Visual tipping bucket type rainfall station

By integrating a camera and wireless communication module into the tipping bucket rain gauge, the visualization and data transmission of rainfall monitoring are realized, solving the problems of rainfall misjudgment and insufficient visualization, improving monitoring accuracy and data reliability, and making it suitable for remote mountainous areas and flood-prone areas.

CN224216892UActive Publication Date: 2026-05-08NANJING AUTOMATION INST OF WATER CONSERVANCY & HYDROLOGY MINIST OF WATER RESOURCES +1
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
NANJING AUTOMATION INST OF WATER CONSERVANCY & HYDROLOGY MINIST OF WATER RESOURCES
Filing Date
2025-06-03
Publication Date
2026-05-08

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Tipping bucket rain gauges are prone to misjudging rainfall and lack visualization capabilities, resulting in inaccurate monitoring data and an inability to intuitively display the on-site situation.

Method used

A camera and wireless communication module are integrated into the rain gauge. The camera takes pictures of the rain gauge scene and connects to the RTU. Combined with solar panel power supply and GPRS antenna to transmit data, the visualization of rainfall monitoring and data transmission are realized.

Benefits of technology

It improves the accuracy of rainfall monitoring, solves the problem of rainfall misjudgment, has visualization function, is suitable for remote mountainous areas and flood-prone areas, has flexible deployment, low operation and maintenance cost, and high data reliability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model provides a visual tipping bucket type rainfall station which comprises a rain gauge, a camera and a control box are installed on the rain gauge, an acquisition bucket and a tipping bucket type rain gauge which are arranged up and down are arranged in an inner cavity, the camera is used for shooting scene photos of the rain gauge, and a remote terminal unit (RTU), a rechargeable lithium battery and a wireless communication module are arranged in the control box. According to the tipping-bucket rain gauge, the functions of rainfall monitoring, data transmission and visual monitoring are integrated, the camera can shoot scene photos of the rain gauge in real time in all directions, and whether the tipping-bucket rain gauge is turned over by mistake under the condition of no rainfall or is not turned over correctly in the rainfall process or not can be judged by analyzing the photos collected by the camera; and the rainfall monitoring accuracy is improved. Through modular design and multi-technology fusion, the pain points of a traditional rainfall station in the aspects of rainfall misjudgment, remote maintenance, environmental adaptability and the like are solved, the system is particularly suitable for scenes such as remote mountainous areas and flood prone areas, and the system has the advantages of being flexible in deployment, low in operation and maintenance cost and high in data reliability.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water conservancy and hydrology technology, and in particular to a visual tipping bucket rain gauge. Background Technology

[0002] The tipping bucket rain gauge is a common automatic precipitation measurement device, mainly used for real-time monitoring and recording of rainfall. Its core component measures rainfall by counting the number of times the bucket tipps, converting precipitation into electrical signals through a mechanical structure, thereby enabling data acquisition, storage, and transmission. However, tipping bucket rain gauges are prone to misjudging rainfall due to factors such as aging sensor elements, sensor surface contamination, circuit problems, and insect impact detection, resulting in inaccurate rainfall monitoring data. Furthermore, existing tipping bucket rain gauges lack visual functionality, failing to provide a clear view of the actual situation. Utility Model Content

[0003] To address the aforementioned issues, this utility model discloses a visual tipping bucket rain gauge, which resolves the problem of misjudging rainfall by tipping bucket rain gauges and enables scene photography of the rain gauge, thus providing a visual function.

[0004] The specific plan is as follows:

[0005] A visual tipping bucket rain gauge includes a rain gauge cylinder with a camera mounted on its outer side and a collection bucket and a tipping bucket rain gauge arranged vertically inside the cylinder. The camera is used to capture scene photos of the rain gauge cylinder. A control box is mounted on the rain gauge cylinder, and the control box contains an RTU, a rechargeable lithium battery, and a wireless communication module. The RTU is connected to the camera and the tipping bucket rain gauge for collecting photos and rainfall data. The rechargeable lithium battery provides power, and the wireless communication module is connected to the RTU for adjusting RTU parameters.

[0006] Furthermore, the rain gauge is equipped with a solar panel and a GPRS antenna on its outer side. The solar panel is connected to a rechargeable lithium battery via a power controller to charge the rechargeable lithium battery, and the GPRS antenna is connected to the RTU for transmitting data. The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module.

[0007] Furthermore, the collection bucket is supported and fixed by a mounting bracket, which is fixed in the inner cavity of the rain gauge. The mounting bracket has an opening in its middle that connects to the collection bucket, and the lower side wall of the collection bucket is connected to the opening.

[0008] A visual tipping bucket rain gauge includes a rain gauge cylinder with a camera mounted on its upper outer surface. The inner cavity contains a vertically arranged collecting bucket and a tipping bucket rain gauge. The camera is used to capture images of the rain gauge cylinder and is mounted on a circular track on the upper outer surface of the cylinder. A control box is located within the inner cavity of the rain gauge cylinder, housing an RTU (Rain Transport Unit), a rechargeable lithium battery, and a wireless communication module. The RTU is connected to the camera and the tipping bucket rain gauge for collecting images and rainfall data. The rechargeable lithium battery provides power, and the wireless communication module is connected to the RTU for adjusting its parameters.

[0009] Furthermore, the camera is movably mounted on a circular track, and the circular track is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the rain gauge.

[0010] Furthermore, the rain gauge is equipped with a solar panel and a GPRS antenna on its outer side. The solar panel is connected to a rechargeable lithium battery via a power controller to charge the rechargeable lithium battery, and the GPRS antenna is connected to the RTU for transmitting data. The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module.

[0011] Furthermore, the collection bucket is supported and fixed by a mounting bracket, which is fixed in the inner cavity of the rain gauge. The mounting bracket has an opening in its middle that connects to the collection bucket, and the lower side wall of the collection bucket is connected to the opening.

[0012] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: it integrates rainfall monitoring, data transmission, and visual monitoring functions. The camera can capture real-time photos of the rain gauge from all angles. By analyzing the photos collected by the camera, it can be determined whether the tipping bucket rain gauge has erroneously tipped over when there is no rainfall, or failed to tip correctly during rainfall; thus improving the accuracy of rainfall monitoring. This invention, through modular design and multi-technology integration, solves the pain points of traditional rain gauges in terms of rainfall misjudgment, remote maintenance, and environmental adaptability. It is particularly suitable for remote mountainous areas and flood-prone areas, offering advantages such as flexible deployment, low maintenance costs, and high data reliability. Attached Figure Description

[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0015] Figure 3 This is a system circuit block diagram of Embodiment 1 of this application.

[0016] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of Embodiment 2 of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that the following specific embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Example 1

[0018] like Figure 1-3 As shown, this application provides a visual tipping bucket rain gauge, including a rain gauge 1. A camera 8 is provided on the outside of the rain gauge 1, and a collection bucket 2 and a tipping bucket rain gauge 3 are arranged vertically inside the inner cavity. The camera 8 is used to take pictures of the scene of the rain gauge 1. A control box 5 is provided on the rain gauge 1, and the control box contains an RTU, a rechargeable lithium battery and a wireless communication module. The RTU is connected to the camera 8 and the tipping bucket rain gauge 3 and is used to collect pictures and rainfall data. The rechargeable lithium battery is used for power supply, and the wireless communication module is connected to the RTU and is used to adjust the RTU parameters.

[0019] In this embodiment, the rain gauge 1 is further equipped with a solar panel 6 and a GPRS antenna 7 on its outer side. The solar panel is connected to a rechargeable lithium battery via a power controller to charge the rechargeable lithium battery, and the GPRS antenna 7 is connected to the RTU to transmit data. The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module.

[0020] In this embodiment, the collection bucket 2 is supported and fixed by the mounting bracket 4, which is fixed in the inner cavity of the rain gauge 1. The mounting bracket 4 has an opening in its middle that connects to the collection bucket 2, and the lower side wall of the collection bucket 2 is connected to the opening. Example 2

[0021] like Figure 4 As shown, this application provides a visual tipping bucket rain gauge, including a rain gauge cylinder 1. A camera 8 is mounted on the upper part of the rain gauge cylinder 1. The inner cavity contains a collection bucket 2 and a tipping bucket rain gauge 3, arranged vertically. The camera 8 is used to capture scene photos of the rain gauge cylinder 1 and is mounted on a circular track on the upper part of the rain gauge cylinder 1. A control box is located inside the rain gauge cylinder 1, containing an RTU, a rechargeable lithium battery, and a wireless communication module. The RTU is connected to the camera 8 and the tipping bucket rain gauge 3 to collect photos and rainfall data. The rechargeable lithium battery provides power, and the wireless communication module is connected to the RTU to adjust its parameters. The rain gauge cylinder serves as the main container, protecting the internal equipment and guiding rainwater into the collection bucket. The collection bucket concentrates rainfall and guides it to the tipping bucket rain gauge, reducing external interference. The tipping bucket rain gauge, as the core sensor, triggers a pulse signal by tipping the bucket, converting rainfall into an electrical signal.

[0022] In this embodiment, the camera 8 is movably mounted on a circular track, and the circular track is fixedly mounted on the upper part of the rain gauge 1. This allows for real-time, all-around capture of the rain gauge scene. By analyzing the photos captured by the camera, it can be determined whether the tipping bucket rain gauge has erroneously tipped over when there is no rainfall, or failed to tip over correctly during rainfall, thus improving the accuracy of rainfall monitoring.

[0023] In this embodiment, a solar panel and a GPRS antenna 7 are also provided on the outside of the rain gauge 1. The solar panel is connected to a rechargeable lithium battery via a power controller to charge the rechargeable lithium battery, ensuring long-term energy self-sufficiency. The GPRS antenna 7 is connected to the RTU for transmitting data, remotely transmitting rainfall data and equipment status to the monitoring platform. The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module.

[0024] In this embodiment, the collection bucket 2 is supported and fixed by the mounting bracket 4. The mounting bracket 4 is fixed in the inner cavity of the rain gauge 1. The middle part is provided with an opening for connecting with the collection bucket 2, and the lower side wall of the collection bucket 2 is connected to the opening. The mounting bracket 4 can ensure structural stability and smooth rainwater flow.

[0025] The technical means disclosed in this utility model are not limited to those disclosed in the above embodiments, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications without departing from the principle of this utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also considered within the scope of protection of this utility model.

Claims

1. A visual tipping bucket rain gauge, characterized in that, The device includes a rain gauge (1), with a camera (8) on the outside of the rain gauge (1) and a collection bucket (2) and a tipping bucket rain gauge (3) arranged vertically inside the inner cavity. The camera (8) is used to take pictures of the scene of the rain gauge (1). The rain gauge (1) is equipped with a control box (5), and the control box (5) is equipped with an RTU, a rechargeable lithium battery and a wireless communication module. The RTU is connected to the camera (8) and the tipping bucket rain gauge (3) and is used to collect pictures and rainfall data. The rechargeable lithium battery is used to power the device. The wireless communication module is connected to the RTU and is used to adjust the RTU parameters.

2. A visual tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rain gauge (1) is also equipped with a solar panel (6) and a GPRS antenna (7) on its outer side. The solar panel (6) is connected to a rechargeable lithium battery through a power controller to charge the rechargeable lithium battery. The GPRS antenna (7) is connected to the RTU to transmit data. The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module.

3. A visual tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 2, characterized in that, The collection bucket (2) is supported and fixed by a mounting bracket (4), which is fixed in the inner cavity of the rain gauge (1). The middle part of the mounting bracket is provided with an opening for connecting to the collection bucket (2), and the lower side wall of the collection bucket (2) is connected to the opening.

4. A visual tipping bucket rain gauge, characterized in that, The rain gauge includes a rain gauge (1), a camera (8) is installed on the upper part of the rain gauge (1), and a collection bucket (2) and a tipping bucket rain gauge (3) are arranged vertically in the inner cavity. The camera (8) is used to take pictures of the scene of the rain gauge (1) and is installed on a ring track on the upper part of the rain gauge (1). The inner cavity of the rain gauge (1) is equipped with a control box (5), and the control box (5) is equipped with an RTU, a rechargeable lithium battery and a wireless communication module. The RTU is connected to the camera (8) and the tipping bucket rain gauge (3) and is used to collect pictures and rainfall data. The rechargeable lithium battery is used to power the rain gauge. The wireless communication module is connected to the RTU and is used to adjust the RTU parameters.

5. A visual tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The camera (8) is movably mounted on a circular track, and the circular track is fixedly mounted on the upper end of the rain gauge (1).

6. A visual tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The rain gauge (1) is also equipped with a solar panel (6) and a GPRS antenna (7) on its outer side. The solar panel (6) is connected to a rechargeable lithium battery through a power controller to charge the rechargeable lithium battery. The GPRS antenna (7) is connected to an RTU to transmit data. The wireless communication module is a Bluetooth module.

7. A visual tipping bucket rain gauge according to claim 4, characterized in that, The collection bucket (2) is supported and fixed by a mounting bracket (4), which is fixed in the inner cavity of the rain gauge (1). The middle part of the mounting bracket is provided with an opening for connecting to the collection bucket (2), and the lower side wall of the collection bucket (2) is connected to the opening.