Electric contact type water level monitoring device suitable for multiple scenes

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of electric contact type water level monitoring devices suitable for multiple scenes.The device includes vertically arranged measuring cylinder, several electric contact electrodes distributed along the axis of measuring cylinder, corresponding detection circuit for each electrode, signal conversion unit, set top box and sealing flange assembly.The core improvement is that electric contact electrode is independently installed by insulating positioning frame, and adopts multi-column spiral three-dimensional layout, so that electrode can be densely and staggered arranged in axial and circumferential direction, which greatly improves measurement resolution and space utilization.Sealing flange assembly adopts three-layer sandwich structure of "upper flange-insulating plate-lower flange", which realizes reliable insulation and sealing transition of signal wire from water cavity to sealed electrical cavity.The application detects water level by the conduction state of discrete electric contact, and forms continuous water level signal after signal conversion, which has the advantages of high precision, good stability, strong anti-interference ability and suitability for complex natural water body.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water level monitoring technology in water conservancy and transportation, and is particularly applicable to electrical contact type water level monitoring devices for multiple scenarios. Background Technology

[0002] Real-time and accurate water level monitoring is crucial for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of various scenarios, including inland and coastal shipping, dock operations, port scheduling, reservoir management, river and lake management, and urban flood control. However, in complex natural water environments, the long-term stability and lifespan of monitoring devices are the core bottlenecks restricting monitoring reliability. Traditional water level measurement methods, such as float-type, pressure-type, and radar-type sensors, generally suffer from insufficient stability, susceptibility to damage and failure, and limited lifespan. Furthermore, their adaptability to different scenarios is limited, making it difficult to meet the long-term monitoring needs of multiple fields. Specifically, float-type sensors are susceptible to wind, waves, and mechanical friction; pressure-type sensors are sensitive to changes in water quality and temperature; and radar-type sensors exhibit significant errors under fluctuating water surfaces and complex weather conditions.

[0003] Furthermore, natural water bodies (especially nearshore waters) are corrosive, placing higher demands on the corrosion resistance of sensor materials and their electrical insulation performance under long-term immersion. Additionally, the measuring cylinder contains a watery environment, while the signal conversion unit needs to be housed in a dry, sealed set-top box. The wiring connections between these units at the chamber's penetration points are at risk of sealing and insulation failure. Leaks could lead to short circuits or damage, further shortening the device's lifespan. Therefore, there is an urgent need for a new type of water level monitoring device that can meet the long-term stable monitoring requirements of various scenarios, addressing the problems of insufficient stability, susceptibility to failure, and short lifespan of traditional water level monitoring devices. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides an electrical contact-type water level monitoring device suitable for multiple scenarios, comprising: The measuring cylinder is set vertically and its interior is used to contain water that is connected to the water body being measured. A common ground electrode is pre-installed on the cylinder wall. Electrical contact electrodes are distributed along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder. Several electrodes are independently fixed inside the measuring cylinder through an insulating structure, with their detection ends exposed inside the measuring cylinder cavity. A detection circuit corresponding to each of the electrical contact electrodes, each detection circuit includes a signal wire connected to the electrical contact electrode and a status indicator set in the signal wire loop, the detection circuit and the common ground electrode together form a switching loop with water as the conducting medium. The signal conversion unit is electrically connected to each of the detection circuits and is used to collect the conduction switching signals of each electrical contact electrode and process them into a continuous analog or digital water level signal. A sealed set-top box for housing the signal conversion unit and the upstream wiring portions of each detection circuit; A sealing flange assembly is connected between the top of the measuring cylinder and the bottom of the set-top box to achieve a sealed transition and electrical insulation of the signal wire from the water-filled space to the water-free space.

[0005] Furthermore, it also includes an electrode positioning system, which includes a fixed frame arranged along the inner wall of the measuring cylinder and several independent positioning frames mounted on the fixed frame; each positioning frame is made of insulating material and carries the electrical contact electrode, the detection end of the electrode extending oriented into the central region of the inner cavity of the measuring cylinder.

[0006] Furthermore, the electrode positioning system adopts a multi-row spiral three-dimensional layout, specifically as follows: The plurality of positioning frames are divided into at least three columns along the circumference of the measuring cylinder on a horizontal plane; The positioning frames are arranged at preset intervals along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder in the vertical direction; The positioning frames in different columns are staggered in the vertical direction, so that all the positioning frames form a distribution pattern in space that spirals upward around the axis of the measuring cylinder.

[0007] Furthermore, the at least three rows of positioning frames are centrally symmetrically distributed on the horizontal projection plane with the axis of the measuring cylinder as the center.

[0008] Furthermore, along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder, any two adjacent electrical contact electrodes on the vertical projection belong to different positioning frames, thereby achieving dense electrode distribution within a limited axial distance while ensuring the physical spatial independence of each electrode, its positioning frame, and wires, thus avoiding interference.

[0009] Furthermore, the sealing flange assembly includes: The lower flange is sealed to the upper end of the measuring cylinder, and has a concentric first boss and a first groove on the side facing the set-top box; The upper flange is sealed to the bottom of the set-top box, and a second groove corresponding to the structure of the lower flange is provided on the side facing the measuring cylinder; An insulating plate made of polytetrafluoroethylene is sandwiched between the lower flange and the upper flange; the insulating plate has a number of micro-holes for threading corresponding to the number of electrodes; The first boss of the lower flange is embedded in the second groove of the upper flange. The insulating plate is pressed between the first groove of the lower flange and the end face of the upper flange, or between the first boss and the bottom surface of the second groove. The signal wires of each electrode pass through the lower flange, the wire-passing micro-hole of the insulating plate and the upper flange in sequence to enter the set-top box, and are sealed at the wire-passing micro-hole.

[0010] Furthermore, the sum of the depth of the first groove of the lower flange and the thickness of the end face of the upper flange is less than the thickness of the insulating plate, so that when the upper and lower flanges are locked by fasteners, the insulating plate undergoes elastic compression deformation to achieve axial sealing; at the same time, the first boss and the second groove adopt a clearance fit to achieve radial positioning.

[0011] Furthermore, the status indicator is a light-emitting diode, which is located on the outer surface or inside of the set-top box and is used to visually display whether the corresponding electrical contact electrode is in contact with water and conducting.

[0012] Secondly, the present invention also provides a water level monitoring system, which uses any of the electric contact type water level monitoring devices applicable to multiple scenarios, including the water level monitoring device and a remote monitoring platform; the signal conversion unit transmits the water level signal to the remote monitoring platform through a wired or wireless communication module, and the platform is used to record and display the water level change trend in the form of a time-water level curve.

[0013] Thirdly, the present invention also provides a method for arranging electrodes inside the measuring cylinder of an electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios, as described in any one of the claims, comprising the following steps: Determine the axial measurement range and required measurement accuracy of the measuring cylinder; Determine the target spacing of the electrical contact electrodes in the axial direction based on the accuracy requirements; The total number of electrodes is divided into at least three columns, and an axial position is assigned to each column of electrodes, so that the axial positions of the electrodes in each column are staggered. Design and manufacture several independent positioning frames, and install each electrode in the corresponding positioning frame according to the assigned column and axial position; All the positioning frames that support the electrodes are installed on the fixed frame inside the measuring cylinder, forming a multi-row spiral three-dimensional layout.

[0014] The electrical contact-type water level monitoring device provided by this invention, applicable to multiple scenarios, can bring significant beneficial effects: In terms of stability and service life, this invention utilizes a multi-row spiral three-dimensional electrode positioning system to group electrical contact electrodes and arrange them in a three-dimensional staggered arrangement along the axial and circumferential directions of the measuring cylinder. This achieves high-density axial arrangement while avoiding wire entanglement, enabling centimeter-level real-time water level monitoring and significantly improving water level measurement resolution. Each electrode is fixed by an independent insulating positioning frame, ensuring electrical isolation between electrodes and effectively preventing short circuits and false triggering. Combined with a switch detection method using water as the conducting medium, it is insensitive to changes in water quality and temperature, has strong anti-interference capabilities, and excellent wind resistance, making it particularly suitable for areas affected by strong typhoons. It is especially well-suited for natural water environments with frequent waves and currents, ensuring long-term stable and reliable data acquisition. The three-layer structure of the sealing flange assembly, with stainless steel flanges clamping PTFE insulating plates, significantly reduces the risk of leakage between the water-containing space and the water-free sealed cavity. In terms of measurement accuracy, this invention provides intuitive feedback on the electrode conduction status through an independent detection circuit and a status indicator, ensuring reliable display. The signal conversion unit can convert discrete switching signals into continuous water level signals through an adaptation algorithm, ensuring accurate data transmission, facilitating remote transmission and system integration, and enabling on-site observation and timely decision-making by management departments.

[0015] In terms of operation and maintenance costs, this invention is quick and easy to deploy and install. It can be flexibly installed on the facade of various water-adjacent structures using brackets and clamps, without the need for supporting well logging civil engineering, thus saving high construction costs. The overall structure is simple, with few vulnerable parts, resulting in low maintenance costs and a significantly better cost-performance ratio than traditional monitoring products. In terms of scalability, this invention can simultaneously integrate a temperature sensor to achieve integrated monitoring of water level and water temperature at different water depths, further broadening the adaptability of application scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the mounting flange of the electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the electrode positioning plate inside the measuring cylinder of the electric contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios provided in this application embodiment; Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the measuring cylinder of the electric contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios provided in this application embodiment, with the cylinder perpendicular to the water surface; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the planar layout of the measuring point positioning plate of the electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, specific embodiments of this application will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely for explaining this application and not for limiting it. It should also be noted that, for ease of description, only the parts relevant to this application are shown in the drawings, not all of them. Before discussing exemplary embodiments in more detail, it should be mentioned that some exemplary embodiments are described as processes or methods depicted as flowcharts. Although the flowcharts describe operations (or steps) as being processed sequentially, many of these operations can be performed in parallel, concurrently, or simultaneously. Furthermore, the order of the operations can be rearranged. A process can be terminated when its operation is completed, but it may also have additional steps not included in the drawings. A process can correspond to a method, function, procedure, subroutine, subroutine, etc.

[0018] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and not to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such use of data can be interchanged where appropriate so that embodiments of this application can be implemented in orders other than those illustrated or described herein, and the objects distinguished by "first," "second," etc., are generally of the same class and the number of objects is not limited; for example, a first object can be one or more. Furthermore, in the specification and claims, "and / or" indicates at least one of the connected objects, and the character " / " generally indicates that the preceding and following objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0019] It should be noted beforehand that this invention also solves another additional technical problem: as a water level monitoring device, it is necessary to achieve the basic requirement of high precision. However, existing electrical contact type water level monitoring devices usually require a large number of electrodes to be densely arranged along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder, which brings structural design difficulties: if the electrodes are arranged along a single circumference or a single electrode column, the wires will be tangled together, making installation and maintenance difficult. Moreover, the electrode spacing is limited by the physical dimensions of the electrodes and the insulation structure itself, making it difficult to further reduce the spacing and limiting the improvement of resolution.

[0020] This embodiment redesigns the position of the measuring points within a traditional electric contact type water level measuring cylinder. In similar measurement methods, the spacing between the electric contact electrodes is relatively large, which cannot meet the requirements of instantaneous water level fluctuations in natural water bodies across various scenarios. This application specifically addresses the significant improvement in the spacing between points, employing a groundbreaking overall design of the positioning plate and a three-dimensional spatial arrangement of the electric contact electrodes. This further reduces the physical distance between adjacent electric contact electrodes, further emphasizing its "high precision" and maximizing the accuracy of accurate water level measurements. The planar arrangement of the positioning plate is as follows... Figure 4As shown, the adjacent positioning plates are arranged in a cross shape with the axis of the measuring cylinder as the axis, and rise longitudinally in a spiral. This achieves the purpose of both dense and independent adjacent points. Compared with the scheme of two symmetrical positioning plates, this scheme can further improve the density of points, that is, further improve the measurement accuracy. At the same time, it also simplifies the installation and maintenance of traditional electric contact type water level measuring cylinders.

[0021] refer to Figures 1-5 This embodiment provides an electrical contact type water level monitoring device suitable for multiple scenarios, including: The measuring cylinder is set vertically and its interior is used to contain water that is connected to the water body being measured. A common ground electrode is pre-installed on the cylinder wall. Electrical contact electrodes are distributed along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder. Several electrodes are independently fixed inside the measuring cylinder through an insulating structure, with their detection ends exposed inside the measuring cylinder cavity. A detection circuit corresponding to each of the electrical contact electrodes, each detection circuit includes a signal wire connected to the electrical contact electrode and a status indicator set in the signal wire loop, the detection circuit and the common ground electrode together form a switching loop with water as the conducting medium. The signal conversion unit is electrically connected to each of the detection circuits and is used to collect the conduction switching signals of each electrical contact electrode and process them into a continuous analog or digital water level signal. A sealed set-top box for housing the signal conversion unit and the upstream wiring portions of each detection circuit; A sealing flange assembly is connected between the top of the measuring cylinder and the bottom of the set-top box to achieve a sealed transition and electrical insulation of the signal wire from the water-filled space to the water-free space.

[0022] It should be noted that a vertically positioned cylindrical measuring cylinder, made of 316L stainless steel, has a water inlet at its lower end connecting to a natural water body. The inner wall of the cylinder is equipped with a stainless steel ground electrode. Several electrical contact electrodes, each a corrosion-resistant platinum-iridium alloy probe, are arranged along the axial direction inside the measuring cylinder and fixed within the cylinder by an independent PTFE insulating sleeve. Corresponding to each electrode is an independent detection circuit, each circuit including an insulated wire and a light-emitting diode indicator. The detection circuit and the ground electrode together form a loop. The signal conversion unit is located outside a sealed set-top box at the top of the measuring cylinder. This unit contains a microprocessor module and a signal conditioning module, capable of scanning and processing the on / off status of all electrodes. A sealed flange assembly is located between the top of the measuring cylinder and the set-top box. This assembly consists of upper and lower stainless steel flanges and a PTFE insulating plate in the middle. All signal wires pass through small holes in the insulating plate and are sealed with epoxy resin sealant, achieving reliable isolation between the water-filled space and the dry electrical space.

[0023] In this embodiment, compared with existing water level monitoring devices of various types, the present invention has significant advantages, taking the float-type water level monitoring device as an example: First, the civil engineering costs associated with installing the float-type water level monitoring device are high. Second, during typhoon seasons or other conditions that cause the float to fluctuate violently, it generates a large amount of erroneous data, leading to significant measurement deviations. Furthermore, maintenance is required after a typhoon, resulting in relatively high operating costs. Third, when the pull rope becomes tangled, the float can get stuck, also causing a decrease in the quality of the measurement data. Finally, the well is easily blocked by debris during the measurement process, causing a blockage in the water level inside and outside the well, resulting in measurement failure.

[0024] Let's take radar-based water level monitoring devices as another example: First, in extreme weather conditions or when there are many floating objects, the measurement signal often feeds back incorrectly, leading to measurement distortion. Second, during typhoon season, waves cause severe scattering of radar waves, resulting in weaker or distorted echo signals, and measurement values ​​may fluctuate between positive and negative, causing measurement data errors and a decrease in data quality. Finally, in heavy rain or other weather conditions with large raindrops, the raindrops attenuate and scatter microwave signals, causing temporary signal loss and increasing measurement data errors.

[0025] Let's take a pressure-type water level monitoring device as an example: First, the pressure-type water level monitoring device is prone to blockage in the air inlet tube and diaphragm, which increases maintenance costs and can also cause measurement deviations due to the influence of water density. Second, during typhoon season or when there are large waves, the waves cause dynamic changes in water pressure, and the sensor directly records readings containing a lot of water pressure noise and fluctuating wildly, resulting in significant deviations in the measurement data. Finally, in a high-speed water flow environment, the water flow will generate dynamic water pressure on the sensor, which will lead to higher measured values.

[0026] Compared to the three water level monitoring devices mentioned above, this invention, through the collaborative structural design of the measuring cylinder, electrical contact electrodes, detection circuit, signal conversion unit, sealed set-top box, and sealed flange assembly, achieves further improvement in stability while reducing operation and maintenance costs. This invention eliminates the need for supporting well logging civil engineering, saving the high civil engineering costs of float-type devices. It also eliminates components that are prone to failure or interference, such as floats, pull ropes, radar waves, and pressure-sensing diaphragms. This avoids problems such as data errors during typhoons, pull rope jamming, and well blockages in float-type devices, eliminates the signal distortion risk of radar-type devices affected by extreme weather, floating objects, and raindrops, and solves the blockage risks and water pressure fluctuation interference of pressure-type devices. Ultimately, while reducing operation and maintenance costs, it ensures the stability and accuracy of measurement data in natural water bodies in multiple scenarios.

[0027] Furthermore, it also includes an electrode positioning system, which includes a fixed frame arranged along the inner wall of the measuring cylinder and several independent positioning frames mounted on the fixed frame; each positioning frame is made of insulating material and carries the electrical contact electrode, the detection end of the electrode extending oriented into the central region of the inner cavity of the measuring cylinder.

[0028] Furthermore, the electrode positioning system adopts a multi-row spiral three-dimensional layout, specifically as follows: The plurality of positioning frames are divided into at least three columns along the circumference of the measuring cylinder on a horizontal plane; The positioning frames are arranged at preset intervals along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder in the vertical direction; The positioning frames in different columns are staggered in the vertical direction, so that all the positioning frames form a distribution pattern in space that spirals upward around the axis of the measuring cylinder.

[0029] Furthermore, the at least three rows of positioning frames are centrally symmetrically distributed on the horizontal projection plane with the axis of the measuring cylinder as the center.

[0030] Furthermore, along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder, any two adjacent electrical contact electrodes on the vertical projection belong to different positioning frames, thereby achieving dense electrode distribution within a limited axial distance while ensuring the physical spatial independence of each electrode, its positioning frame, and wires, thus avoiding interference.

[0031] Furthermore, the sealing flange assembly includes: The lower flange is sealed to the upper end of the measuring cylinder, and has a concentric first boss and a first groove on the side facing the set-top box; The upper flange is sealed to the bottom of the set-top box, and a second groove corresponding to the structure of the lower flange is provided on the side facing the measuring cylinder; An insulating plate made of polytetrafluoroethylene is sandwiched between the lower flange and the upper flange; the insulating plate has a number of micro-holes for threading corresponding to the number of electrodes; The first boss of the lower flange is embedded in the second groove of the upper flange. The insulating plate is pressed between the first groove of the lower flange and the end face of the upper flange, or between the first boss and the bottom surface of the second groove. The signal wires of each electrode pass through the lower flange, the wire-passing micro-hole of the insulating plate and the upper flange in sequence to enter the set-top box, and are sealed at the wire-passing micro-hole.

[0032] Furthermore, the sum of the depth of the first groove of the lower flange and the thickness of the end face of the upper flange is less than the thickness of the insulating plate, so that when the upper and lower flanges are locked by fasteners, the insulating plate undergoes elastic compression deformation to achieve axial sealing; at the same time, the first boss and the second groove adopt a clearance fit to achieve radial positioning.

[0033] It should be noted that in this embodiment, the installation method is to use a bracket and a clamp to fix the sensor perpendicular to the water surface on the building facade facing the water. The measuring cylinder is installed perpendicular to the water surface, and a frame is fixed inside. Electrical contact electrodes N1, N2, N3, and N4 are mounted on this frame via positioning plates. The horizontal distribution of each electrode is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the vertical position is as follows Figure 5 As shown, the small holes on the positioning plate are used to thread the connecting wires of the electrodes. This high-precision, high-stability electrical contact water level sensor is suitable for various natural and artificial water bodies, including inland rivers, lakes, reservoirs, wetlands, and irrigation canals; near-shore docks, ports, tidal flats, and near-shore aquaculture areas; as well as urban flood control waterways and landscape water areas. It is not limited to waterway scenarios. Its operating temperature range is below 100℃, and its operating pressure does not exceed 2MPa. It has a resolution better than 10mm, achieving centimeter-level real-time water level monitoring. The measurement range is 0–10m, and the measurement frequency can be flexibly set to seconds or minutes according to actual needs, meeting the real-time monitoring requirements of different scenarios. During installation, the device is quick and easy to deploy. It can be vertically fixed to the facade of waterfront buildings using brackets and clamps, eliminating the need for complex construction and well logging, resulting in high installation efficiency. Subsequent maintenance requires less frequent inspections, resulting in low maintenance costs and a significantly better cost-performance ratio than traditional monitoring products.

[0034] refer to Figure 4 In this embodiment, direction A is shown as... Figure 2 The connection between the bottom of the set-top box and the top of the measuring cylinder is achieved through the flange shown in the picture above.

[0035] The flange consists of three parts: upper, middle, and lower. The lower part is used for welding to the measuring cylinder. Six bolt holes are evenly distributed along its outer edge for fastening the upper and lower flanges. A boss A-1a and a coaxial recess A-2a are machined around the center of the cylinder, with the upper edge of A-1a protruding from the flange. The upper part is used for welding to the set-top box. Similarly, six bolt holes are evenly distributed along its outer edge for fastening the upper and lower flanges. Two coaxial recesses A-1b and A-2b are machined around the center of the cylinder. When the two parts are assembled, boss A-1a is inserted into recess A-1b, with a perforated insulating plate A-3 (part 3) inserted between them. The plate's radius is slightly smaller than that of A-2a and A-2b, and its thickness is slightly greater than the sum of the heights of the two recesses A-2a and A-2b. After the upper, middle, and lower parts fit together properly, the six sets of bolts and nuts are tightened.

[0036] The flange is an organic combination of 316L stainless steel and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). The upper and lower components are made of 316L stainless steel, while the middle component is made of PTFE. All components inside the measuring cylinder below the flange can be immersed in water, while the set-top box above the flange, which is the junction for the upper and lower wires, must be kept dry. The flange effectively isolates the water-containing and water-free spaces. The PTFE disc provides both insulation and corrosion resistance. The live signal wire passes through a small hole, is sealed around its circumference, and reliably connects to the uplink wire inside the set-top box, jointly transmitting the water level signal in real time. This allows the upper management platform to promptly obtain the water level change trend, forming a water level change curve with time as the X-axis and water level number as the Y-axis.

[0037] Figure 4 The direction shown in the middle B direction is... Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the electrode positioning plate installation inside the measuring cylinder. Positioning bracket B-1a, where electrical contact electrode N1 is located, and positioning brackets B-1b and B-1c, where N5 and N9 are located, are mounted on the measuring cylinder's fixed frame, with horizontal distribution shown in the diagram. Figure 2 See vertical position Figure 5 When the water surface reaches position N1, the circuit containing N1 is activated; when the water surface reaches position N5, the circuits containing N1, N2, N3, N4, and N5 are activated... All positioning plates are distributed in four columns, longitudinally as follows... Figure 5 As shown, the electrodes spiral upwards sequentially at the installation position height. Electrodes N2, N3, and N4, not shown in the diagram, are fixed to three other horizontal directions and rotated 90° sequentially (e.g., Figure 2 As shown), four spiral positioning plates are formed by sequentially raising the positioning plates to the same height in the vertical direction.

[0038] Furthermore, the status indicator is a light-emitting diode, which is located on the outer surface or inside of the set-top box and is used to visually display whether the corresponding electrical contact electrode is in contact with water and conducting.

[0039] This embodiment also provides a water level monitoring system, employing any of the described multi-scenario applicable electrical contact type water level monitoring devices, including the water level monitoring device and a remote monitoring platform. The signal conversion unit can transmit water level signals to the remote monitoring platform via wired (e.g., Ethernet) or wireless (4G / 5G, LoRa, NB-IoT, etc.) communication modules, adapting to the communication conditions of different scenarios. Examples include low-power communication for remote reservoirs, high-speed network communication for urban rivers and lakes, and stable wireless communication for near-shore docks. The platform records and displays water level change trends in the form of time-water level curves, meeting the monitoring data management needs of multiple fields.

[0040] In some embodiments, the water level monitoring system includes on-site monitoring devices and a remote monitoring platform. The on-site devices are installed in coastal or inland river terminal areas, vertically fixed to the terminal's anti-collision piles, waterfront pillars, or the facade of structures along the terminal edge using brackets and clamps. Deployment and installation are convenient and stable, adaptable to the complex waterfront operating environment of the terminal. The signal conversion unit has a built-in 4G communication module, and the measurement frequency can be flexibly set to the second or minute level, enabling rapid response to water level changes. It collects electrode status data, processes it immediately, and transmits accurate data. The processed water level value is sent to the remote monitoring platform of the terminal operation management center via a mobile network. The monitoring center server runs water level monitoring software, receiving and displaying water level data from the terminal monitoring points in real time, automatically plotting a curve with time as the horizontal axis and water level as the vertical axis, and supporting the setting of high and low water level warning thresholds. When the water level exceeds the warning value, the system automatically sends SMS and email alarms to relevant management personnel, providing real-time water level information and early warning support for terminal vessel berthing scheduling, cargo loading and unloading safety protection, and flood prevention and control of terminal facilities, ensuring safe and efficient terminal operation.

[0041] This embodiment also provides a method for arranging the electrodes inside the measuring cylinder of an electrical contact type water level monitoring device suitable for multiple scenarios, as described in any one of the embodiments, including the following steps: Determine the axial measurement range and required measurement accuracy of the measuring cylinder; Determine the target spacing of the electrical contact electrodes in the axial direction based on the accuracy requirements; The total number of electrodes is divided into at least three columns, and an axial position is assigned to each column of electrodes, so that the axial positions of the electrodes in each column are staggered. Design and manufacture several independent positioning frames, and install each electrode in the corresponding positioning frame according to the assigned column and axial position; All the positioning frames that support the electrodes are installed on the fixed frame inside the measuring cylinder, forming a multi-row spiral three-dimensional layout.

[0042] In some embodiments, the method for implementing the electrode layout inside the measuring cylinder includes the following steps: First, the effective measuring range of the measuring cylinder is determined to be 0-5 meters, with a resolution requirement of 10 mm, thus requiring 500 detection points. Considering structural feasibility, a three-column spiral layout is adopted. The 500 electrodes are evenly distributed into three columns, with 167 electrodes in each column, but in practice, an alternating arrangement is used to ensure a total of 500 electrodes. In the vertical direction, the first column of electrodes is installed at heights of 0 mm, 30 mm, 60 mm…; the second column is installed at heights of 10 mm, 40 mm, 70 mm…; and the third column is installed at heights of 20 mm, 50 mm, 80 mm… A mold for the PTFE positioning frame is designed, with each positioning frame containing electrode mounting holes and wire grooves. The electrodes are installed one by one onto the corresponding positioning frame, and the wire connections are completed. Finally, according to the designed height and angle positions, the positioning frames carrying the electrodes are sequentially installed on the four fixed columns inside the measuring cylinder, forming a three-column spiral upward three-dimensional layout. After installation, the installation height of each electrode is precisely calibrated using a standard water level calibration device, and the height data is stored in the memory of the signal conversion unit.

[0043] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment and the technical principles employed in this application. This application is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein, and various obvious changes, readjustments, and substitutions that can be made by those skilled in the art will not depart from the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, although this application has been described in detail through the above embodiments, this application is not limited to the above embodiments, and may include many other equivalent embodiments without departing from the concept of this application. The scope of this application is determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. An electrical contact type water level monitoring device suitable for multiple scenarios, characterized in that, include: The measuring cylinder is set vertically and its interior is used to contain water that is connected to the water body being measured. A common ground electrode is pre-installed on the cylinder wall. Electrical contact electrodes are distributed along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder. Several electrodes are independently fixed inside the measuring cylinder through an insulating structure, with their detection ends exposed inside the measuring cylinder cavity. A detection circuit corresponding to each of the electrical contact electrodes, each detection circuit includes a signal wire connected to the electrical contact electrode and a status indicator set in the signal wire loop, the detection circuit and the common ground electrode together form a switching loop with water as the conducting medium. The signal conversion unit is electrically connected to each of the detection circuits and is used to collect the conduction switching signals of each electrical contact electrode and process them into a continuous analog or digital water level signal. A sealed set-top box for housing the signal conversion unit and the upstream wiring portions of each detection circuit; A sealing flange assembly is connected between the top of the measuring cylinder and the bottom of the set-top box to achieve a sealed transition and electrical insulation of the signal wire from the water-filled space to the water-free space.

2. The electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an electrode positioning system, which includes a fixed frame arranged along the inner wall of the measuring cylinder and several independent positioning frames mounted on the fixed frame; each positioning frame is made of insulating material and carries the electrical contact electrode, the detection end of the electrode extending oriented into the central region of the inner cavity of the measuring cylinder.

3. The electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios according to claim 2, characterized in that, The electrode positioning system adopts a multi-column spiral three-dimensional layout, specifically as follows: The plurality of positioning frames are divided into at least three columns along the circumference of the measuring cylinder on a horizontal plane; The positioning frames are arranged at preset intervals along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder in the vertical direction; The positioning frames in different columns are staggered in the vertical direction, so that all the positioning frames form a distribution pattern in space that spirals upward around the axis of the measuring cylinder.

4. The electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios according to claim 3, characterized in that, The at least three rows of positioning frames are centrally symmetrically distributed on the horizontal projection plane with the axis of the measuring cylinder as the center.

5. The electrical contact type water level monitoring device suitable for multiple scenarios according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that, Along the axial direction of the measuring cylinder, any two adjacent electrical contact electrodes on the vertical projection belong to different positioning frames, thereby achieving dense electrode distribution within a limited axial distance, while ensuring the physical spatial independence of each electrode, its positioning frame, and wires, and avoiding interference.

6. The electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sealing flange assembly includes: The lower flange is sealed to the upper end of the measuring cylinder, and has a concentric first boss and a first groove on the side facing the set-top box; The upper flange is sealed to the bottom of the set-top box, and a second groove corresponding to the structure of the lower flange is provided on the side facing the measuring cylinder; An insulating plate made of polytetrafluoroethylene is sandwiched between the lower flange and the upper flange; the insulating plate has a number of micro-holes for threading corresponding to the number of electrodes; The first boss of the lower flange is embedded in the second groove of the upper flange. The insulating plate is pressed between the first groove of the lower flange and the end face of the upper flange, or between the first boss and the bottom surface of the second groove. The signal wires of each electrode pass through the lower flange, the wire-passing micro-hole of the insulating plate and the upper flange in sequence to enter the set-top box, and are sealed at the wire-passing micro-hole.

7. The electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios according to claim 6, characterized in that, The sum of the depth of the first groove of the lower flange and the end face thickness of the upper flange is less than the thickness of the insulating plate, so that when the upper and lower flanges are locked by fasteners, the insulating plate undergoes elastic compression deformation to achieve axial sealing; at the same time, the first boss and the second groove adopt a clearance fit to achieve radial positioning.

8. The electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios according to claim 1, characterized in that, The status indicator is a light-emitting diode, which is located on the outer surface or inside of the set-top box and is used to visually display whether the corresponding electrical contact electrode is in contact with water and conducting.

9. A water level monitoring system, employing the electrical contact type water level monitoring device suitable for multiple scenarios as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the water level monitoring device described in any one of the claims, and a remote monitoring platform; the signal conversion unit transmits the water level signal to the remote monitoring platform via a wired or wireless communication module, the platform being used to record and display the water level change trend in the form of a time-water level curve.

10. A method for arranging electrodes inside the measuring cylinder of an electrical contact type water level monitoring device applicable to multiple scenarios, as described in any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, Includes the following steps: Determine the axial measurement range and required measurement accuracy of the measuring cylinder; Determine the target spacing of the electrical contact electrodes in the axial direction based on the accuracy requirements; The total number of electrodes is divided into at least three columns, and an axial position is assigned to each column of electrodes, so that the axial positions of the electrodes in each column are staggered. Design and manufacture several independent positioning frames, and install each electrode in the corresponding positioning frame according to the assigned column and axial position; All the positioning frames that support the electrodes are installed on the fixed frame inside the measuring cylinder, forming a multi-row spiral three-dimensional layout.

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