River sediment content observation pillar
By designing movable sediment observation piers in rivers and using vertical slide rails and drive mechanisms in conjunction with sediment sensors, the problems of low efficiency and insufficient accuracy of traditional measurement methods have been solved, enabling efficient and accurate sediment measurement under different water levels and depths.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TIANYULI WATER ENVIRONMENT MONITORING (CHENGDU) CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-15
AI Technical Summary
Traditional methods of sediment measurement are inefficient and cannot adapt to different water levels and depths. Fixed sensors cannot accurately acquire data, resulting in large deviations in measurement results.
A river sediment content monitoring pier was designed, which uses a movable vertical slide rail and drive mechanism, combined with a sediment sensor, to achieve flexible measurement at different water depths. The sensor position is automatically adjusted by the control terminal to improve measurement accuracy and efficiency.
It enables flexible measurement under conditions of fluctuating water levels and varying water depths, improving measurement accuracy and efficiency, reducing manual intervention, and lowering labor costs.
Smart Images

Figure CN224245880U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of hydrological monitoring equipment technology, specifically to a river sediment content observation pier. Background Technology
[0002] In fields such as water conservancy engineering, environmental monitoring, and hydrological research, accurately obtaining relevant parameters of sediment in water bodies (such as sediment concentration and particle size distribution) is crucial. Traditional sediment measurement methods mostly involve manual fixed-point sampling followed by laboratory analysis. This approach is not only inefficient but also limited by the number of sampling points, failing to comprehensively reflect the distribution of sediment at different water depths. Some existing technologies also include automated monitoring equipment, but these devices are often installed in fixed locations, making it difficult to adapt to measurement needs under varying water level changes and depths. When water levels fluctuate significantly or when measuring sediment parameters at different depths is required, fixed sensors cannot accurately acquire data, leading to significant deviations in measurement results and failing to meet the requirements of measurement accuracy and flexibility in practical applications. Utility Model Content
[0003] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model provides a river sediment content monitoring pier.
[0004] The technical solution of this utility model to solve the above-mentioned technical problems is as follows: The utility model provides a river sediment content observation pier, which is installed on the bottom of the water or the riverbed and is used to measure the sediment content at different water depths. It includes a foundation pier fixed on the bottom of the water or the riverbed, a vertical slide rail installed on the foundation pier and used to provide a moving path, a sliding bracket slidably set on the vertical slide rail and sliding along the axial direction of the vertical slide rail, a sediment sensor set on the sliding bracket and used to measure sediment parameters, and a driving mechanism connected to the sliding bracket. The driving mechanism drives the sliding bracket to move along the vertical slide rail to adjust the measurement position of the sediment sensor.
[0005] Furthermore, the sliding bracket is provided with at least one set of guide wheels or a sliding bracket, which rolls or slides with the surface of the vertical slide rail.
[0006] Furthermore, the foundation pier includes a base and a vertical mounting seat disposed on the base. The vertical mounting seat has a U-shaped mounting groove with an opening, and a vertical slide rail is installed in the mounting groove.
[0007] Furthermore, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a chain. The drive sprocket is located at the output end of the drive motor and at one end of the foundation pier. The driven sprocket is mounted at the other end of the foundation pier via a bearing. The chain is wound around the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket to form a closed transmission circuit. The sliding bracket is fixedly connected to the chain via a chain connector.
[0008] Furthermore, the sediment sensor is fixed to the sliding bracket by a sensor support, and the sensor support can adjust the installation angle of the sediment sensor.
[0009] Furthermore, the direction of movement of the sediment sensor is perpendicular to the direction of water flow.
[0010] Furthermore, it also includes a control terminal, which is connected in communication with the drive mechanism to control the operation of the drive mechanism and adjust the moving speed, direction and position of the sliding bracket.
[0011] Furthermore, it also includes data acquisition equipment, which is communicatively connected to the control terminal to collect and store data measured by the sediment sensor, and transmit the collected data to the control terminal for processing and analysis.
[0012] This invention offers the following advantages: The river sediment content observation pier provided by this invention has a reliable structure. Through the cooperation of the slide rail and the drive device, it enables flexible adjustment of the sediment sensor at different water depths, adapting to significant water level fluctuations and measurement needs under varying water depth conditions. Compared to traditional measurement methods, this significantly improves measurement flexibility. Furthermore, the control terminal can control the drive mechanism based on water depth information to adjust the sediment sensor to the target position, automating the measurement process, reducing manual intervention, improving measurement efficiency, and lowering labor costs. Attached Figure Description
[0013] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;
[0014] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the installation structure of this utility model;
[0015] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the control process of this utility model;
[0016] Figures 1 to 3 The reference numerals in the attached drawings are as follows: 1-foundation pier, 2-vertical slide rail, 3-sliding bracket, 4-sand sensor, 10-base, 11-vertical mounting seat, 12-mounting groove, 5-control terminal, 6-data acquisition equipment. Detailed Implementation
[0017] The principles and features of this utility model are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The examples given are only for explaining this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model.
[0018] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a river sediment content monitoring pier, installed on the bottom or riverbed, is used to measure sediment content at different water depths. It includes a foundation pier 1 fixed to the bottom or riverbed, a vertical slide rail 2 mounted on the foundation pier 1 to provide a movement path, a sliding support 3 slidably mounted on the vertical slide rail 2 and sliding along its axial direction, a sediment sensor 4 mounted on the sliding support 3 for measuring sediment parameters, and a drive mechanism connected to the sliding support 3. The drive mechanism moves the sliding support 3 along the vertical slide rail 2 to adjust the measurement position of the sediment sensor 4. The core principle of this scheme is based on the combination of the adjustability of the vertical slide rail 2 and the monitoring function of the sediment sensor 4 to achieve accurate measurement at different water depths. The vertical slide rail 2, mounted on the foundation pier 1, provides a movable track carrier for the sediment sensor 4. The sediment sensor 4, mounted on the sliding support 3, can slide freely along the vertical slide rail 2 in the vertical direction (or in a direction related to water depth changes). By changing its position, it adapts to the measurement needs under different water depth conditions. The direction of movement of the sediment sensor 4 is perpendicular to the direction of water flow.
[0019] The sediment sensor 4 is mounted on the sliding bracket 3 and fixed by a sensor support, which allows adjustment of the installation angle of the sediment sensor 4. The sediment sensor 4 uses physical or chemical methods to sense relevant parameters of sediment particles in the water. Common measurement principles include optical, acoustic, and electrical principles. The optical principle utilizes the scattering and absorption of light by sediment particles as it propagates in water, causing changes in light intensity. The sensor calculates sediment concentration by detecting these changes. The acoustic principle utilizes the sound scattering phenomenon generated by the interaction of sound waves with sediment particles as they propagate in water. Sediment information is obtained by analyzing the characteristics of the scattered sound waves. The electrical principle is based on the electrical properties of sediment particles in the water, such as the charge distribution on the particle surface. Measuring relevant electrical parameters reflects the sediment condition, enabling the measurement of sediment parameters at different water depths. Preferably, the sediment sensor model is JZ-FX19 or JZ-HR1.
[0020] In this embodiment, the foundation pier 1 is used to stably support the entire device. It is made of concrete or steel and has sufficient strength and stability to withstand the weight of the vertical slide rail 2, sliding support 3, sediment sensor 4, and drive mechanism, as well as external forces such as water flow and waves. The height of the foundation pier 1 is designed according to the highest water level of the water area and the measurement requirements to ensure that the device can work normally under various water level conditions.
[0021] The foundation pier 1 includes a base 10 and a vertical mounting seat 11 mounted on the base 10. The vertical mounting seat 11 has a U-shaped mounting groove 12 with an opening, and a vertical slide rail 2 is installed within the mounting groove 12. The foundation pier 1 adopts a structural design of "base 10 + vertical mounting seat 11," which, together with the U-shaped mounting groove 12, forms a stable frame for the entire device. The base 10, as the foundation of the foundation pier 1, primarily provides stable support. It is firmly connected to the ground or seabed, distributing the weight of the entire device and external forces such as water flow impact and wave effects, ensuring that the foundation pier 1 does not shift or overturn in complex environments, and providing a reliable load-bearing foundation for the superstructure.
[0022] The vertical mounting base 11 is mounted on the base 10, and its core function is to provide a mounting carrier and positioning guide for the vertical slide rail 2. The U-shaped mounting groove 12 on the vertical mounting base 11 has an open design, a unique structure that facilitates the installation and removal of the vertical slide rail 2. The U-shaped inner wall of the mounting groove 12 can limit the vertical slide rail 2 from multiple directions, ensuring the verticality and stability of the slide rail installation. This allows the slide rail to maintain its straightness even when bearing the weight and movement forces of the sliding bracket 3 and the sediment sensor 4, preventing tilting or wobbling, thus creating conditions for the smooth sliding of the sliding bracket 3.
[0023] In this embodiment, the vertical slide rail 2 is installed on the foundation pier 1, providing a track for the movement of the sediment sensor 4, allowing the sliding bracket 3 to move vertically to adapt to the measurement needs of different water depths; it can also be installed at a predetermined angle. Preferably, the sliding bracket 3 is provided with at least one set of guide wheels or a sliding bracket 3, which rolls or slides with the surface of the vertical slide rail 2. When the sliding bracket 3 has guide wheels, the surface of the vertical slide rail 2 is in a rolling fit; when the sliding bracket 3 has a sliding bracket 3, it is in a sliding fit.
[0024] In this embodiment, the drive mechanism is connected to the sliding bracket 3 and is used to move the sliding bracket 3 along the vertical slide rail 2 to adjust the measurement position of the sediment sensor 4. The drive mechanism can adopt a motor-screw transmission structure, an electric push rod drive structure, or a chain-sprocket transmission structure. Preferably, a chain-sprocket transmission structure is adopted in this embodiment.
[0025] Specifically, the drive mechanism includes a drive motor, a driving sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a chain. The driving sprocket is located at the output end of the drive motor and at one end of the foundation pier 1. The driven sprocket is mounted on the other end of the foundation pier 1 via a bearing. The chain is wound around the driving and driven sprockets to form a closed transmission loop. The sliding bracket 3 is fixedly connected to the chain via a chain connector. In this embodiment, the foundation pier 1 serves as the foundation of the device, employing appropriate construction methods and materials to ensure the overall stability of the device. The drive motor is fixed to one end of the foundation pier 1 via a motor mount, serving as the power output source and providing power for the chain-sprocket transmission. The driving sprocket is connected to the motor output shaft, and the driven sprocket is mounted on the other end of the foundation pier 1 via a bearing. The driving sprocket rotates under the drive of the motor, transmitting power to the driven sprocket via the chain, thus realizing the transmission and conversion of power. The chain is wound around the driving and driven sprockets to form a closed loop. The sliding bracket 3 is fixedly connected to the chain via a chain connector. When the chain circulates between the sprockets, it drives the sliding bracket 3 to move along the vertical guide rail. Vertical guide rails are installed on the foundation pier 1 to provide guidance for the sliding bracket 3 and ensure that the sliding bracket 3 moves smoothly.
[0026] This implementation also includes a control terminal 5 (such as a computer or controller) and data acquisition devices 6 (such as a data acquisition card or data recorder). The control terminal 5 is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism and is used to control the operation of the drive mechanism and adjust the moving speed, direction, and position of the sliding support 3. The data acquisition devices 6 are communicatively connected to the control terminal 5 and are used to collect and store the data measured by the sediment sensor 4, and transmit the collected data to the control terminal 5 for processing and analysis.
[0027] The sediment sensor 4 is mounted on the sliding bracket 3, and its angle can be adjusted via the sensor mounting base. The data acquisition device 6 is connected to the sediment sensor 4 to collect data. The control terminal 5 controls the drive motor and processes the data. After determining the target position of the sensor based on the water depth, the control terminal 5 sends a start signal to the drive motor. The drive motor drives the active sprocket to rotate, and the active sprocket transmits power to the driven sprocket through a chain, causing the chain to circulate between the two sprockets. Since the sliding bracket 3 is fixedly connected to the chain, the movement of the chain causes the sliding bracket 3 to slide along the guide rail.
[0028] By controlling the speed and direction of the drive motor, the moving speed and direction of the sliding bracket 3 can be adjusted, enabling the sliding bracket 3 to accurately reach the target position. After the sliding bracket 3 moves to the predetermined position, the sediment sensor 4 starts to work, using its internal measurement principle to sense the sediment parameters in the water body, converting the measurement data into electrical signals, which are then collected by the data acquisition device 6 and transmitted to the control terminal 5 for processing and analysis, thereby completing the sediment parameter measurement task at different water depths.
[0029] When using this device to detect sediment content, the following steps are included:
[0030] 1. Installation and Initial Setup
[0031] First, a stable foundation pier 1 is constructed at the selected water location. The foundation pier 1 must have sufficient strength and stability to withstand the weight of the vertical slide rail 2 and the sediment sensor 4, as well as external forces such as water flow and waves. The height of the foundation pier 1 should be designed according to the highest water level and measurement requirements of the water area to ensure that the vertical slide rail 2 and the sediment sensor 4 can function normally under various water level conditions.
[0032] Install the vertical slide rail 2 on the foundation pier 1, ensuring that the vertical slide rail 2 is installed vertically (if vertical measurement of different water depths is required) or at a predetermined angle, guaranteeing the straightness and stability of the vertical slide rail 2, and avoiding sensor sliding difficulties or measurement deviations due to installation errors of the vertical slide rail 2. Install the sediment sensor 4 on the sliding bracket 3 of the vertical slide rail 2, and connect the power supply line and data transmission line of the sensor to ensure that the sensor can be powered and transmit data normally.
[0033] After installation, perform initial system setup. Configure the sensor's measurement parameters, including measurement range, sampling frequency, and data recording format, via a control terminal (such as a computer or microcontroller). Simultaneously, calibrate the sensor's zero point and range to ensure the accuracy of the measurement data.
[0034] 2. Water depth detection and position adjustment
[0035] When it is necessary to measure sediment parameters at different water depths, the current water depth information must first be obtained. This can be achieved by monitoring the water level in real time using pre-installed water level sensors, or by estimating the current water depth based on tide tables, historical water level data, etc.
[0036] Based on the acquired water depth information and pre-set measurement point distribution rules (such as equidistant measurement and denser measurement in key areas), control terminal 5 calculates the target position that sediment sensor 4 needs to reach. Then, control terminal 5 sends a control signal to the drive mechanism of vertical slide rail 2. The drive mechanism moves the sliding bracket 3 and sediment sensor 4 along vertical slide rail 2 until the sensor reaches the target measurement position. During the movement, the drive mechanism monitors the sensor's position in real time through a position feedback system (such as an encoder or limit switch) to ensure the sensor accurately reaches the target position.
[0037] 3. Data Measurement and Acquisition
[0038] Once the sediment sensor 4 reaches the target measurement location, it begins operation according to the set measurement parameters. The sensing element inside the sensor detects the sediment in the surrounding water and converts the physical or chemical properties of the sediment into electrical signals or other measurable signals. These signals are then amplified, filtered, and converted into digital signals by the signal processing circuitry inside the sensor.
[0039] Digital signals are transmitted to data acquisition device 6 (such as a data acquisition card or data logger) via data transmission lines (such as cables or wireless transmission modules). Data acquisition device 6 collects and stores the data output by the sensor according to the set sampling frequency, and performs preliminary verification and processing on the data, such as removing abnormal data and calculating average values.
[0040] 4. Data transmission and analysis
[0041] Data acquisition device 6 transmits the collected sediment measurement data to a remote data processing center or monitoring terminal via network transmission (such as Ethernet, wireless network, etc.). At the data processing center, professional data processing software further analyzes and processes the received data.
[0042] The data processing software first performs a quality check on the data, removing invalid and abnormal data to ensure its reliability. Then, based on different analytical needs, it performs statistical analysis on the data, such as plotting curves of sediment concentration versus water depth and analyzing sediment particle size distribution patterns. Through data analysis, the distribution characteristics and variation patterns of sediment in water bodies can be understood, providing important data support for fields such as water conservancy projects, environmental monitoring, and hydrological research.
[0043] (v) System maintenance and calibration
[0044] To ensure the long-term stable operation of the system and the accuracy of the measurement data, regular maintenance and calibration are required. This includes periodically checking the operating condition of the vertical slide rail 2, cleaning debris and dirt from it, and ensuring the sliding bracket 3 can slide smoothly; inspecting the sensors for damage and loose connections; and performing performance testing and maintenance on the drive mechanism and data transmission equipment.
[0045] Meanwhile, the sediment sensor 4 is calibrated regularly by placing it in a standard sediment solution of known concentration and particle size and comparing the results with the standard solution. The calibration parameters are then adjusted based on the deviation to ensure the accuracy of the sensor's measurement data. In practical applications, the system's measurement parameters and operating modes can be adjusted and optimized according to changes in the measurement environment and requirements.
[0046] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model shall be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.
Claims
1. A river sediment content monitoring pier, installed on the seabed or riverbed, for measuring sediment content at different water depths, characterized in that, The system includes a foundation pier (1) fixed to the bottom of the water or riverbed, a vertical slide rail (2) installed on the foundation pier (1) and used to provide a movement path, a sliding bracket (3) slidably mounted on the vertical slide rail (2) and sliding along the axial direction of the vertical slide rail (2), a sediment sensor (4) mounted on the sliding bracket (3) and used to measure sediment parameters, and a drive mechanism connected to the sliding bracket (3). The drive mechanism drives the sliding bracket (3) to move along the vertical slide rail (2) to adjust the measurement position of the sediment sensor (4).
2. The river sediment content monitoring pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The foundation pier (1) includes a base (10) and a vertical mounting seat (11) disposed on the base (10). The vertical mounting seat (11) has a U-shaped mounting groove (12) with an opening. The vertical slide rail (2) is installed in the mounting groove (12).
3. The river sediment content monitoring pier according to claim 2, characterized in that, The driving mechanism includes a drive motor, a drive sprocket, a driven sprocket, and a chain. The drive sprocket is located at the output end of the drive motor and at one end of the foundation pier (1). The driven sprocket is mounted on the other end of the foundation pier (1) via a bearing. The chain is wound around the drive sprocket and the driven sprocket to form a closed transmission circuit. The sliding bracket (3) is fixedly connected to the chain via a chain connector.
4. The river sediment content monitoring pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sediment sensor (4) is fixed on the sliding bracket (3) by a sensor support, and the sensor support can adjust the installation angle of the sediment sensor (4).
5. The river sediment content monitoring pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one set of guide wheels or sliding brackets (3) are provided on the sliding bracket (3), which roll or slide with the surface of the vertical slide rail (2).
6. The river sediment content monitoring pier according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The direction of movement of the sediment sensor (4) is perpendicular to the direction of water flow.
7. The river sediment content monitoring pier according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a control terminal (5), which is communicatively connected to the drive mechanism and is used to control the operation of the drive mechanism and adjust the moving speed, direction and position of the sliding bracket (3).
8. The river sediment content monitoring pier according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a data acquisition device (6), which is connected to the control terminal (5) for collecting and storing the data measured by the sediment sensor (4), and transmitting the collected data to the control terminal (5) for processing and analysis.