A field portable snow parameter testing device and a testing method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of field portable snow parameter testing device and testing method thereof, belong to snow parameter monitoring technical field, solve the problem of inconvenient sampling of existing snow parameter testing device;It includes snow tube and electronic scale;Snow tube is the transparent cylindrical structure of hollow inside and both ends opening arrangement, length scale for measuring the thickness of snow sample and snow water equivalent depth and volume scale for measuring the volume of snow sample are arranged on the wall surface of snow tube;Electronic scale is provided with electric heating groove on the shell for melting the snow sample in snow tube.The application has the advantages of compact structure and strong portability compared with the rain gauge with snow melting function and snow radar, supporting flexible sampling point selection in the field.Snow tube combined with electronic scale real-time weighing fast density calculation, eliminates the traditional snow sample transfer error;Electronic scale integrates electric heating groove to realize snow melting and snow water equivalent measurement integration, free multiple device switching, especially suitable for complex terrain rapid operation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of snow cover parameter monitoring technology, specifically to a portable field snow cover parameter testing device and its testing method. Background Technology

[0002] Driven by global climate change, the spatial and temporal distribution patterns of winter snow cover are showing significant evolutionary trends. Accurate acquisition of key parameters such as snow thickness, snow density, and snow water equivalent is an important foundation for analyzing snow cover hydrological processes and assessing regional water resources.

[0003] Existing commonly used devices, such as rain gauges with snow melting function, such as the novel tipping bucket weighing rain and snow measurement method and device disclosed in patent announcement number CN108562954A, can monitor rainfall, mixed rain and snow precipitation, snowfall and natural snow melting processes. However, they have complex structures, high costs, and fixed installation positions, making them inconvenient to carry and thus unsuitable for field conditions. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To address the aforementioned problems in the prior art, this invention provides a portable field snow parameter testing device and its testing method, solving the problem of inconvenient sampling in existing snow parameter testing devices.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is as follows:

[0006] On the one hand, a portable snow accumulation parameter testing device for the field is provided, including: a snow collection tube, which is a transparent cylindrical structure with a hollow interior and open ends, and the wall of the snow collection tube is provided with length scale for measuring snow sample thickness and snow water equivalent depth and volume scale for measuring snow sample volume; and an electronic scale, the housing of which is provided with an electric heating tank for melting the snow sample inside the snow collection tube.

[0007] In this solution, the use of a snow collection tube allows for selection of sampling sites based on actual conditions in the field, expanding the sampling range. The tube is manually inserted into the snow at the sampling site to extract snow samples, and snow thickness and sample volume can be directly obtained through length and volume scales. Combined with weighing data from an electronic scale, density can be quickly calculated, avoiding errors caused by multiple snow sample transfers in traditional methods. The electric heating tank is directly integrated into the electronic scale, enabling snow melting and snow water equivalent measurement to be completed in the same device, reducing operational steps and improving field efficiency.

[0008] Furthermore, the snow collection tube comprises multiple threaded tubes connected end-to-end. Each threaded tube has threads on its inner wall, and the bottom opening of the lowest threaded tube is detachably connected to the sealing cap. This split-type threaded tube design facilitates disassembly and storage, avoiding the inconvenience of carrying traditional snow collection tubes due to their fixed length. Simultaneously, the threads on the inner wall of each threaded tube not only serve as connecting threads but also increase the friction between the inner wall of the snow collection tube and the snow by rotating the snow collection tube into the snow. This helps the snow sample overcome the vertical tension of the snow, preventing cracks caused by excessive tension, which could compromise the integrity of the snow sample and hinder accurate measurement of snow density and water equivalent.

[0009] Furthermore, multiple threaded tube sections are housed within a storage box, the inner cavity of which contains several openings that engage with the threaded tubes via clips. This dedicated storage box prevents the threaded tubes from being worn or lost during transport, while the clip design ensures the components are secure, enhancing reliability for field use.

[0010] Furthermore, the electric heating tank includes a tank body, and an opening for accommodating the tank body is provided on the side of the shell. The opening is fixedly connected to the tank body by an elastic telescopic component. The elastic telescopic component can be a spring, elastic band, elastic rope, etc., so that the tank body can automatically retract into the shell when not in use, reducing the size of the equipment and meeting the needs of portable use in the field.

[0011] Furthermore, a first iris aperture structure and a second iris aperture structure are respectively provided in the bottom opening and the top opening of the snow collection tube; the first iris aperture structure includes multiple inclined grooves that penetrate through the wall of the snow collection tube, the multiple inclined grooves are circumferentially distributed, and each inclined groove is slidably provided with a hinge shaft, and each hinge shaft is provided with a first aperture blade; the second iris aperture structure includes a circular ring plate provided on the top opening end of the snow collection tube, the circular ring plate has multiple straight grooves that are circumferentially distributed, one end of each of the multiple hinge shafts is slidably provided in the multiple straight grooves and is fixedly connected to multiple second aperture blades respectively; wherein, when the circular ring plate is rotated, the multiple hinge shafts drive the multiple first aperture blades and the multiple second aperture blades to seal the bottom opening and the top opening of the snow collection tube respectively. The first and second iris aperture structures can seal the bottom and top openings of the snow collection tube respectively during snow collection. The first iris aperture structure not only provides a seal to prevent snow samples from falling, but also allows the multiple first aperture blades of the first iris aperture structure to horizontally cut through the snow during the closing process. This avoids the problem of the snow sample integrity being compromised due to the vertical tension of the snow during the upward extraction of the snow collection tube.

[0012] Furthermore, the heated bottom surface inside the electric heating tank contacts multiple first aperture blades and multiple hinge shafts. The hinge shafts, which penetrate the wall of the snow collection tube, not only serve as driving components for both the first and second aperture blades, but also as heat conductors, transferring heat from the electric heating tank to the wall of the snow collection tube. This results in a more uniform heating surface for the snow inside the tube, improving melting efficiency and preventing uneven melting of the snow sample due to localized heating at the bottom, which could affect the measurement of snow water equivalent.

[0013] Furthermore, two semi-circular telescopic components are symmetrically arranged on the wall of the snow collection tube near the bottom opening, with multiple elastic ropes fixed between them. A slider that slides circumferentially is located at the top opening of the snow collection tube. Two sliders are fixedly connected to the telescopic ends of the two semi-circular telescopic components via connecting rods passing through the wall of the snow collection tube. These sliders, through the connecting rods, drive the two semi-circular telescopic components to unfold into a ring structure. By using the two sliders on the snow collection tube to drive the two semi-circular telescopic components to unfold into a ring structure, the multiple elastic ropes partially extend while moving laterally. This not only cuts off the vertical tension generated by the snow during the upward extraction process, but also allows the multiple elastic ropes to support the snow sample, preventing it from falling.

[0014] Furthermore, both semi-circular telescopic components include multiple slidably connected arc-shaped plates, with an elastic rope fixed between the bottoms of the two opposing arc-shaped plates. The low thickness of the arc-shaped plates facilitates their installation inside the thin-walled snow collection tube. The elastic rope is located at the bottom of the arc-shaped plates, allowing it to cut through the snow from the bottom opening of the snow collection tube.

[0015] Furthermore, each elastic rope is made of thermally conductive silicone. This silicone not only provides elasticity but also conducts heat, allowing the snow-collecting tube to be directly inserted into the electric heating tank for heating.

[0016] On the other hand, a testing method for a portable field snow accumulation parameter testing device is also provided, including the following steps:

[0017] S1. Place the snow collection tube on an electronic scale to weigh and tare.

[0018] S2. Insert the snow sampling tube vertically into the bottom of the snow to extract a snow sample;

[0019] S3. Read the snow sample depth and volume using the length and volume scales on the snow sampling tube, and use an electronic scale to obtain the weight of the snow sample and calculate the snow sample density.

[0020] S4. Place the bottom of the snow collection tube into the electric heating tank for heating and snow melting. After the snow melts, obtain the snow water equivalent by measuring the length on the snow collection tube.

[0021] This invention discloses a portable field snow accumulation parameter testing device and its testing method, with the following beneficial effects:

[0022] Compared to existing rain gauges with snow melting functions and snow accumulation measurement radars, this invention features a simpler structure, smaller size, and lighter weight. Furthermore, it allows for selection of sampling sites based on actual conditions in the field, expanding the sampling range. The snow sampling tube is equipped with dual scale markings for length and volume, enabling direct reading of snow layer thickness and sample volume during manual snow sampling. Combined with real-time weighing data from an electronic scale, density can be quickly calculated, eliminating measurement deviations introduced by multiple snow sample transfers in traditional methods. Simultaneously, the electronic scale's built-in electric heating tank integrates snow melting and snow water equivalent measurement functions, eliminating the need for switching between multiple devices. It achieves both density calculation and snow water equivalent determination in a single sampling process, significantly simplifying the operation and improving data acquisition efficiency, making it particularly suitable for rapid field detection scenarios in complex terrain. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a portable snow cover parameter testing device for field use;

[0024] Figure 2 This is an exploded view of a threaded pipe.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the installation of the first and second iris aperture structures with the snow collection tube.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a bottom view of the first iris aperture structure;

[0027] Figure 5 A top view of the second iris aperture structure;

[0028] Figure 6 A schematic diagram showing the partial closure of the second aperture blades;

[0029] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the semi-circular telescopic component;

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram showing the unfolded shape of the two semi-circular telescopic components;

[0031] Figure 9 A partial unfolded schematic diagram of the two semi-circular telescopic components;

[0032] The components include: 1. Snow collection tube; 11. First iris aperture structure; 111. First aperture blade; 112. Inclined groove; 12. Second iris aperture structure; 121. Circular ring plate; 122. Second aperture blade; 123. Straight groove; 13. Hinge shaft; 14. Slider; 15. Semicircular telescopic component; 151. Connecting rod; 16. Elastic rope; 2. Electronic scale; 21. Elastic telescopic component; 3. Electric heating tank. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The specific embodiments of the present invention are described below to enable those skilled in the art to understand the present invention. However, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the scope of the specific embodiments. For those skilled in the art, various changes are obvious as long as they are within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined and determined by the appended claims. All inventions utilizing the concept of the present invention are protected.

[0034] To measure snow depth, snow density, and snow water equivalent parameters, current commonly used devices, such as rain gauges with snow melting functions and snow depth radars, are costly, complex to operate, and require fixed locations, causing inconvenience for field testing. To address these issues and facilitate field sampling, this application provides a portable field snow parameter testing device and its testing method, which are detailed below.

[0035] Example 1

[0036] refer to Figure 1 A portable snow accumulation parameter testing device for field use includes a snow collection tube 1 and an electronic scale 2.

[0037] The snow collection tube 1 is a transparent cylindrical structure with a hollow interior and openings at both ends. The wall of the snow collection tube 1 has length graduations for measuring snow sample thickness and snow water equivalent depth, and volume graduations for measuring snow sample volume. The electronic scale 2 has an electrically heated tank 3 on its housing for melting the snow sample inside the snow collection tube 1. The electrically heated tank 3 includes a tank body, and an opening for accommodating the tank body is located on the side of the housing. The opening is fixedly connected to the tank body via an elastic telescopic component 21. The elastic telescopic component 21 can be a spring, elastic band, elastic rope, etc., allowing the tank body to automatically retract into the housing when not in use, reducing the equipment size and meeting the needs of portability in the field.

[0038] In this embodiment, by carrying the snow collection tube 1, sampling sites can be selected according to actual conditions in the field, expanding the sampling range. The snow collection tube 1 can extract snow samples by manually inserting it into the snow at the sampling site, and the snow thickness and snow sample volume can be directly obtained through length and volume scales. Combined with the weighing data from the electronic scale 2, the density can be quickly calculated, avoiding the errors caused by multiple snow sample transfers in traditional methods. The electric heating tank 3 is directly integrated into the electronic scale 2, enabling snow melting and snow water equivalent measurement to be completed in the same device, reducing operation steps and improving field efficiency.

[0039] Specifically, refer to Figure 2In this embodiment, the snow-collecting tube 1 includes multiple threaded tubes connected end to end. All threaded tubes are housed in a storage box, and the storage box has multiple slots within its accommodating cavity that engage with the threaded tubes. The dedicated storage box prevents the threaded tubes from being worn or lost during transportation, and the snap-fit ​​design ensures the components are secure, improving reliability for field use.

[0040] Considering that the existing thin-walled snow sampling tube 1 extracts snow samples using friction between its inner wall and the sample during on-site sampling, the compacted snow layer has tensile strength. During upward lifting, the lower snow layer exerts a pulling force on the snow sample. If this pulling force is too great, cracks will form in the snow sample within the tube, compromising its integrity and hindering accurate detection of snow density and snow water equivalent. To address this issue, each section of the threaded tube has threads on its inner wall, and the bottom opening of the lowest threaded tube is detachably connected to the sealing cap. This split-type threaded tube design facilitates disassembly and storage, avoiding the inconvenience of carrying traditional snow sampling tubes with fixed lengths. Meanwhile, the threads on the inner wall of each threaded tube not only serve as connecting threads, but also, by rotating the snow collection tube 1 into the snow, the grooves in the threads increase the friction between the inner wall of the snow collection tube 1 and the snow. This helps the snow sample overcome the vertical tension of the snow, preventing cracks caused by excessive tension, which would compromise the integrity of the snow sample and hinder accurate testing of snow density and snow water equivalent. The sealing cap can be snapped onto the threaded tube or threaded onto it, facilitating the sealing of the bottom of the snow collection tube 1 after snow collection.

[0041] This embodiment also provides a testing method for a portable field snow accumulation parameter testing device, including the following steps:

[0042] S1. Place the snow collection tube 1 on the electronic scale 2 to weigh and tare;

[0043] S2. Insert the snow sampling tube 1 vertically into the bottom of the snow to extract the snow sample;

[0044] S3. Read the snow sample depth and volume through the length and volume scales on the snow sampling tube 1, and use the electronic scale 2 to obtain the weight of the snow sample and calculate the snow sample density.

[0045] S4. Place the bottom of the snow collection tube 1 into the electric heating tank 3 for heating and snow melting. After the snow melts, obtain the snow water equivalent by measuring the length on the snow collection tube 1.

[0046] Example 2

[0047] This embodiment is a further limitation based on embodiment 1. The specific improvement is to provide another structure for the snow collection tube 1. Other parts not mentioned refer to embodiment 1 or the prior art.

[0048] In this embodiment, reference Figure 3In order to solve the problem that the integrity of the snow sample is damaged due to the vertical tension of the snow during the upward extraction process of the snow collection tube 1, a first iris aperture structure 11 and a second iris aperture structure 12 are respectively provided in the bottom opening and the top opening of the snow collection tube 1.

[0049] refer to Figure 4 The first iris aperture structure 11 includes multiple inclined grooves 112 that penetrate the wall of the snow collection pipe 1. The multiple inclined grooves 112 are circumferentially distributed and each inclined groove 112 is slidably provided with a hinge shaft 13. Each hinge shaft 13 is provided with a first aperture blade 111.

[0050] refer to Figure 5 The second iris aperture structure 12 includes a circular plate 121 disposed on the top opening end of the snow collection tube 1. Multiple straight grooves 123 distributed circumferentially are provided through the circular plate 121. One end of multiple hinge shafts 13 is slidably disposed in the multiple straight grooves 123 and is fixedly connected to multiple second aperture blades 122 respectively.

[0051] Among them, reference Figure 6 When the annular plate 121 is rotating, it drives multiple first aperture blades 111 and multiple second aperture blades 122 through multiple hinge shafts 13 to seal the bottom opening and top opening of the snow collection tube 1, respectively.

[0052] In this embodiment, the first iris aperture structure 11 and the second iris aperture structure 12 can seal the bottom and top openings of the snow collection tube 1 respectively during sampling. The first iris aperture structure 11 not only provides a seal to prevent snow samples from falling, but also allows its multiple first aperture blades 111 to horizontally cut through the snow during the closing process. Furthermore, the heated bottom surface of the electric heating tank 3 contacts the multiple first aperture blades 111 and the multiple hinge shafts 13. Thus, the hinge shafts 13, penetrating the wall of the snow collection tube 1, not only serve as driving components for the first aperture blades 111 and the second aperture blades 122, but also as heat conductors, transferring heat from the electric heating tank 3 to the wall of the snow collection tube 1. This results in a more uniform heating surface for the snow within the snow collection tube 1, improving melting efficiency and preventing uneven melting of the snow sample due to localized heating at the bottom, which could affect the measurement of snow water equivalent.

[0053] Example 3

[0054] This embodiment is a further limitation based on embodiment 1. The specific improvement is to provide another structure for the snow collection tube 1. Other parts not mentioned refer to embodiment 1 or the prior art.

[0055] To address the issue of snow sample integrity being compromised during upward extraction from snow collection tube 1 due to the vertical tension of the snow, reference is provided. Figure 7 Two semi-circular telescopic parts 15 are symmetrically arranged on the wall of the snow collection pipe 1 near the bottom opening.

[0056] refer to Figure 8 Multiple elastic ropes 16 are fixed between the two semi-circular telescopic components 15; a slider 14 that slides in the circumferential direction is provided on the top opening of the snow collection pipe 1, and the two sliders 14 are fixedly connected to the telescopic ends of the two semi-circular telescopic components 15 by connecting rods 151 passing through the wall of the snow collection pipe 1. (Reference) Figure 8 and Figure 9 Two sliders 14 are used to drive two semi-circular telescopic components 15 to unfold into a ring structure via connecting rod 151. The two sliders 14 on the snow collection tube 1 drive the two semi-circular telescopic components 15 to unfold into a ring structure, causing multiple elastic ropes 16 to partially extend while moving laterally. Thus, the elastic ropes 16 not only cut off the vertical tension generated by the snow accumulation during the upward extraction of snow by the snow collection tube 1, but also, due to the small diameter of the snow collection tube 1, the multiple elastic ropes 16 can also use the interaction force between the snow samples to support the snow samples and prevent them from falling.

[0057] Specifically, both semi-circular telescopic components 15 include multiple slidably connected arc-shaped plates, and an elastic rope 16 is fixed between the bottoms of the two opposing arc-shaped plates. The arc-shaped plates are relatively thin, which helps to reduce the wall thickness of the snow collection tube 1, making it a thin-walled component, which is convenient for carrying and sampling. The elastic rope 16 is located at the bottom of the arc-shaped plates, which facilitates the elastic rope 16 to cut the snow from the bottom opening of the snow collection tube 1.

[0058] In this embodiment, each elastic rope 16 is made of thermally conductive silicone. Thermally conductive silicone not only has elasticity but also thermal conductivity, allowing the snow-collecting tube 1 to be directly inserted into the electric heating tank 3 for heating.

[0059] Although specific embodiments of the invention have been described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, this should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this patent. Various modifications and variations that can be made by a person skilled in the art without inventive effort within the scope described in the claims still fall within the scope of protection of this patent.

Claims

1. A portable field snow cover parameter testing device, characterized in that, include: Snow collection tube (1), the snow collection tube (1) is a transparent cylindrical structure with a hollow interior and open at both ends. The wall surface of the snow collection tube (1) is provided with a length scale for measuring the snow sample thickness and the equivalent depth of snow water and a volume scale for measuring the snow sample volume. Electronic scale (2), the housing of the electronic scale (2) is provided with an electric heating tank (3) for melting the snow sample inside the snow collection tube (1); The bottom opening and top opening of the snow collection tube (1) are respectively provided with a first iris aperture structure (11) and a second iris aperture structure (12). The first iris aperture structure (11) includes multiple inclined grooves (112) that are disposed through the wall of the snow collection tube (1). The multiple inclined grooves (112) are circumferentially distributed and each inclined groove (112) is slidably provided with a hinge shaft (13). Each hinge shaft (13) is provided with a first aperture blade (111). The second iris aperture structure (12) includes a circular plate (121) disposed on the top opening end of the snow collection tube (1). The circular plate (121) has multiple straight grooves (123) distributed in a circumferential direction. One end of multiple hinge shafts (13) is slidably disposed in the multiple straight grooves (123) and is fixedly connected to multiple second aperture blades (122). In the rotating state, the annular plate (121) drives multiple first aperture blades (111) and multiple second aperture blades (122) through multiple hinge shafts (13) to seal the bottom opening and top opening of the snow collection tube (1) respectively.

2. The portable snow cover parameter testing device for the field according to claim 1, characterized in that, The snow collection tube (1) includes multiple threaded tubes connected end to end. Each threaded tube has threads on its inner wall, and the bottom opening of the bottommost threaded tube is detachably connected to the sealing cap.

3. The portable snow cover parameter testing device for the field according to claim 2, characterized in that, All the threaded tubes are housed in a storage box, and the storage box has multiple opening slots that are respectively engaged with the threaded tubes in the accommodating cavity.

4. The portable snow cover parameter testing device for the field according to claim 3, characterized in that, The electric heating tank (3) includes a tank body, and an opening for accommodating the tank body is provided on the side of the housing. The opening is fixedly connected to the tank body by an elastic telescopic member (21).

5. The portable snow cover parameter testing device for the field according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating bottom surface inside the electric heating tank (3) is in contact with multiple first aperture blades (111) and multiple hinge shafts (13).

6. The portable snow cover parameter testing device for the field according to claim 1, characterized in that, Two semi-circular telescopic components (15) are symmetrically arranged on the wall of the snow collection pipe (1) near the bottom opening, and multiple elastic ropes (16) are fixed between the two semi-circular telescopic components (15). The top opening of the snow collection tube (1) is provided with a slider (14) that slides in the circumferential direction. The two sliders (14) are respectively fixedly connected to the telescopic ends of the two semi-circular telescopic members (15) through the connecting rod (151) passing through the wall of the snow collection tube (1). The two sliders (14) are used to drive the two semi-circular telescopic members (15) to unfold into a ring structure through the connecting rod (151).

7. The portable snow cover parameter testing device for the field according to claim 6, characterized in that, Both of the semi-circular telescopic components (15) include multiple slidingly connected arc plates, and the elastic rope (16) is fixed between the bottoms of the two opposing arc plates.

8. The portable snow cover parameter testing device for the field according to claim 7, characterized in that, Each of the elastic cords (16) is made of thermally conductive silicone.

9. The test method of the portable field snow accumulation parameter testing device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, Including the following steps: S1. Place the snow collection tube (1) on the electronic scale (2) for weighing and tare. S2. Insert the snow collection tube (1) vertically into the bottom of the snow to collect the snow sample; S3. Read the snow sample depth and volume by the length and volume scale on the snow sampling tube (1), and use the electronic scale (2) to obtain the weight of the snow sample and calculate the snow sample density. S4. Place the bottom of the snow collection tube (1) into the electric heating tank (3) for heating and snow melting. After the snow melts, obtain the snow water equivalent through the length scale on the snow collection tube (1).

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