A simulation device for surface water runoff on hillsides

Abstract

This invention discloses a hillside surface water runoff simulation device in the field of precipitation simulation equipment, comprising a collection base, a placement frame, a hillside model, and a sprinkler mechanism. It simulates real hillside conditions by setting up a hillside model with soil and vegetation. An array of independently controllable sprinkler heads is arranged above the hillside model; some sprinkler heads are selectively shut off to simulate localized rainfall, and the water pump power is adjusted to simulate different rainfall intensities. Cameras around the collection base synchronously record the runoff process to support 3D animation reconstruction. A dual filtration system using a mesh screen and filter screen traps sediment, enabling quantitative calculation of soil erosion. All components adopt a detachable modular design for easy model replacement and maintenance. This device can accurately simulate the spatial resolution of rainwater runoff, with wide coverage of operating conditions, enabling the recording of water flow and the calculation of soil erosion, providing reliable data support for hillside hydrological mechanism research and mountain water conservancy engineering planning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of precipitation simulation equipment, and more particularly to a device for simulating the runoff process of surface water on hillsides. Background Technology

[0002] Surface water runoff on hillsides is a crucial link in the watershed hydrological cycle. Its process is influenced by a combination of factors, including topographic slope, soil texture, vegetation cover, and rainfall intensity, exhibiting significant spatial heterogeneity and nonlinearity. Accurate simulation of this process is of significant theoretical and engineering value for hydrological forecasting, soil erosion control, flash flood early warning, rational allocation of water resources in mountainous areas, and preliminary planning and scheme selection for water conservancy projects in mountainous regions. Especially under complex mountainous conditions, surface runoff generation and runoff mechanisms often involve the coupling of multiple modes, such as infiltration runoff, saturation runoff, and interflow. These mechanisms are extremely sensitive to changes in micro-topography, and traditional lumped hydrological models or single physical experimental methods are insufficient to fully reveal their underlying mechanisms.

[0003] Currently, simulation studies of hillside hydrological processes mainly employ three technical approaches: numerical simulation, in-situ field observation, and indoor physical simulation. Regarding indoor physical simulation, existing precipitation simulation devices mostly only demonstrate the macroscopic phenomena of precipitation and water runoff, failing to systematically simulate the comprehensive impact of precipitation on topographic shaping, soil structure evolution, and vegetation hydrological effects. For example, a laboratory rainfall simulation device disclosed in patent document CN1560820A simulates precipitation in different areas by setting up multiple nozzles and using solenoid valves to control the opening and closing of each nozzle. However, such devices typically only focus on simulating the spatial distribution of rainfall, lacking the ability to dynamically depict the evolution of micro-topography on the slope, and cannot demonstrate the topographic reshaping process driven by the coupling of rainfall, runoff, and erosion. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a hillside surface water runoff simulation device that can comprehensively consider the coupling effects of multiple factors such as topography, soil, vegetation, and rainfall to overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies and provide more reliable experimental methods and technical support for hillside hydrological mechanism research and mountain water conservancy engineering planning. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings of existing precipitation simulation devices, the technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a simulation device for the surface water confluence process on hillsides that can display water flow and soil erosion.

[0005] The technical solution adopted by this invention to solve its technical problem is: A device for simulating the surface water runoff process on a hillside includes a hillside model and a spraying mechanism installed above the hillside model. It also includes a collection base and a placement frame. The collection base is a cavity structure with enclosures on all four sides. One of the enclosures has a drain pipe with a filter screen. The placement frame is placed inside the collection base by its bottom legs. The bottom plate of the placement frame is a mesh plate. The hillside model is placed on the mesh plate. The surface of the hillside model is covered with a layer of soil, and vegetation is planted on the soil.

[0006] Furthermore, the inner side of the base plate of the collection base is provided with multiple plug-in sockets, and the support legs at the bottom of the placement frame are detachably plugged into the plug-in sockets.

[0007] Furthermore, the enclosure of the collection base is provided with a drain outlet connected to the drain pipe. The inner side of the drain outlet is provided with a threaded structure and a filter screen threadedly connected thereto. A filter screen is provided in the middle of the filter screen, and a handle is provided at the end of the filter screen.

[0008] Furthermore, it also includes multiple cameras, which are fixed around the collection base by support columns.

[0009] Furthermore, the spraying mechanism includes a water tank and a top box connected by a water supply pipe. The water tank is located on the side of the collection base, and the top box is fixed above the collection base by columns on both sides. The water tank is equipped with a water pump that sends water into the top box through the water supply pipe, and the bottom of the top box is equipped with multiple spray heads that are controlled to open and close by a valve mechanism.

[0010] Furthermore, the valve mechanism includes a sliding column and an adjusting stud. The bottom of the top box is provided with a water outlet connected to the sandblasting head, and the top is provided with a guide hole facing the water outlet. The sliding column is slidably disposed in the guide hole, and a sealing plug is provided at the bottom of the sliding column. The adjusting stud is arranged side by side with the sliding column, and its lower end is rotatably connected to the top of the top box. The side of the sliding column is provided with a connecting lug that is threadedly connected to the adjusting stud. The water outlet is opened and closed by rotating the adjusting stud to make the sliding column slide up and down.

[0011] Furthermore, the spray heads are arranged in a rectangular or circular array at the bottom of the top box, covering the entire hillside model with a spray range, and each spray head is individually equipped with a valve mechanism.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. Through multiple sprinkler heads arranged in an array and an independent valve control mechanism, some sprinkler heads can be selectively shut off. At the same time, in conjunction with the water pump power adjustment, it can realistically simulate local rainfall scenarios on hillsides and different rainfall intensities, significantly improving the spatial resolution and coverage of rainfall simulation, and overcoming the shortcomings of existing devices that can only simulate uniform rainfall. 2. The system utilizes multi-angle cameras to simultaneously record the confluence process and supports 3D animation reconstruction, providing intuitive and quantifiable visualization data for hydrological mechanism research and engineering planning, facilitating report presentation and subsequent simulation calculations; 3. Through the dual filtration and collection system of mesh and filter screen, the sediment and vegetation debris carried by runoff can be accurately intercepted and recycled, supporting the quantitative calculation of soil and water loss and vegetation erosion, and providing accurate data support for slope erosion research. 4. Each functional component adopts a detachable and modular design, such as the plug-in fit between the placement frame and the collection base, and the threaded connection between the filter screen and the drain outlet, which facilitates the replacement of the hillside model, cleaning of the filter screen and equipment maintenance, and improves the convenience of experimental operation and the efficiency of repeated experiments. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention. Figure 2 ; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the placement frame and hillside model structure of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a partial exploded view of the collection base of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a partial half-sectional view of the top box of the present invention.

[0014] The diagram is labeled as follows: 1-Collection base, 2-Filter screen, 3-Placement frame, 4-Support column, 5-Top box, 6-Water tank, 7-Slope model, 101-Plug-in socket, 102-Drain pipe, 103-Drain outlet, 201-Filter screen, 202-Handle, 301-Screw plate, 302-Leg, 401-Camera, 501-Outlet, 502-Spray head, 503-Guide hole, 504-Sliding column, 505-Sealing plug, 506-Connecting ear, 507-Threaded hole, 508-Adjusting stud, 509-Column, 601-Water supply pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0015] The invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] It should be noted that if this invention uses directional terms such as up, down, left, right, front, and back, these are for describing the relative positions of components and are not specific references to the absolute positions of related components or the relationships between them. They are only used to explain the relative positional relationships and movements of components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indication will also change accordingly. If this invention uses terms related to quantity such as "many," "multiple," or "several," these specifically refer to two or more.

[0017] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown, this invention provides a hillside surface water confluence simulation device, comprising a hillside model 7 and a spraying mechanism positioned above the hillside model 7, as well as a collection base 1 and a placement frame 3. The collection base 1 is a cavity structure surrounded by barriers, one of which has a drainage pipe 102 with a filter screen. The placement frame 3 is placed inside the collection base 1 via bottom support legs 302, and its base plate is a mesh plate 301. The hillside model 7 is placed on the mesh plate 301, and a layer of soil is laid on the surface of the hillside model 7, on which vegetation is planted. In actual production, the hillside model 7 can be fabricated using 3D printing technology based on three-dimensional survey data of a real mountain to ensure the authenticity of the terrain; the thickness of the soil layer can be adjusted according to experimental requirements, typically 2 cm to 5 cm, and the vegetation should preferably be shallow-rooted herbaceous plants to simulate the real slope cover. The mesh plate 301 is preferably made of stainless steel mesh or metal mesh, and its aperture should be such that it can stably support the hillside model 7 and the soil above, while allowing the sediment carried by the runoff to pass through smoothly. The enclosure height of the collection base 1 should be higher than the maximum runoff depth during the test to prevent liquid overflow.

[0018] like Figure 1 , Figure 3 As shown, to facilitate the fixing of the placement frame 3, multiple insertion seats 101 are provided on the inner side of the base plate of the collection base 1. The support legs 302 at the bottom of the placement frame 3 are detachably inserted into the insertion seats 101. The insertion seats 101 can be configured as cylindrical or square tube structures, and the lower ends of the support legs 302 form a clearance fit or transition fit with them, which facilitates quick positioning and disassembly. When it is necessary to change the hillside model 7 with different slopes or terrain features, the placement frame 3 can be separated from the collection base 1 simply by lifting it as a whole, without the need to rearrange the spraying mechanism and other components, which significantly improves the efficiency of test preparation and the versatility of the device.

[0019] like Figure 4As shown, to facilitate drainage and sand control, a drainage outlet 103 connected to a drainage pipe 102 is provided on the enclosure of the collection base 1. The inner side of the drainage outlet 103 has a threaded structure and a filter screen 2 threadedly connected to it. A filter screen 201 is located in the middle of the filter screen 2, and a handle 202 is located at the end of the filter screen 2. The filter screen 2 forms a detachable sealed connection with the drainage outlet 103 through the threaded structure. The filter screen 201 can be made of stainless steel wire mesh, and its mesh size is determined according to the particle size of the sediment used in the experiment. For example, a mesh size of 20 to 40 can be used to effectively intercept sediment and vegetation debris in the runoff without affecting the drainage speed. After the experiment, the operator can rotate the filter screen 2 by holding the handle 202 to remove it from the drainage outlet 103, facilitating the cleaning of intercepted materials and unblocking the filter screen 201 to avoid clogging and ensure smooth drainage and accurate soil erosion measurement in the next experiment.

[0020] To simultaneously record the confluence process during the experiment and facilitate subsequent research, multiple cameras 401 are included. These cameras 401 are fixed to the perimeter of the collection base 1 by support columns 4. Preferably, four cameras 401 are arranged at the four corners of the collection base 1. The height of the support columns 4 is adjustable, allowing each camera lens's optical axis to form a 30° to 60° pitch angle with the surface of the hillside model 7, thus obtaining the optimal slope coverage perspective. Each camera 401 can be connected to a computer via a data cable, importing the captured image sequences into 3D reconstruction software. Using feature point matching and point cloud generation techniques, a 3D dynamic image of the entire process of surface water confluence and slope erosion evolution is reconstructed, providing intuitive and quantifiable visual data support for hydrological mechanism analysis, confluence model verification, and engineering scheme reporting.

[0021] For the spraying mechanism, the solution adopted in this invention is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the spraying mechanism includes a water tank 6 and a top tank 5 connected by a water supply pipe 601. The water tank 6 is located on the side of the collection base 1, and the top tank 5 is fixed above the collection base 1 by two side columns 509. The water tank 6 contains a water pump that delivers water to the top tank 5 through the water supply pipe 601. The bottom of the top tank 5 has multiple spray heads 502 controlled by a valve mechanism. The volume of the water tank 6 is determined based on the total rainfall required for a single test. The internal water pump is preferably a submersible pump with adjustable flow rate and head. By changing the pump's output power, the water flow rate in the water supply pipe 601 can be precisely controlled, thus simulating different rainfall intensities from light rain to heavy rain. The top tank 5 is a sealed hollow box, and a pressure equalization plate can be installed inside to ensure uniform water pressure at each outlet 501, guaranteeing consistent water flow rate from each spray head 502. The spray heads 502 can be atomizing nozzles, making the sprayed water droplet size close to natural rainfall, improving the realism of the rainfall simulation.

[0022] Valve mechanisms can take many forms, such as ordinary rotary valves or solenoid valves. This invention, based on the specific structure of the top box 5, provides a valve mechanism that is convenient for manual control, as detailed below. Figure 5 As shown, the valve mechanism includes a sliding column 504 and an adjusting stud 508. The bottom of the top box 5 has a water outlet 501 connected to the spray head 502, and the top has a guide hole 503 facing the water outlet 501. The sliding column 504 is slidably disposed within the guide hole 503, and a sealing plug 505 is located at the bottom of the sliding column 504. The adjusting stud 508 is arranged parallel to the sliding column 504, and its lower end is rotatably connected to the top of the top box 5. A connecting lug 506 is located on the side of the sliding column 504, and a threaded hole 507 is provided on the connecting lug 506 for threaded connection with the adjusting stud 508. The valve mechanism opens and closes the water outlet 501 by rotating the adjusting stud 508 to move the sliding column 504 and the sealing plug 505 up and down. A sealing sleeve can be embedded in the guide hole 503 to form a sealed sliding fit with the sliding column 504, ensuring smooth movement of the sliding column 504 and preventing leakage. The sealing plug 505 can be made of elastic rubber or silicone, and its lower end face can be machined into a conical or flat surface that matches the upper end face of the outlet 501 to ensure a reliable seal when closed. A knob or handle can be provided at the upper end of the adjusting stud 508 for easy and precise manual operation. By rotating the adjusting stud 508 in either the forward or reverse direction, the rotational motion is converted into the linear lifting motion of the sliding column 504 via threaded transmission, causing the sealing plug 505 to move away from or press against the outlet 501. This achieves independent opening and closing control of the spray head 502 in this path, offering advantages such as high adjustment accuracy, simple structure, and reliable sealing.

[0023] To accommodate the large-scale hillside model 7, the spray heads 502 can be arranged in a rectangular or circular array at the bottom of the top box 5, covering the entire hillside model 7. Each spray head 502 is individually equipped with a valve mechanism, allowing researchers to selectively close one or more spray heads 502 as needed. For example, only the central area spray heads can be opened to simulate central rainstorm conditions, or only the edge spray heads can be opened to simulate slope edge rainfall, or a certain sector can be closed to simulate the topographic rain shadow effect. This realistically reproduces the complex spatial heterogeneous rainfall distribution in nature, providing a reliable physical experimental platform for studying surface runoff generation, confluence, and erosion mechanisms under localized rainfall conditions.

[0024] The following further describes the complete operation procedure for conducting a hillside surface water runoff simulation experiment using the device described in this invention.

[0025] Before the experiment, a hillside model 7 was fabricated using 3D printing technology based on the 3D mapping data of the target mountain. A layer of experimental soil approximately 3 cm thick was evenly laid on its surface, and suitable herbaceous plants were then planted to simulate the vegetation cover of a real slope. The prepared hillside model 7 was then placed stably on the mesh plate 301. The support legs 302 at the bottom of the placement frame 3 were aligned with the insertion sockets 101 on the inner side of the base plate of the collection base 1 and inserted downwards to secure it, completing the positioning and installation of the hillside model 7. Subsequently, sufficient clean water was added to the water tank 6, and the sealing of the water supply pipe 601 and the top box 5 was checked. It was confirmed that the spray heads 502 and the water outlets 501 were smoothly connected. Each camera 401 was fixed to the four corners of the collection base 1 using the support columns 4. The lens tilt angle was adjusted so that its optical axis covered the entire slope surface of the hillside model 7. Finally, a data transmission connection was established between the cameras 401 and the computer.

[0026] During the formal test, the water pump in the water tank 6 is started, and clean water enters the top tank 5 through the water supply pipe 601, and then is distributed to the sprinkler heads 502 through the outlets 501, forming a uniform spray that falls onto the surface of the hillside model 7. By adjusting the output power of the water pump, different intensities of rainfall can be simulated. When it is necessary to simulate local rainfall, for the sprinkler head 502 in a specific area, the corresponding adjusting stud 508 is rotated forward, causing the connecting lug 506 to drive the sliding column 504 to slide downward along the guide hole 503. The sealing plug 505 then tightens and seals the outlet 501 of that path, cutting off the water supply to the sprinkler head 502, thereby creating a spatially heterogeneous rainfall scenario where only a part of the area is affected by rain. During rainfall, surface runoff generated on the slope carries sediment and vegetation debris down the hillside model 7. After initial filtration by the mesh plate 301, it falls into the collection base 1. Meanwhile, finer suspended matter in the runoff is intercepted a second time by the filter screen 201 in the filter screen 2 when it flows through the drain outlet 103. At the same time, the four corner cameras 401 synchronously acquire image sequences of slope runoff and erosion evolution at a set frame rate.

[0027] After the experiment, the water pump was turned off to stop rainfall. Once the liquid in the collection base 1 was mostly drained, the sediment and debris trapped by the filter plug 2 were collected. Simultaneously, the placement frame 3 was removed, and larger particles of sediment trapped on the mesh plate 301 were recovered. All collected sediment was weighed, and the slope soil erosion rate could be calculated by combining this with the total experimental rainfall. The image sequence captured by the camera 401 was imported into 3D reconstruction software. After feature point matching and point cloud processing, a 3D dynamic animation of the surface water runoff process was generated for hydrological mechanism analysis, runoff generation and confluence model verification, and engineering scheme reporting. Finally, the surfaces of all components were cleaned, and the placement frame 3 and the hillside model 7 were disassembled, completing all operations for this experiment and preparing for the next repeated experiment or a change in operating conditions.

Claims

1. A device for simulating the surface water runoff process on a hillside, comprising a hillside model (7) and a spraying mechanism disposed above the hillside model (7), characterized in that: It also includes a collection base (1) and a placement frame (3). The collection base (1) is a cavity structure with a surrounding enclosure. One of the enclosures is equipped with a drain pipe (102) with a filter screen. The placement frame (3) is placed inside the collection base (1) by the bottom support leg (302). The bottom plate of the placement frame (3) is a mesh plate (301). The hillside model (7) is placed on the mesh plate (301). The surface of the hillside model (7) is covered with a layer of soil, and vegetation is planted on the soil.

2. The hillside surface water runoff simulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The inner side of the base plate of the collection base (1) is provided with multiple plug-in sockets (101), and the support legs (302) at the bottom of the placement frame (3) are detachably plugged into the plug-in sockets (101).

3. The hillside surface water runoff simulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The collection base (1) has a drain outlet (103) connected to the drain pipe (102) on its enclosure. The drain outlet (103) has a threaded structure and a filter screen (2) connected to it. The filter screen (2) has a filter mesh (201) in the middle and a handle (202) at the end of the filter screen (2).

4. The hillside surface water runoff simulation device as described in claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes multiple cameras (401), which are fixed around the collection base (1) by support columns (4).

5. A hillside surface water runoff simulation device as described in any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that: The spraying mechanism includes a water tank (6) and a top box (5) connected by a water supply pipe (601). The water tank (6) is located on the side of the collection base (1). The top box (5) is fixed above the collection base (1) by two columns (509) on both sides. The water tank (6) is equipped with a water pump that sends water into the top box (5) through the water supply pipe (601). The bottom of the top box (5) is equipped with multiple spray heads (502) that are controlled to open and close by a valve mechanism.

6. The hillside surface water runoff simulation device as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The valve mechanism includes a sliding column (504) and an adjusting stud (508). The bottom of the top box (5) is provided with a water outlet (501) connected to the spray head (502), and the top is provided with a guide hole (503) facing the water outlet (501). The sliding column (504) is slidably disposed in the guide hole (503). The bottom of the sliding column (504) is provided with a sealing plug (505). The adjusting stud (508) is arranged side by side with the sliding column (504), and its lower end is rotatably connected to the top of the top box (5). The side of the sliding column (504) is provided with a connecting ear (506) threadedly connected to the adjusting stud (508). The valve mechanism realizes the opening and closing of the water outlet (501) by rotating the adjusting stud (508) to drive the sliding column (504) and the sealing plug (505) to move up and down.

7. The hillside surface water runoff simulation device as described in claim 6, characterized in that: The spray heads (502) are arranged in a rectangular or circular array at the bottom of the top box (5), and the spraying range covers the entire hillside model (7). Each spray head (502) is equipped with a valve mechanism.

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