Rainfall measuring device

By combining the mechanical tipping bucket and sensing components with the wireless data acquisition module, the problems of unstable power supply and complex installation of traditional tipping rain gauges in the field are solved. This enables accurate measurement and real-time monitoring of rainfall, reduces maintenance costs, and improves the flexibility and accuracy of the device.

CN223796710UActive Publication Date: 2026-01-13GUANGZHOU AIPANG TECHNOLOGY CO LTD
View PDF 0 Cites 0 Cited by

Patent Information

Application Number
CN202423171150.7
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-12-23
Publication Date
2026-01-13
Estimated Expiration
2034-12-23

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Traditional tipping bucket rain gauges suffer from unstable power supply in outdoor environments, leading to data loss, complex installation, and an inability to monitor rainfall data in real time.

Method used

A rainfall measurement device including a mechanical tipping bucket and sensing components was designed. It is combined with a wireless data acquisition module, powered by a low-power lithium-ion battery, and equipped with filtering and support components to ensure accurate data transmission and flexible installation.

Benefits of technology

It enables accurate measurement and real-time monitoring of rainfall, extends the standby time of the device, reduces maintenance costs, and improves the accuracy and flexibility of measurement.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

Smart Images

  • Figure CN223796710U_ABST
    Figure CN223796710U_ABST
Patent Text Reader

Abstract

The utility model provides a rainfall measuring device, and belongs to the technical field of rainfall measurement. Comprising a shell, a support block, a wireless data acquisition built-in module part, a mechanical tipping bucket and sensing part, a filtering part and a supporting part. The shell serves as a main body structure protection internal part, and the support block is used for supporting the device and facilitating fixing. The wireless data acquisition built-in module component and the mechanical tipping bucket and sensing component cooperate with each other, rainfall data can be acquired and transmitted in real time, and a digital display function is achieved. The filtering part can filter impurities in rainwater and is convenient to clean or replace. The supporting component provides stable supporting, and the wind resistance of the device is enhanced. The bottom of the shell is provided with a water outlet to ensure timely drainage of accumulated water in the device and prevent damage. The device is compact in structure and comprehensive in function, is suitable for the fields of weather forecast, water resource management and the like, and has the advantages of high precision, low power consumption, real-time data transmission, easiness in maintenance and the like.
Need to check novelty before this filing date? Find Prior Art

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of rainfall measurement, and more specifically, to a rainfall measurement device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional tipping bucket rain gauges use a mechanical structure to measure rainfall. Their working principle is that as rainwater flows into the tipping bucket, the accumulated water causes the bucket to tilt, activating a counting device to record a rainfall event (usually set to 0.1 mm or 0.2 mm). The bucket then returns to its original position and continues collecting rainwater, a process that repeats continuously. To convert rainfall events into recordable signals, the tipping bucket is equipped with magnets that work in conjunction with a reed switch. Each time the bucket tilts, the switch changes state, and this signal can be saved locally via a built-in recording module or transmitted wirelessly to the cloud or server for storage and analysis via Wi-Fi, 4G, or other wireless transmission methods. For power, the local storage module typically uses a disposable battery, while the wireless transmission module relies more heavily on solar power. However, this technology has significant drawbacks. For example, the well-known HOBO rain gauge's built-in recording module cannot detect abnormal conditions during data collection, such as a blockage in the collection port preventing the tipping bucket from tilting, thus failing to record corresponding rainfall events and affecting the accuracy of the data. While wireless transmission modules offer the advantage of real-time data transmission, their use in field or outdoor environments, where continuous mains power is unavailable, typically relies on a combination of solar power and batteries. However, this approach presents several challenges. First, the equipment requires a fixed location, usually necessitating a pole and solar power system, making installation complex and difficult to move or relocate. Second, in persistent rainfall, solar power cannot effectively charge the batteries, potentially causing the equipment to malfunction and resulting in missing rainfall data. Utility Model Content

[0003] To overcome the above deficiencies, this application provides a rainfall measurement device to solve the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows:

[0005] A rainfall measurement device includes a housing with multiple support blocks spaced evenly at the bottom. A wireless data acquisition module is provided on one side of the outer wall of the housing, and a mechanical tipping bucket and a sensing component are fixed to the bottom of the housing. The wireless data acquisition module is electrically connected to the mechanical tipping bucket and the sensing component. A filter component is snapped onto the top of the housing, and a support component is bolted to the other side of the outer wall. The surface of the support component is fixedly connected to the bottom of the multiple support blocks.

[0006] Furthermore, the built-in wireless data acquisition module includes a counter compartment, a circuit board compartment, a battery compartment, a digital counter, a wireless module circuit board, a lithium-ion battery, a built-in compartment cover, and an acrylic transparent plate. The outer wall of the outer shell has the counter compartment, the circuit board compartment, and the battery compartment on one side. The digital counter, the wireless module circuit board, and the lithium-ion battery are electrically connected to each other and are respectively installed inside the counter compartment, the circuit board compartment, and the battery compartment. The acrylic transparent plate is installed on the surface of the built-in compartment cover and is bolted to the side wall of the outer shell. The acrylic transparent plate corresponds to the display end of the wireless module circuit board.

[0007] Furthermore, the mechanical tipping bucket and sensing components include a base plate, a U-shaped frame, a mechanical tipping bucket, a magnet, a sensor, a terminal block, a level, and two limiting screws. The surface of the base plate is integrally formed with the bottom end of the U-shaped frame, and the bottom is installed inside the bottom of the housing. The inner side wall of the U-shaped frame is hinged to the outer side wall of the mechanical tipping bucket. The magnet is located inside the mechanical tipping bucket. The sensor is installed on the side wall of the U-shaped frame. The terminal block is installed on the top of the U-shaped frame. The sensor is connected to the wireless module circuit board through the terminal block. The level is installed at the bottom inside the U-shaped frame. The two limiting screws are respectively installed at both ends of the surface of the base plate, and their top ends correspond to the two ends of the bottom of the mechanical tipping bucket.

[0008] Furthermore, the filtering component includes a collecting funnel and a filter screen. The top side of the outer casing has a knob block, the top of the collecting funnel has a groove and is installed on the top of the outer casing, and the filter screen is placed inside the collecting funnel with its bottom edge fitting against the top of the outer casing.

[0009] Furthermore, the supporting component includes a side bracket, a disc, a support column, and a side rod. The side bracket is installed on the other side of the outer wall of the housing and is bolted to the side rod. The disc has holes on its surface and its edge is bolted to four of the bracket blocks. The top of the support column is integrally formed with the bottom of the disc. The side rod is integrally formed with the side wall of the support column through the disc.

[0010] Furthermore, the bottom of the outer casing has several drainage holes, which are at a certain distance from the disc, and the drainage holes are connected to the holes.

[0011] Furthermore, a waterproof strip is provided on the inner side of the built-in compartment cover, making the compartment cover waterproof.

[0012] Furthermore, a horizontal bubble meter is provided on the horizontal portion of the outer casing.

[0013] Furthermore, the outer shell is provided with an insect repellent storage compartment for storing insect repellent.

[0014] This utility model has the following beneficial effects:

[0015] This utility model device employs a mechanical tipping bucket and sensing components, enabling precise detection of minute changes in rainfall. Data is transmitted to the wireless module circuit board via sensors and wiring terminals, ensuring the accuracy of the measurement results. Furthermore, the integrated wireless data acquisition module effectively extends the device's standby time and lifespan, reduces energy consumption, and lowers maintenance costs.

[0016] This utility model's device, with its built-in digital counter and wireless module circuit board, can record rainfall data in real time and transmit the data wirelessly to the cloud or server, enabling remote monitoring and analysis. Simultaneously, the transparent acrylic panel design makes the working status of the wireless module circuit board readily apparent, facilitating troubleshooting and status monitoring for users.

[0017] The filter component at the top of the outer shell of this invention effectively filters out impurities and particulate matter, preventing them from entering the mechanical tipping bucket and affecting measurement accuracy, while also protecting the integrity of the internal structure. Furthermore, the design of the collecting funnel and filter screen facilitates disassembly and cleaning, making maintenance simple and convenient.

[0018] The design of the support component in this invention not only provides stable support but also, through the cooperation of the side brackets, discs, support columns, and side rods, enables flexible installation and adjustment of the device under different terrains and conditions. The inclusion of a level ensures the device's levelness during installation, further improving measurement accuracy.

[0019] The drainage outlet at the bottom of the outer shell and the design that maintains a certain distance from the disc can effectively drain accumulated rainwater and prevent internal dampness and corrosion.

[0020] The outer casing of this utility model is equipped with a horizontal bubble meter, which can be installed at the horizontal edge of the lower part of the casing to adjust the horizontal state during installation, thereby ensuring that the mechanical tipping bucket is in a horizontal state for measurement, improving the accuracy and reliability of measurement; the casing is equipped with an insect repellent storage compartment for storing insect repellent, which can prevent insects when used outdoors. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this application and should not be regarded as a limitation of the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the rainfall measurement device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0023] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the side bracket mounting structure provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0024] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the internal structure of the built-in wireless data acquisition module provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0025] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the connection structure between the outer shell and the supporting components provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0026] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the marking structure of the mechanical tipping bucket and sensing components provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0027] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the drainage outlet structure provided for an embodiment of this application;

[0028] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the collection funnel structure provided for an embodiment of this application.

[0029] In the diagram: 1-Outer shell; 2-Support block; 3-Wireless data acquisition built-in module component; 4-Mechanical tipping bucket and sensing component; 5-Filter component; 6-Support component; 319-Counter compartment; 32-Circuit board compartment; 33-Battery compartment; 34-Digital display counter; 35-Wireless module circuit board; 36-Lithium-thionyl chloride battery; 37-Built-in cover; 38-Acrylic transparent plate; 41-Base plate; 42-U-shaped frame; 43-Mechanical tipping bucket; 44-Magnetic sheet; 45-Sensor; 46-Terminal block; 47-Level indicator; 48-Limit screw; 51-Collection funnel; 52-Filter screen; 61-Side bracket; 62-Disc; 63-Support column; 64-Side rod; 7-Drain outlet; 8-Level bubble meter; 9-Insecticide storage compartment. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments.

[0031] Example:

[0032] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 6A rainfall measurement device includes a housing 1, and the bottom of the housing 1 has multiple support blocks 2 at equal intervals. In this embodiment, four support blocks 2 are provided.

[0033] The outer casing 1, serving as the main structure of the device, possesses sufficient strength to protect the internal components from external environmental interference. The shape and size of the outer casing 1 can be designed according to actual needs.

[0034] The support blocks 2 are located at the bottom of the outer shell 1 and are evenly distributed to support the entire device, ensuring that the device can be easily fixed to the surface of the support component 6. The number and position of the support blocks 2 can be adjusted according to the size and weight of the device.

[0035] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 A rainfall measurement device has a wireless data acquisition built-in module 3 on one side of the outer wall of the outer shell 1, and a mechanical tipping bucket and a sensing component 4 are fixed to the bottom of the inner wall by bolts. The wireless data acquisition built-in module 3 is electrically connected to the mechanical tipping bucket and the sensing component 4. A filter component 5 is snapped into the top of the outer shell 1, and a support component 6 is fixed to the other side of the outer wall by bolts. The surface of the support component 6 is fixed to the bottom of four support blocks 2 by bolts. The built-in wireless data acquisition module 3 is composed of low-power components, including a counter compartment 31, a circuit board compartment 32, a battery compartment 33, a digital counter 34, a wireless module circuit board 35, a lithium-ion battery 36, a built-in compartment cover 37, and an acrylic transparent plate 38; the mechanical tipping bucket and sensing component 4 includes a base plate 41, a U-shaped frame 42, a mechanical tipping bucket 43, a magnet 44, a sensor 45, a wiring terminal 46, a level 47, and two limit screws 48; the filtering component 5 includes a collection funnel 51 and a filter screen 52; the support component 6 includes a side bracket 61, a disc 62, a support column 63, and a side rod 64; and the bottom of the outer casing 1 has several drainage outlets 7.

[0036] The wireless data acquisition module 3 and the mechanical tipping bucket and sensing component 4 work together to solve the problem of timely detection of equipment malfunctions in the field through integrated power supply and wireless transmission. Combining the advantages of local data acquisition, data is transmitted to the cloud and server for real-time data viewing. It can be flexibly configured at any location and is equipped with a digital display function to show the current rainfall event in real time, facilitating intuitive statistics on single or experimental rainfall events and aiding in observation. The counter compartment 31, circuit board compartment 32, and battery compartment 33 are respectively located on one side of the outer wall of the outer casing 1, facilitating the integrated installation and maintenance of the digital display counter 34, wireless module circuit board 35, and lithium-ion battery 36. The digital display counter 34 is used to display rainfall data in real time, the wireless module circuit board 35 is responsible for data processing and wireless transmission, and the lithium-ion battery 36 provides continuous power. These components are electrically connected to each other through internal circuitry to ensure accurate data acquisition and transmission. The internal compartment cover 37 is fixed to the side wall of the outer casing 1 with bolts to protect the internal components from external interference. Users can also waterproof the gaps beforehand. An acrylic transparent panel 38 is mounted on the surface of the built-in compartment cover 37, corresponding to the display end of the wireless module circuit board 35, facilitating observation of the working status. A waterproof strip is provided on the inside of the built-in compartment cover 37, making the compartment cover waterproof.

[0037] The base plate 41 and the bottom of the U-shaped frame 42 are integrally formed to ensure structural stability and measurement accuracy. The inner wall of the U-shaped frame 42 is hinged to the outer wall of the mechanical tipping bucket 43 via bearings, allowing the mechanical tipping bucket 43 to rotate freely. A magnet 44 is located inside the mechanical tipping bucket 43; when the bucket rotates, the magnet 44 moves accordingly, moving closer to or away from the sensor 45. The sensor 45 is mounted on the side wall of the U-shaped frame 42 to detect changes in the position of the magnet 44 and convert them into electrical signals. A terminal block 46 is mounted on the top of the U-shaped frame 42 to facilitate wiring between the sensor 45 and the wireless module circuit board 35. A level 47 is mounted inside the bottom of the U-shaped frame 42 to calibrate the levelness of the device during installation, ensuring measurement accuracy. Two limit screws 48 are mounted at both ends of the surface of the base plate 41, with their tops corresponding to the bottom ends of the mechanical tipping bucket 43, to limit the rotation range of the mechanical tipping bucket 43 and prevent damage from excessive rotation. When it rains, rainwater enters the housing 1 through the filter component 5 and falls onto the mechanical tipping bucket 43. As rainfall increases, the mechanical tipping bucket 43 gradually tilts, changing the relative position of the magnet 44 and the sensor 45, triggering the sensor 45 to generate an electrical signal. This signal is transmitted to the wireless module circuit board 35 via the terminal block 46, where it is processed and converted into rainfall data. The digital counter 34 displays the rainfall data in real time, while the wireless module circuit board 35 transmits the data to a designated receiving device via low-power wireless technology.

[0038] The design of the filter component 5 eliminates the need for frequent cleaning. A groove is designed at the top of the collection funnel 51 for easy installation and removal. The collection funnel 51 is fixed to the top of the outer casing 1 with a snap-fit ​​mechanism, ensuring structural stability and sealing. A filter screen 52 is placed inside the collection funnel 51 to filter impurities in rainwater, such as leaves and dust. The material and mesh size of the filter screen 52 can be selected according to actual needs to ensure filtration effectiveness. This also prevents rainwater from bypassing the filter screen 52 and flowing directly into the device, and facilitates cleaning or replacement of the filter screen 52. A knob is located on the top side of the outer casing 1, allowing users to easily rotate and remove the collection funnel 51 without disassembling the entire outer casing 1. During rainfall, rainwater enters the device through the collection funnel 51, is filtered by the filter screen 52, and falls onto the mechanical tipping bucket 43 of the mechanical tipping bucket and sensing component 4. As rainfall increases, the mechanical tipping bucket 43 gradually tilts, causing the magnet 44 to move. After sensor 45 detects a change in the position of magnet 44, it converts the change into an electrical signal and transmits it to wireless module circuit board 35 via terminal 46. Wireless module circuit board 35 processes the signal, converts it into rainfall data, and displays it in real time on digital counter 34. Simultaneously, wireless module circuit board 35 transmits the data to a designated receiving device via low-power wireless technology.

[0039] The support component 6 is used to fix the device in a designated position. The side bracket 61 is installed on the other side of the outer wall of the housing 1 and is tightly connected to the housing 1 by bolts. The disk 62 has holes on its surface, which reduce its weight. The edge of the disk 62 is fixed to the four support blocks 2 by bolts, forming a stable support plane. The top of the support column 63 is integrally formed with the bottom of the disk 62, providing vertical support for the device. The side rod 64 is integrally formed with the side wall of the support column 63 through the disk 62. This design not only enhances the stability of the device but also improves its wind resistance. The end of the side rod 64 is connected to the side bracket 61 by bolts, forming a complete support system.

[0040] The outer casing 1 has several drainage holes 7 at its bottom, which connect with holes on the disc 62 to ensure that water accumulated inside the casing 1 can be drained in a timely manner during rainfall, preventing damage to the device. A certain distance is maintained between the bottom of the outer casing 1 and the disc 62 to prevent poor drainage or blockage. Water accumulated inside the device is promptly drained through the drainage holes 7, ensuring the normal operation of the device.

[0041] In this embodiment, a horizontal bubble meter 8 is provided on the horizontal part of the outer casing 1, such as... Figure 1As shown, the level bubble meter 8 can be installed at the horizontal edge of the lower part of the housing 1 to adjust the horizontal state during installation, thereby ensuring that the mechanical tipping bucket 43 performs measurement in a horizontal state, improving the accuracy and reliability of measurement; as Figure 4 As shown, the outer casing 1 has an insect repellent storage compartment 9 for storing insect repellent, which can prevent insects when used outdoors.

[0042] It should be noted that the model and specifications of the digital counter 34, wireless module circuit board 35, lithium-ion battery 36, acrylic transparent plate 38, mechanical tipping bucket 43, magnetic sheet 44, sensor 45, wiring terminal 46, level 47, and filter screen 52 need to be selected and determined according to the actual specifications of the device. The specific selection and calculation method adopts the existing technology in this field, so it will not be described in detail.

[0043] The power supply and operating principles of the digital counter 34, wireless module circuit board 35, lithium-ion battery 36, and sensor 45 are clear to those skilled in the art and will not be described in detail here.

[0044] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this application is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that this application can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this application. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this application is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within this application. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rainfall measuring device, comprising a housing (1), wherein the bottom of the housing (1) is provided with a plurality of support blocks (2) spaced at equal intervals, characterized in that: The outer wall of the outer shell (1) is provided with a wireless data acquisition built-in module component (3) on one side, and a mechanical tipping bucket and sensing component (4) are fixed at the bottom inside. The wireless data acquisition built-in module component (3) is electrically connected to the mechanical tipping bucket and sensing component (4). A filter component (5) is snapped into the top of the outer shell (1), and a support component (6) is fixed on the other side of the outer wall. The surface of the support component (6) is fixedly connected to the bottom of multiple support blocks (2). The built-in wireless data acquisition module component (3) includes a counter compartment (31), a circuit board compartment (32), a battery compartment (33), a digital counter (34), a wireless module circuit board (35), a lithium-ion battery (36), a built-in compartment cover (37), and an acrylic transparent plate (38). The outer wall of the outer shell (1) has the counter compartment (31), the circuit board compartment (32), and the battery compartment (33) on one side. The digital counter (34), the wireless module circuit board (35), and the lithium-ion battery (36) are electrically connected to each other and are installed inside the counter compartment (31), the circuit board compartment (32), and the battery compartment (33), respectively. The acrylic transparent plate (38) is installed on the surface of the built-in compartment cover (37) and is fixedly connected to the side wall of the outer shell (1) with bolts. The acrylic transparent plate (38) corresponds to the display end of the wireless module circuit board (35).

2. The rainfall measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mechanical tipping bucket and sensing component (4) includes a base plate (41), a U-shaped frame (42), a mechanical tipping bucket (43), a magnet (44), a sensor (45), a terminal block (46), a level (47), and two limiting screws (48). The surface of the base plate (41) is integrally formed with the bottom end of the U-shaped frame (42), and the bottom is installed inside the bottom of the outer shell (1). The inner side wall of the U-shaped frame (42) is hinged to the outer side wall of the mechanical tipping bucket (43). The magnet (44) is located on the mechanical tipping bucket. Inside the bucket (43), the sensor (45) is installed on the side wall of the U-shaped frame (42), the wiring terminal (46) is installed on the top of the U-shaped frame (42), the sensor (45) is connected to the wireless module circuit board (35) through the wiring terminal (46), the level (47) is installed at the bottom inside the U-shaped frame (42), and the two limiting screws (48) are respectively installed at both ends of the surface of the base plate (41), with their top ends corresponding to the bottom ends of the mechanical tipping bucket (43).

3. The rainfall measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The filter component (5) includes a collection funnel (51) and a filter screen (52). The top side of the outer casing (1) has a knob block. The top inside the collection funnel (51) has a groove and is installed on the top of the outer casing (1). The filter screen (52) is placed inside the collection funnel (51) and its bottom edge is attached to the top of the outer casing (1).

4. A rainfall measuring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The supporting component (6) includes a side bracket (61), a disc (62), a support column (63), and a side rod (64). The side bracket (61) is installed on the other side of the outer wall of the outer shell (1) and is bolted to the side rod (64). The disc (62) has holes on its surface and its edge is bolted to the four support blocks (2). The top of the support column (63) is integrally formed with the bottom of the disc (62). The side rod (64) is integrally formed with the side wall of the support column (63) through the disc (62).

5. A rainfall measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The bottom of the outer shell (1) is provided with several drain holes (7) and is at a certain distance from the disc (62). Several drain holes (7) are connected to the holes.

6. A rainfall measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A waterproof strip is provided on the inside of the built-in compartment cover (37).

7. A rainfall measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A horizontal bubble meter (8) is provided on the horizontal part of the outer casing (1).

8. A rainfall measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell (1) is provided with an insect repellent storage compartment (9) for storing insect repellent.