact and wave oscillation. The tide gauge is installed by a fixed frame, and the rotation and fixation of the device are realized by a power unit.

Benefits of technology

This technology enables the stable installation of tide gauges on mudflats without fixed structures, reducing the risk of device damage and measurement errors, lowering construction difficulty and the possibility of settlement, and improving the accuracy of tide level observation.

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Abstract

The invention discloses a shoal tide level station laying device and an auxiliary installation system thereof. The shoal tide level station laying device comprises a hollow spiral pipeline and a fixing frame fixedly connected with the top of the spiral pipeline. A sludge inlet is formed in the bottom of the pipeline, an exhaust port is formed in the top of the pipeline, and the exhaust port exhausts air when sludge enters the sludge inlet; the fixing frame is used for installing a tide gauge; the radius of the device is gradually reduced from bottom to top, and the device is rotationally mounted on a shoal through an auxiliary mounting system. According to the structural design of the device, the construction difficulty is greatly reduced, the device can be directly installed on a mud beach and can be recycled, the settling volume of the tide gauge is reduced, and the damage risk and the detection error are reduced.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of tide level observation technology, and in particular relates to a shallow water tide level station deployment device and its auxiliary installation system. Background Technology

[0002] Tide level observation is mainly carried out through on-site observation and numerical simulation.

[0003] For on-site observation, using a tide gauge is the most direct method. Commonly used tide gauges include float-type tide gauges, pressure-type tide gauges, and acoustic tide gauges. Float-type tide gauges measure tide levels by utilizing the characteristic of a float rising and falling with the water level; pressure-type tide gauges calculate tide levels based on the relationship between water pressure and depth; and acoustic tide gauges measure tide levels using the principle of sound wave propagation in water. These tide gauges are typically installed in suitable locations in shallow waters, such as in tide gauge wells, and can automatically record tide level data at different times.

[0004] Manual water gauge observation is another method of on-site observation. It involves setting up a water gauge in the shallows and having observers periodically read the readings directly from the gauge to obtain tide level data. While simple and intuitive, this method has relatively low measurement accuracy and is easily affected by human factors, and is generally used for temporary or simple tide level observation scenarios.

[0005] Numerical simulation mainly includes two stages: establishing a tidal model and data assimilation. Establishing a tidal model requires constructing a model based on the shallows' geographical location, topography, and marine hydrology data to simulate tidal movements. By inputting relevant parameters such as sea-level pressure, wind field, and Earth's gravity, the model can calculate the tidal changes in the shallows. Commonly used tidal models include the ECOMSED model and the FVCOM model. Data assimilation combines field observation data with numerical simulation results. Through data assimilation techniques, model parameters are continuously adjusted to make the simulation results closer to actual tidal levels, thereby improving the accuracy of tidal prediction.

[0006] However, current tidal level observation methods have several major drawbacks. Regarding the observation equipment, most tidal gauges are fixed to the coastline, posing a risk of damage due to the continuous impact of tidal energy. Furthermore, the oscillating energy of waves can easily lead to inaccurate tidal level measurements. Additionally, tidal level observation devices require fixed installation points. In practical field observation, deploying tidal gauges in shallow waters is challenging, as the construction process is affected by typhoons, swells, and other factors, increasing the possibility of subsidence. Manual observation with water gauges also faces difficulties in installation and construction, and is prone to subsidence. Moreover, observations must be conducted within a visible range, which may not necessarily be a suitable location for tidal level observation. In terms of numerical simulation, this method requires long-term data support, and the reliability of the data needs further verification. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this application is to provide a shallow water tide gauge deployment device and its auxiliary installation system, which solves the problems of high difficulty in deploying tide gauges in shallow waters, high construction difficulty, and the influence of various factors such as typhoons and swells, as well as the possibility of the tide gauges settling in shallow waters. This device can be installed on mudflats without fixed objects, and reduces the water energy impact brought by tides, reducing the problem that the oscillation energy of waves can easily cause inaccurate tidal water level measurement results.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the embodiments of this application, a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device is provided, including a hollow spiral pipe and a fixing frame fixedly connected to the top of the spiral pipe. The bottom of the pipe is a mud inlet, and the top is a vent. The vent releases air when mud is introduced into the mud inlet. The mounting bracket is used to install the tide gauge; The device's radius gradually decreases from bottom to top, and it is installed on the shallows by rotation.

[0009] Furthermore, the mounting frame is equipped with an instrument mounting platform for mounting a tide gauge.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the embodiments of this application, an auxiliary installation system for a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device is provided, for installing the shallow water tide gauge station deployment device described in the first aspect on a shallow water surface. The auxiliary installation system includes a fixed platform, an extension rod, a power unit, and a connector. The fixed platform is fixed to a ship, the extension rod is connected to the fixed platform and extends outward from the ship, the power unit is installed on the part of the extension rod that extends outward from the ship, and the connector is disposed at the power output end of the power unit and fits the shape of the fixed frame. The power unit drives the fixed frame to rotate through the connector, thereby realizing the installation or disassembly of the spiral base.

[0011] Furthermore, the fixing platform is made of stainless steel.

[0012] Furthermore, the power unit includes: A servo motor, which is mounted on the extension rod; A first gear is connected to the output end of the servo motor; The second gear is fixed by the extension rod and meshes with the first gear. A plurality of first connecting rods, one end of which is fixed to the wheel body of the second gear and rotates together with the second gear; The first turntable, with the other end of the first connecting rod fixed to one side of the first turntable; Several second connecting rods, one end of each second connecting rod being fixed to the other side of the first turntable; The second turntable has the other end of the second connecting rod fixed to one side of it, and the docking device is fixed to the other side of the second turntable.

[0013] Furthermore, the first connecting rod can be made of stainless steel, and several first connecting rods are evenly distributed.

[0014] Furthermore, the second connecting rod is made of high-strength plastic, and several curved second connecting rods are evenly distributed.

[0015] Furthermore, the extension rod and the second gear are connected by a first adjustable coupling, and the servo motor and the first gear are connected by a second adjustable coupling.

[0016] After the shallow tidal gauge station is installed in the mudflat, it will experience viscous resistance as it moves through the mudflat due to the mudflat's fluid-like properties. The direction of viscous resistance is opposite to the direction of motion, and its magnitude depends on the object's speed, the viscosity of the mudflat, and the object's shape and size. For this particular device, its unique shape makes the distribution of viscous resistance during movement in the mudflat quite complex. The device's rotational motion drives the flow of mudflat particles, forming eddies that increase the magnitude of viscous resistance, thus significantly reducing the overall settling of the device.

[0017] Most current tide level prediction devices are fixed near the coast, requiring rigid anchorages. Shallow water tide level stations, however, can be deployed in shallow waters, significantly reducing the risk of damage from continuous tidal energy impacts and minimizing the influence of wave oscillation energy on tidal level measurements. The main body of the device is submerged in mudflats, minimizing tidal impact. The mudflats, composed of fine particles, possess high water content and low strength, along with properties such as viscosity and porosity, which remain fundamental factors influencing the forces acting on the spiral-shaped object. Viscosity causes the mud and sand to adhere to the object, hindering its movement and stabilizing the device.

[0018] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with this application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of this application.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0021] Figure 2 This is a side view of a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an auxiliary installation system for a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device, according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the installation result of a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Instrument mounting platform; 2. Fixing frame; 3. Exhaust port; 4. Mud inlet; 5. Fixing platform; 6. Extension rod; 7. Servo motor; 8. First adjustable coupling; 9. Second adjustable coupling; 10. First gear; 11. Second gear; 12. First connecting rod; 13. First turntable; 14. Second turntable; 15. Second connecting rod; 16. Connector. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with this application.

[0026] The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The singular forms “a,” “the,” and “the” used in this application and the appended claims are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term “and / or” as used herein refers to and includes any or all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0027] It should be understood that although the terms first, second, third, etc., may be used in this application to describe various information, such information should not be limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish information of the same type from one another. For example, without departing from the scope of this application, first information may also be referred to as second information, and similarly, second information may also be referred to as first information. Depending on the context, the word "if" as used herein may be interpreted as "when," "when," or "in response to determination."

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, this application provides a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device, which includes a hollow spiral pipe and a fixing frame 2 fixedly connected to the top of the spiral pipe; The bottom of the pipe is a mud inlet 4, and the top is an exhaust outlet 3. The exhaust outlet 3 exhausts air when mud is introduced into the mud inlet 4. The mounting bracket 2 is used to install the tide gauge; The device's radius gradually decreases from bottom to top, and it is installed on the shallows by rotation.

[0029] Specifically, the mounting frame 2 is provided with an instrument mounting platform 1 for mounting the tide gauge.

[0030] Specifically, during the rotational installation of the device, the sludge in the shallows enters the pipeline through the mud inlet 4, which, together with the interface of the device installed at the shallow tidal level station, plays a stabilizing role. This can greatly reduce the risk of damage to the device due to the continuous impact of water energy brought by the tides, and reduce the problem of inaccurate tidal level measurement results caused by the oscillation energy of the waves.

[0031] Force analysis of the spiral base of the device: 1. Static friction: When the device is relatively stationary in the mud, but has a tendency to move, it will experience static friction. The direction of static friction is opposite to the direction of the object's tendency to move. The magnitude of static friction increases with the increase of the pulling force, but there is a maximum value, namely the maximum static friction, which is calculated by the following formula: F fmax =μ s N Among them, F fmax μ represents the maximum static friction force (unit: Newton, N). s The coefficient of static friction (related to the mudflat and the surface properties of the object) is represented by F, and N represents the normal force between the object and the mudflat (unit: Newton, N; when placed horizontally, N=G). For example, when attempting to pull a spiral object inserted into a mudflat horizontally, static friction will resist the horizontal movement of the object, in the opposite direction to the pulling force. When the pulling force exceeds F... fmax At that time, the object will begin to slide.

[0032] Sliding friction: When a spiral-shaped object slides relative to another object in a mudflat, it experiences sliding friction. The formula for calculating this friction is: F f =μ k N Among them, F f μ represents sliding friction (unit: Newton, N). k Represents the coefficient of kinetic friction (generally μ). k <μ sSimilarly, the sliding friction force (also related to the properties of the mudflat and the object's surface) is determined by the normal force between the object and the mudflat (unit: Newton, N). In a mudflat, due to its viscosity and granular properties, the magnitude of sliding friction depends not only on the normal force between the object and the mudflat but also on factors such as the viscosity coefficient of the mudflat. Compared to ordinary solid surfaces, the sliding friction force experienced by an object in a mudflat is usually greater because mudflat particles fill the gaps on the object's surface, increasing the complexity of the contact and resistance.

[0033] Viscous resistance: Because mudflats exhibit some fluid-like properties, helical objects moving through them experience viscous drag. For objects moving at low speeds, viscous drag can be approximated using Stokes' theorem: F v =6πηrv Among them, F v Let η represent viscous drag (in Newtons, N), η represent the dynamic viscosity of the mudflat (in Pascal-seconds, Pa·s), r represent the characteristic radius of the helical object (in meters, m), and v represent the velocity of the object relative to the mudflat (in meters per second, m / s). The direction of viscous drag is opposite to the direction of motion, and its magnitude depends on the object's velocity, the viscosity of the mudflat, and the shape and size of the object. For helical objects, their unique shape makes the distribution of viscous drag more complex when moving through the mudflat. The rotational motion of the helix drives the flow of mudflat particles, forming eddies and increasing the magnitude of viscous drag. Furthermore, the faster the object moves, the greater the viscous drag.

[0034] Therefore, it can be concluded that after the structure is installed, it is stable in the mudflats, basically unaffected by the impact of surging waves, and will not sink.

[0035] The structural design of the above-mentioned shallow tidal gauge station deployment device greatly reduces the construction difficulty. It can be installed directly on the mudflats without any prerequisites, and the device is recyclable.

[0036] After the shallow tidal gauge station is installed in the mudflat, it will experience viscous resistance as it moves through the mudflat due to the mudflat's fluid-like properties. The direction of viscous resistance is opposite to the direction of motion, and its magnitude depends on the object's speed, the viscosity of the mudflat, and the object's shape and size. For this particular device, its unique shape makes the distribution of viscous resistance during movement in the mudflat quite complex. The device's rotational motion drives the flow of mudflat particles, forming eddies that increase the magnitude of viscous resistance, thus significantly reducing the overall settling of the device.

[0037] Most current tide level prediction devices are fixed near the coast, requiring rigid anchorages. Shallow water tide level stations, however, can be deployed in shallow waters, significantly reducing the risk of damage from continuous tidal energy impacts and minimizing the influence of wave oscillation energy on tidal level measurements. The main body of the device is submerged in mudflats, minimizing tidal impact. The mudflats, composed of fine particles, possess high water content and low strength, along with properties such as viscosity and porosity, which remain fundamental factors influencing the forces acting on the spiral-shaped object. Viscosity causes the mud and sand to adhere to the object, hindering its movement and stabilizing the device.

[0038] This application also provides an auxiliary installation system for installing the tidal gauge station deployment device in a shallow water area. The auxiliary installation system includes a fixed platform 5, an extension rod 6, a power unit, and a connector 16. The fixed platform 5 is fixed to the ship, the extension rod 6 is connected to the fixed platform 5 and extends out of the ship, the power unit is installed on the part of the extension rod 6 that extends out of the ship, and the connector 16 is located at the power output end of the power unit and fits the shape of the fixed frame 2. The power unit drives the fixed frame 2 to rotate through the connector 16, thereby realizing the installation or removal of the spiral base.

[0039] Specifically, the fixing platform 5 can be made of stainless steel and serves as a counterweight and for securing the ship. It can be directly welded to the ship or tied with ropes.

[0040] Specifically, the extension rod 6 and the fixed platform 5 can be an integral structure, serving as an extension to facilitate the subsequent installation of the shallow water tide gauge station deployment device.

[0041] Specifically, the power unit includes: Servo motor 7, which is mounted on the extension rod 6; The first gear 10 is connected to the output end of the servo motor 7; The second gear 11 is fixed by the extension rod 6 and meshes with the first gear 10. A plurality of first connecting rods 12, one end of which is fixed to the wheel body of the second gear 11 and rotates together with the second gear 11; The first turntable 13, with the other end of the first connecting rod 12 fixed to one side of the first turntable 13; Several second connecting rods 15, one end of which is fixed to the other side of the first turntable 13; The second turntable 14 has the other end of the second connecting rod 15 fixed to one side of the second turntable 14, and the docking device 16 is fixed to the other side of the second turntable 14.

[0042] In specific implementation, the servo motor 7 rotates to drive the first gear 10, the first gear 10 drives the second gear 11, the second gear 11 drives the connected first connecting rod 12, the first connecting rod 12 drives the connected first turntable 13, the first turntable 13 drives the second connecting rod 15, the second connecting rod 15 drives the second turntable 14, and the docking device 16 connected to the second turntable 14 rotates.

[0043] Specifically, the first gear 10, through its transmission with the second gear 11, can transmit the rotation of one shaft to another, thus achieving power transmission. For example... Figure 3 It is known that the first gear 10 is smaller than the second gear 11. According to the transmission principle: 1. Rotation speed is inversely proportional to diameter: When the small gear meshes with the large gear, since they pass the same number of teeth in the same amount of time, but the circumference of the large gear is larger, the rotational speed of the large gear will be slower than that of the small gear. The rotational speed ratio is inversely proportional to the gear diameter. For example, if the diameter of the small gear is half that of the large gear, then the small gear rotates two revolutions while the large gear rotates one revolution. 2. Torque balance: According to the law of conservation of torque, in a gear transmission system, the torque of the input gear (small gear) and the torque of the output gear (large gear) are equal in magnitude and opposite in direction. However, since the diameter of the large gear is larger than that of the small gear, and its number of teeth is also relatively larger, under the same force, the torque borne by each tooth of the large gear is distributed over a larger circumference, thereby reducing the stress per unit area, making the force transmitted to the load greater, and realizing torque amplification. It can be seen that this makes the final rotation slower and smoother, and the torque greater.

[0044] Specifically, the first connecting rod 12 can be made of stainless steel, and four first connecting rods 12 are evenly distributed at the four corners to achieve uniform power transmission.

[0045] Specifically, the second connecting rod 15 can be made of high-strength plastic. Four curved second connecting rods 15 are evenly distributed at the four corners to achieve uniform power transmission. The second connecting rod 15 is in contact with seawater and is made of high-strength plastic to resist corrosion. The curved structure can deform slightly when rotating, and the slight deformation plays a key role in buffering and shock absorption.

[0046] Specifically, the extension rod 6 and the second gear 11 are connected by a first adjustable coupling 8, and the servo motor 7 and the first gear 10 are connected by a second adjustable coupling 9. By adjusting the angle and distance of the adjustable couplings, the force on the transmission system can be made more uniform, reducing vibration and impact. This helps to improve the operational stability of mechanical equipment, reduce noise and energy consumption, and extend the service life of the equipment.

[0047] The specific installation sequence is as follows: Place the main body of the shoal tide gauge station deployment device on the mudflat. Align the auxiliary installation part 16, connector 16, with the fixing frame 2. Turn on the power, and the servo motor 7 rotates, driving the first gear 10. The first gear 10 drives the second gear 11, which in turn drives the connected first connecting rod 12. The first connecting rod 12 drives the connected first turntable 13, which in turn drives the second connecting rod 15. The second connecting rod 15 drives the second turntable 14, and the connector 16 connected to the second turntable 14 rotates, thus rotating the fixing frame 2 and the shoal tide gauge station deployment device. The mud inlet 4 slowly rotates into the mudflat. Once the entire device is fully inserted into the mudflat surface and the air inlet is parallel to the mudflat surface, the entire device is fixed in place. At this point, install the tide gauge onto the instrument mounting platform 1. The installation result is as follows: Figure 4 As shown.

[0048] In one embodiment, a pressure tide gauge can be used. By detecting the seawater pressure, the water depth at the sensor's location can be calculated, thus obtaining the tide level. The calculation formula is as follows: Where h is the water depth, p is the measured pressure, patm is the atmospheric pressure, ρ is the seawater density, and g is the acceleration due to gravity. In practical applications, it is also necessary to consider the impact of atmospheric pressure disturbances, seawater density variations, and instrument zero-point drift on measurement accuracy, and to take corresponding calibration and error correction measures. For example, pressure data can be corrected by synchronously measuring atmospheric pressure, seawater density can be measured periodically to update calculation parameters, and pressure sensors can be calibrated periodically.

[0049] The specific demolition sequence is as follows: The main body of the tidal gauge station deployment device is placed on the mudflat. The auxiliary installation part 16 of the tidal gauge station deployment device is aligned with the fixing frame 2. The servo motor 7 is powered on in reverse and rotates to drive the first gear 10. The first gear 10 drives the second gear 11. The second gear 11 drives the connected first connecting rod 12. The first connecting rod 12 drives the connected first turntable 13. The first turntable 13 drives the second connecting rod 15. The second connecting rod 15 drives the second turntable 14. The docking device 16 connected to the second turntable 14 rotates, that is, the fixing frame 2 rotates, and the tidal gauge station deployment device rotates, slowly rotating out of the mudflat. Once the entire device has rotated out of the mudflat surface, the entire device is dismantled.

[0050] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the disclosure herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein.

[0051] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A device for deploying shallow water tide gauge stations, characterized in that, Includes a hollow spiral pipe and a fixing bracket (2) fixedly connected to the top of the spiral pipe; The bottom of the pipe is a mud inlet (4) and the top is a vent (3). The vent (3) vents air when mud is introduced into the mud inlet (4). The mounting bracket (2) is used to install the tide gauge; The device's radius gradually decreases from bottom to top, and it is installed on the shallows by rotation.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mounting frame (2) is provided with an instrument mounting platform (1) for mounting the tide gauge.

3. An auxiliary installation system for a shallow water tide gauge station deployment device, characterized in that, For installing the shallow water tide gauge station deployment device as described in claim 1 on a shallow water, the auxiliary installation system includes a fixed platform (5), an extension rod (6), a power unit, and a connector (16); the fixed platform (5) is fixed on the ship, the extension rod (6) is connected to the fixed platform (5) and extends out of the ship, the power unit is installed on the part of the extension rod (6) that extends out of the ship, the connector (16) is set at the power output end of the power unit and fits the shape of the fixed frame (2), the power unit drives the fixed frame (2) to rotate through the connector (16), thereby realizing the installation or disassembly of the spiral base.

4. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The fixed platform (5) is made of stainless steel.

5. The system according to claim 3, characterized in that, The power unit includes: Servo motor (7), the servo motor (7) is mounted on the extension rod (6); The first gear (10) is connected to the output end of the servo motor (7); The second gear (11) is fixed by the extension rod (6) and meshes with the first gear (10); A plurality of first connecting rods (12), one end of which is fixed to the wheel body of the second gear (11) and rotates together with the second gear (11); The first turntable (13) has the other end of the first connecting rod (12) fixed to one side of the first turntable (13); Several second connecting rods (15), one end of which is fixed to the other side of the first turntable (13); The second turntable (14) has the other end of the second connecting rod (15) fixed to one side of the second turntable (14), and the docking device (16) is fixed to the other side of the second turntable (14).

6. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The first connecting rod (12) can be made of stainless steel, and several first connecting rods (12) are evenly distributed.

7. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The second connecting rod (15) is made of high-strength plastic, and several curved second connecting rods (15) are evenly distributed.

8. The system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The extension rod (6) and the second gear (11) are connected by a first adjustable coupling (8), and the servo motor (7) and the first gear (10) are connected by a second adjustable coupling (9).