A water conservancy information monitoring device
By using a multi-level height adjustment pole and a linkage design between the crossbar and extension bar, the problem of limited adjustment dimensions and poor adaptability of traditional water level monitoring devices is solved. This enables precise control of the monitoring equipment in complex terrain and environments, and simplifies the installation process.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- JIANGSU HENGTONG HEHAI TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-23
- Publication Date
- 2026-05-26
AI Technical Summary
Traditional water level monitoring devices have limited adjustment dimensions and poor adaptability, making them unable to adapt to complex terrain and environmental changes. Furthermore, their installation is cumbersome and cannot meet the requirements for precise control of the spatial position of equipment in water conservancy monitoring.
The device adopts an integrated design that combines multi-level height adjustment of the upright pole with linkage horizontal adjustment of the crossbar and extension bar. Multi-dimensional adjustment of the monitoring equipment is achieved through slots and positioning holes. Combined with torsion elastic elements and reset elastic elements, the installation process is simplified and the adaptability of the equipment to different terrains and environments is improved.
It achieves three-dimensional spatial positioning of monitoring equipment, solves the monitoring blind spot problem of traditional devices, is easy to install, adapts to different terrains and environments, and meets the precise control needs of water conservancy monitoring.
Smart Images

Figure CN224285992U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water conservancy engineering monitoring technology, specifically to a water conservancy information monitoring device. Background Technology
[0002] When monitoring relevant water conservancy information in scenarios such as rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and canals, water conservancy information monitoring devices are generally used to monitor the water level and flow rate of important water conservancy facilities. This water level and flow rate information is then transmitted to a smart IoT platform for real-time monitoring of the on-site water conditions. As a key piece of equipment in smart water conservancy construction, the structural design and adjustment performance of water conservancy information monitoring devices directly affect the accuracy and applicability of the monitoring data.
[0003] Traditional water level monitoring devices mostly employ fixed installation structures. For example, existing technologies achieve single-point monitoring through a rigid connection between a pole and an ultrasonic water level gauge. While radar water level detection devices achieve horizontal adjustment via a sliding crossbar, height adjustment relies on a single drive component, resulting in limited adjustment range. Existing technologies typically lack multi-dimensional adjustment capabilities. For instance, current technologies rely solely on support rods to fix the monitoring equipment, failing to adapt to the monitoring needs of water level changes in complex terrain. Although some devices, like those in existing technologies, integrate multiple sensors, their fixed layout leads to monitoring blind spots. Furthermore, while crossbar locking devices offer telescopic adjustment functions (such as U-shaped fastener locking mechanisms), installation is cumbersome, and they are not designed in conjunction with the height adjustment mechanism, making it difficult to meet the requirements for precise spatial control of equipment in water conservancy monitoring.
[0004] The above background information is provided only to assist in understanding the utility model concept and technical solution of this utility model. It does not necessarily belong to the prior art of this patent application, nor does it necessarily provide technical teaching. In the absence of clear evidence that the above information was disclosed before the filing date of this patent application, the above background information should not be used to evaluate the novelty and inventiveness of this application. Utility Model Content
[0005] To address the technical problems of traditional water level monitoring devices, such as limited adjustment dimensions and poor adaptability, this utility model proposes a water conservancy information monitoring device. This device integrates multi-level height adjustment of the upright pole with horizontal adjustment via a linkage between the crossbar and extension bar, meeting the requirements for precise spatial control of equipment in water conservancy monitoring. It is not only easy to install but also adaptable to different terrains and environments.
[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:
[0007] On one hand, this utility model provides a water conservancy information monitoring device, including: a vertical pole and a horizontal pole. One end of the horizontal pole is connected to a mounting component of the horizontal pole. The horizontal pole is sleeved on the outside of an extension pole and slidably connected to one end of the extension pole. A monitoring device is connected to the other end of the extension pole away from the vertical pole. The horizontal pole and the extension pole cooperate with each other to adjust the horizontal position of the monitoring device. Multiple sets of monitoring device height adjustment parts are provided from the bottom end to the top end of the vertical pole. The vertical pole is connected to the mounting component of the horizontal pole through the monitoring device height adjustment parts to adjust the height position of the monitoring device.
[0008] This utility model proposes a water conservancy information monitoring device, which has the integrated function of multi-level height adjustment of the pole and linkage horizontal adjustment of the crossbar and extension bar, meeting the requirements of precise control of equipment spatial position in water conservancy monitoring. It is not only easy to install, but also adaptable to the needs of different terrains and environments.
[0009] As a preferred technical solution, the height adjustment part of the monitoring equipment includes: a plurality of equally spaced slots and positioning holes disposed on the upright, wherein the positioning holes are disposed on the upright between every two adjacent slots.
[0010] As a preferred technical solution, the mounting component of the crossbar includes: a mounting plate, one end of which is connected to a corresponding rotating rod, the other end of which is connected to the crossbar, the rotating rod being connected to at least two corresponding arc-shaped plates, and a torsional elastic element being sleeved on the rotating rod.
[0011] As a preferred technical solution, the mounting component of the crossbar includes: multiple limiting rods, one end of the limiting rod passes through the arc-shaped plate and is slidably connected to the arc-shaped plate, the other end of the limiting rod is connected to a connecting plate, and a first reset elastic element is sleeved on the limiting rod between the connecting plate and the arc-shaped plate.
[0012] As a preferred technical solution, the arc-shaped plate is sleeved on the outside of the upright, and the locking block on the arc-shaped plate is engaged in the locking groove. The arc-shaped plate rotates and adjusts the position of the crossbar, and one end of the limiting rod is inserted into the positioning hole to adjust the height position of the monitoring equipment.
[0013] As a preferred technical solution, the end of the arc-shaped plate away from the rotating rod is provided with a rounded corner.
[0014] As a preferred technical solution, a fixed rod is connected to the end of the crossbar away from the mounting plate, a lifting plate is slidably connected to the fixed rod, a second reset elastic element is sleeved on the fixed rod between the lifting plate and the crossbar, and an insertion rod is connected to the end of the lifting plate away from the fixed rod.
[0015] As a preferred technical solution, the bottom end face of the extension rod is provided with a plurality of insertion holes at equal intervals, and the insertion rod is inserted into the insertion holes and engaged with the insertion holes.
[0016] As a preferred technical solution, the bottom end of the upright is provided with multiple support plates arranged in a ring array around the central axis of the upright, and the upright is rotatably connected to the support plates through connecting rods.
[0017] As a preferred technical solution, a fixing ring is connected to the bottom end of the upright.
[0018] The water conservancy information monitoring device provided by this utility model has the following beneficial effects:
[0019] 1) The water conservancy information monitoring device provided by this utility model has the integrated function of multi-level height adjustment of the pole and linkage horizontal adjustment of the crossbar-extension bar, which meets the requirements of precise control of equipment spatial position in water conservancy monitoring. It is not only easy to install, but also adaptable to the needs of different terrains and different environments.
[0020] 2) The water conservancy information monitoring device provided by this utility model has multiple height adjustment parts from bottom to top on the upright pole. The upright pole is modularly connected to the crossbar through the mounting parts of the crossbar. The crossbar can be fixed with different height adjustment parts according to the monitoring needs, so as to achieve precise step positioning in the vertical direction. This design breaks through the height limitation of the traditional single drive component, meets the monitoring needs of different water level levels in reservoirs, rivers and other scenarios, and does not require the use of U-shaped retaining rings to fix the upright pole and the crossbar with bolts, making the installation convenient.
[0021] The horizontal bar-extension bar linkage adjustment is achieved by the horizontal bar being sleeved on the outside of the extension bar and slidably connected. The end of the extension bar is equipped with a monitoring device. The horizontal position of the extension bar can be adjusted by moving and sliding it, which can adapt to the needs of different terrains and environments. This structure works in conjunction with the vertical pole height adjustment unit to form a three-dimensional spatial positioning system, which meets the requirements for precise control of the spatial position of equipment in water conservancy monitoring and solves the problem of monitoring blind spots caused by fixed installation of traditional devices.
[0022] The modular design allows for quick disassembly and reassembly of the crossbar mounting components, and multiple height adjustment units enable vertical calibration on different slopes; the extension bar's telescopic characteristics can adapt to the horizontal extension needs in narrow or complex terrains, satisfying both terrain adaptability and ease of installation. Attached Figure Description
[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water conservancy information monitoring device provided by this utility model;
[0024] Figure 2 Exploded view of a water conservancy information monitoring device provided by this utility model;
[0025] Figure 3 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of section A;
[0026] Figure 4 for Figure 2 Enlarged view of section B;
[0027] Among them, 1-upright pole; 2-fixing ring; 3-crossbar; 4-extension rod; 5-monitoring equipment; 6-support plate; 7-mounting plate; 8-rotating rod; 9-arc plate; 10-torsion elastic element; 11-limiting hole; 12-limiting rod; 13-connecting plate; 14-positioning hole; 15-slot; 16-block; 17-fixing rod; 18-lifting plate; 19-insertion rod; 20-insertion hole; 21-second reset elastic element; 22-connecting rod; 23-first reset elastic element. Detailed Implementation
[0028] The preferred embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0029] like Figures 1-4 As shown, this utility model provides a water conservancy information monitoring device, including: a vertical pole 1 and a horizontal pole 3. One end of the horizontal pole 3 is connected to a mounting component of the horizontal pole. The horizontal pole 3 is sleeved on the outside of an extension pole 4 and slidably connected to one end of the extension pole 4. A monitoring device 5 is connected to the other end of the extension pole 4 away from the vertical pole 1. The horizontal pole 3 and the extension pole 4 cooperate with each other to adjust the horizontal position of the monitoring device 5. Multiple sets of monitoring device height adjustment parts are provided from the bottom end to the top end of the vertical pole 1. The vertical pole 1 is connected to the mounting component of the horizontal pole through the monitoring device height adjustment parts to adjust the height position of the monitoring device.
[0030] This utility model proposes a water conservancy information monitoring device, which has the integrated function of multi-level height adjustment of the pole and linkage horizontal adjustment of the crossbar and extension bar, meeting the requirements of precise control of equipment spatial position in water conservancy monitoring. It is not only easy to install, but also adaptable to the needs of different terrains and environments.
[0031] Preferably, the height adjustment part of the monitoring equipment includes: a plurality of equally spaced slots 15 and positioning holes 14 disposed on the upright 1, wherein the positioning holes 14 are disposed on the upright 1 between every two adjacent slots 15; the slots 15 provide quick positioning and anti-dislodgement, and the positioning holes 14 realize fine-tuning locking and vibration resistance. The combination of the two forms a composite adjustment structure of "stepped positioning and hole reinforcement", which takes into account both installation efficiency and resistance to environmental interference, and meets the requirements of water conservancy monitoring for long-term stable operation of equipment.
[0032] Preferably, the mounting component of the crossbar includes: a mounting plate 7, one end of which is connected to a corresponding rotating rod 8, the other end of which is connected to the crossbar 3, the rotating rod 8 being connected to at least two corresponding arc-shaped plates 9, and a torsional elastic element 10 being sleeved on the rotating rod 8.
[0033] Preferably, the torsion elastic element 10 is a torsion spring or other elastic element.
[0034] Preferably, the mounting component of the crossbar includes: multiple limiting rods 12, one end of the limiting rod 12 passes through the arc plate 9 and is slidably connected to the arc plate 9, the other end of the limiting rod 12 is connected to a connecting plate 13, and a first reset elastic element 23 is sleeved on the limiting rod 12 between the connecting plate 13 and the arc plate 9.
[0035] Preferably, there are two limiting rods 12, and the two corresponding limiting rods 12 are connected by a connecting plate 13.
[0036] Preferably, one end of the limiting rod 12 passes through the middle region of the arc-shaped plate 9.
[0037] Preferably, the first reset elastic element 23 includes: a first reset spring or other elastic element.
[0038] Preferably, the arc-shaped plate 9 is sleeved on the outside of the upright 1, and the locking block 16 on the arc-shaped plate 9 is engaged in the locking groove 15. The arc-shaped plate 9 rotates and adjusts the position of the crossbar 3, and inserts one end of the limiting rod 12 into the positioning hole 14 to adjust the height position of the monitoring equipment.
[0039] Preferably, the locking block 16 on the arc-shaped plate 9 is disposed on the inner sidewall of the arc-shaped plate 9.
[0040] Preferably, the torsion elastic element 10 (such as a torsion spring) on the rotating rod 8 is in a torsional energy storage state when the rod 1 is set on the arc plate 9, so that the locking block 16 is embedded in the locking groove 15 to form a primary mechanical lock. After being released, it drives the arc plate 9 to automatically return to its position. The rotating crossbar 3 triggers the first reset elastic element 23 (such as a first reset spring) to pull the limiting rod 12 into the positioning hole 14, completely restricting the displacement of the arc plate 9. The first reset elastic element 23 is continuously tensioned to offset vibration interference (such as the water flow impact resistance requirement of water conservancy equipment), solving the three major pain points of low installation efficiency, easy loosening, and inconvenient adjustment of monitoring equipment in complex environments. It is especially suitable for scenarios that require high-frequency adjustment, such as water conservancy and earthquake monitoring.
[0041] Preferably, the end of the arc plate 9 away from the rotating rod 8 is provided with a rounded corner; the rounded corner at the end of the arc plate 9 enables the "low-resistance start and self-guided positioning" function during the rotation of the arc plate 9 onto the upright rod 1, making it convenient to fit the arc plate 9 onto the outside of the upright rod 1.
[0042] Preferably, a fixed rod 17 is connected to the end of the crossbar 3 away from the mounting plate 7, a lifting plate 18 is slidably connected to the fixed rod 17, a second reset elastic element 21 is sleeved on the fixed rod 17 between the lifting plate 18 and the crossbar 3, and an insertion rod 19 is connected to the end of the lifting plate 18 away from the fixed rod 17.
[0043] Preferably, the second reset elastic element 21 includes: a second reset spring or other elastic element.
[0044] Preferably, a plurality of insertion holes 20 are equally spaced on the bottom end surface of the extension rod 4, and the insertion rod 19 is inserted into the insertion holes 20 and engaged with the insertion holes 20.
[0045] When the lifting plate 18 is pressed down by an external force, the second reset elastic element 21 (such as a second reset spring) is compressed; after the external force is released, the second reset elastic element 21 (such as a second reset spring) pushes the lifting plate 18 back to its original position, maintaining the pre-engaged state of the insertion rod 19 and the extension rod 4; the equally spaced insertion holes 20 on the extension rod 4 provide multiple levels of horizontal positioning points. When the lifting plate 18 is pulled down, the insertion rod 19 disengages from the current insertion hole 20, the extension rod 4 moves along the inside of the crossbar 3 and slides to the target horizontal position, releasing the force pulling the lifting plate 18, and the second reset elastic element 21 pushes the insertion rod 19 into the new insertion hole 20, realizing the adjustment of the horizontal position of the monitoring equipment without the need for tools.
[0046] Preferably, the bottom end of the upright 1 is provided with multiple support plates 6 arranged in a ring array around the central axis of the upright 1, and the upright 1 is rotatably connected to the support plates 6 through a connecting rod 22.
[0047] Preferably, the connecting rod 22 is rotatably connected to the support plate 6 via a pin (not shown).
[0048] Preferably, a fixing ring 2 is connected to the bottom end of the upright 1.
[0049] When installing and fixing the upright 1, the support plate 6 can be buried in the soil, and then the fixing ring 2 at the bottom of the upright 1 can be fixed on the poured concrete. By connecting the upright 1 and the support plate 6 through the connecting rod 22, the position of the upright 1 can be effectively positioned, further improving the stability of the installation of the upright 1.
[0050] This utility model provides a water conservancy information monitoring device applied to an intelligent water conservancy and water affairs platform.
[0051] This utility model provides a water conservancy information monitoring device, the specific working principle of which is as follows:
[0052] When the device is in use, when installing the crossbar 3 or adjusting the height of the crossbar 3, the end of the arc plate 9 is aligned with the outside of the upright 1 and the crossbar 3 is pressed. The rounded corner at the end of the arc plate 9 drives the arc plate 9 to rotate, so that the torsion elastic element 10 is in a torsional energy storage state. The arc plate 9 is placed on the outside of the upright 1, and the locking block 16 is locked in the inside of the locking groove 15. Then, the crossbar 3 is rotated to trigger the first reset elastic element 23 (such as the first reset spring) to pull the end of the limiting rod 12 into the positioning hole 14 to fix the position of the arc plate 9, thereby realizing the installation of the crossbar 3 and realizing the adjustment of the height position of the monitoring equipment.
[0053] When the horizontal position of the monitoring device 5 needs to be adjusted, the lifting plate 18 is pulled down, the insertion rod 19 is disengaged from the current insertion hole 20, the extension rod 4 moves along the inside of the crossbar 3 and slides to the target horizontal position, the force of pulling the lifting plate 18 is released, the second reset elastic element 21 pushes the insertion rod 19 into the new insertion hole 20, the position of the extension rod 4 is fixed, and the horizontal position of the monitoring device is adjusted.
[0054] Example 1
[0055] This utility model provides a water conservancy information monitoring device, including: a vertical pole 1 and a horizontal pole 3. One end of the horizontal pole 3 is connected to a mounting component. The horizontal pole 3 is sleeved on the outside of an extension pole 4 and slidably connected to one end of the extension pole 4. A monitoring device 5 is connected to the other end of the extension pole 4 away from the vertical pole 1. The horizontal pole 3 and the extension pole 4 cooperate to adjust the horizontal position of the monitoring device 5. Multiple sets of monitoring device height adjustment parts are provided from the bottom end to the top end of the vertical pole 1. Each monitoring device height adjustment part includes: multiple equally spaced slots 15 and positioning holes 14 on the vertical pole 1. The positioning holes 14 are located on the vertical pole 1 between every two adjacent slots 15. The vertical pole 1 is adjusted by the height of the monitoring device. The height adjustment unit is connected to the mounting component of the crossbar to adjust the height of the monitoring equipment. The mounting component of the crossbar includes: a mounting plate 7, one end of which is connected to a corresponding rotating rod 8, the other end of which is connected to the crossbar 3, the rotating rod 8 being connected to at least two corresponding arc-shaped plates 9, and a torsional elastic element 10 being sleeved on the rotating rod 8; one end of two corresponding limiting rods 12 passing through the arc-shaped plate 9 and slidably connected to the arc-shaped plate 9, the other ends of the two corresponding limiting rods 12 being connected through a connecting plate 13, and a first reset elastic element 23 being sleeved on the limiting rod 12 between the connecting plate 13 and the arc-shaped plate 9; the end of the arc-shaped plate 9 away from the rotating rod 8 has a rounded corner. The torsion elastic element 10 (such as a torsion spring) on rod 8 is in a torsional energy storage state when rod 1 is installed on the arc plate 9, causing the locking block 16 to embed into the locking groove 15 to form a primary mechanical lock. After being released, it drives the arc plate 9 to automatically return to its original position. Rotating the crossbar 3 triggers the first reset elastic element 23 (such as a first reset spring) to pull the limiting rod 12 into the positioning hole 14, completely restricting the displacement of the arc plate 9 and realizing the adjustment of the height position of the monitoring equipment. The end of the crossbar 3 away from the mounting plate 7 is connected to a fixed rod 17. A lifting plate 18 is slidably connected to the fixed rod 17. A second reset elastic element 21 is sleeved on the fixed rod 17 between the lifting plate 18 and the crossbar 3. An insertion rod 19 is connected to the end of the lifting plate 18 away from the fixed rod 17. Multiple insertion holes 20 are evenly spaced on the bottom end face of the extension rod 4. The insertion rod 19 is inserted into the insertion holes 20 and engages with them. When the lifting plate 18 is pressed down by an external force, the second reset elastic element 21 is compressed. After the external force is released, the second reset elastic element 21 (such as a second reset spring) pushes the lifting plate 18 back to its original position, maintaining the insertion rod 19 in a pre-engaged state with the extension rod 4. The evenly spaced insertion holes 20 on the extension rod 4 provide multiple levels of horizontal positioning points. When the lifting plate 18 is pulled down, the insertion rod 19 disengages from the current insertion hole 20, the extension rod 4 moves along the inside of the crossbar 3 and slides to the target horizontal position, releasing the force pulling the lifting plate 18. The second reset elastic element 21 pushes the insertion rod 19 into the new insertion hole 20, thereby adjusting the horizontal position of the monitoring equipment.The bottom end of the upright 1 is provided with multiple support plates 6 arranged in a ring array around the central axis of the upright 1. The upright 1 is rotatably connected to the support plates 6 via connecting rods 22. The connecting rods 22 are rotatably connected to the support plates 6 via axle pins (not shown). A fixing ring 2 is connected to the bottom end of the upright 1. When installing and fixing the upright 1, the support plates 6 can be buried in the soil, and then the fixing ring 2 at the bottom of the upright 1 is fixed to the poured concrete. The connection between the upright 1 and the support plates 6 is achieved through the connecting rods 22. This allows the device to have integrated functions of multi-level height adjustment of the upright and horizontal adjustment of the crossbar-extension rod linkage, meeting the requirements for precise spatial control of equipment in water conservancy monitoring. It is not only easy to install, but also adaptable to different terrains and environments.
[0056] It is understood that this utility model has been described through some embodiments, and those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes or equivalent substitutions can be made to these features and embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Furthermore, under the teachings of this utility model, these features and embodiments can be modified to adapt to specific situations and materials without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model. Therefore, this utility model is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed herein, and all embodiments falling within the scope of the claims of this application are protected by this utility model.
Claims
1. A water conservancy information monitoring device, characterized in that, include: The system includes an upright and a horizontal bar. One end of the horizontal bar is connected to a mounting bracket. The horizontal bar is sleeved on the outside of an extension rod and slidably connected to one end of the extension rod. A monitoring device is connected to the other end of the extension rod away from the upright. The horizontal bar and the extension rod cooperate to adjust the horizontal position of the monitoring device. Multiple sets of monitoring device height adjustment parts are provided from the bottom to the top of the upright. The upright is connected to the mounting bracket of the horizontal bar through the monitoring device height adjustment parts to adjust the height of the monitoring device.
2. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The height adjustment part of the monitoring equipment includes: multiple equally spaced slots and positioning holes on the upright, wherein the positioning holes are located on the upright between every two adjacent slots.
3. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The mounting components of the crossbar include: a mounting plate, one end of which is connected to a corresponding rotating rod, the other end of which is connected to the crossbar, the rotating rod being connected to at least two corresponding arc-shaped plates, and a torsional elastic element being sleeved on the rotating rod.
4. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The mounting components of the crossbar include: multiple limiting rods, one end of each limiting rod passing through the arc-shaped plate and slidably connected to the arc-shaped plate, the other end of each limiting rod being connected to a connecting plate, and a first reset elastic element being sleeved on the limiting rod between the connecting plate and the arc-shaped plate.
5. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The arc-shaped plate is sleeved on the outside of the upright, and the locking block on the arc-shaped plate is engaged in the locking groove. The arc-shaped plate rotates and adjusts the position of the crossbar, and one end of the limiting rod is inserted into the positioning hole to adjust the height position of the monitoring equipment.
6. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The arc-shaped plate has a rounded corner at the end away from the rotating rod.
7. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, A fixed rod is connected to the end of the crossbar away from the mounting plate. A lifting plate is slidably connected to the fixed rod. A second reset elastic element is sleeved on the fixed rod between the lifting plate and the crossbar. An insert rod is connected to the end of the lifting plate away from the fixed rod.
8. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 7, characterized in that, The extension rod has multiple equally spaced insertion holes on its bottom end surface, and the insertion rod is inserted into the insertion holes and engaged with them.
9. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The bottom end of the upright is provided with multiple support plates arranged in a ring around the central axis of the upright, and the upright is rotatably connected to the support plates through connecting rods.
10. The water conservancy information monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A retaining ring is connected to the bottom end of the upright.