Waterway monitoring device

Abstract

This utility model relates to a waterway monitoring device, belonging to the field of waterway monitoring technology. It includes a monitoring tube, a data acquisition unit, a floating unit, and an adjustment mechanism. The data acquisition unit, housing a sensor, is placed inside the monitoring tube. The floating unit, located within the monitoring tube, floats on the water surface and moves with the water level. The adjustment mechanism connects the data acquisition unit and the floating unit, and is used to actively change the axial distance between them. After setting a desired distance, regardless of water level fluctuations, the floating unit tracks the water surface movement. Because the distance between the data acquisition unit and the floating unit is locked, its sensor can always measure at a constant preset depth relative to the water surface. This effectively solves the problem of inconsistent monitoring depth and inaccurate data caused by water level changes, significantly improving the accuracy and comparability of monitoring data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of waterway monitoring technology, specifically relating to a waterway monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] Waterways are an important component of the transportation system. Long-term, continuous online monitoring of their hydrological and water quality parameters is crucial for ensuring navigation safety, protecting the water environment, providing early warning of geological disasters, and conducting scientific research. Currently, commonly used waterway monitoring devices typically fix water quality or hydrological sensors (such as turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and water temperature sensors) at specific locations on monitoring station foundations, buoys, or monitoring vessels.

[0003] However, as is well known to those skilled in the art, waterway levels fluctuate significantly, either periodically or non-periodically, due to various factors such as tides, rainfall, upstream inflows, and reservoir operations. In existing technologies, sensors are typically fixed at a certain absolute elevation. When the water level rises, the depth of the sensor probe above the water surface increases; when the water level falls, this depth decreases. Because water bodies exhibit significant vertical stratification, the physicochemical properties (such as temperature, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen content) at different depths can vary considerably. Therefore, changes in sensor monitoring depth caused by water level fluctuations lead to inconsistent and incomparable data, failing to accurately reflect the parameter change trends of a specific water layer (such as the surface layer), resulting in inaccurate data and severely impacting the accuracy and effectiveness of monitoring results.

[0004] Therefore, how to overcome the impact of channel water level fluctuations on monitoring depth and ensure that the sensor can always measure at a constant depth relative to the water surface, thereby improving the accuracy and effectiveness of monitoring data, is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in this field. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the deficiencies mentioned in the background art by proposing a waterway monitoring device.

[0006] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is as follows:

[0007] This utility model provides a waterway monitoring device, comprising:

[0008] A monitoring tube, the interior of which defines a hollow containment space;

[0009] A data acquisition unit is disposed within the receiving space of the monitoring tube and is adapted to mount at least one sensor. The data acquisition unit is configured to be movable along the axial direction of the monitoring tube, but is restricted to rotate about the axial direction.

[0010] A buoyant portion is disposed within the receiving space of the monitoring tube and configured to float on the water surface and move with changes in water level. The buoyant portion is also configured to move along the axial direction of the monitoring tube, but is restricted from rotating about that axial direction; and:

[0011] An adjustment mechanism is connected between the acquisition unit and the levitation unit and is configured to actively change the axial distance between the acquisition unit and the levitation unit when driven.

[0012] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model: at least one guide groove extending along its axial direction is provided on the inner wall of the monitoring tube; the collecting part and the floating part are respectively provided with limiting structures that slide with the guide groove, so as to realize the axial movement and circumferential limiting of the collecting part and the floating part.

[0013] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, the adjustment mechanism includes:

[0014] A first screw is connected to the buoyancy section;

[0015] A second screw is connected to the acquisition unit; and:

[0016] An adjusting tube is provided, with its two ends threadedly connected to the first screw and the second screw respectively. The adjusting tube is configured to rotate about its own axis so that the first screw and the second screw can move axially toward or away from each other through threaded transmission.

[0017] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model: the thread direction of the first screw is opposite to that of the thread direction of the second screw.

[0018] As a preferred embodiment of this utility model, it further includes a driving mechanism for driving the regulating tube to rotate; the driving mechanism includes:

[0019] A driven gear is coaxially fixed to the outer periphery of the regulating tube; and:

[0020] A driving gear meshes with the driven gear, and a portion of the driving gear is configured to be operable from outside the monitoring tube.

[0021] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, it further includes a gear box, which is fixed on the monitoring tube, and a bearing for supporting and reducing rotational friction is provided between the driven gear and the gear box.

[0022] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model: the acquisition unit includes a cage-shaped or grid-shaped probe bracket, and the sensor is installed inside the probe bracket.

[0023] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model: at least one water inlet groove is provided on the wall of the monitoring tube for allowing water from outside the monitoring tube to flow into its containing space.

[0024] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model, it further includes a monitoring box, which is sealed and connected to one end of the monitoring tube, and its interior is used to house the data processing circuit and the power supply unit.

[0025] As a preferred technical solution of this utility model: the buoyancy part includes a float with a preset buoyancy.

[0026] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0027] By incorporating a floating section that rises and falls with the water surface and connecting it to the sensor-carrying acquisition section via an adjustable-length mechanical transmission mechanism, this invention enables the use of the water surface as a dynamic reference. Once the distance between the floating section and the acquisition section is set via the adjustment mechanism, this distance is locked. In subsequent operations, regardless of changes in the total water level of the channel, the floating section always follows the water surface, while the sensor probe inside the acquisition section, due to its constant distance from the floating section, remains at a preset, unchanging depth below the water surface for measurement.

[0028] This invention fundamentally eliminates the interference of water level fluctuations on the consistency of monitoring depth, ensuring that the collected data originates from the same water layer, significantly improving the accuracy, comparability, and long-term validity of the monitoring data, and providing reliable data support for the scientific management and environmental analysis of waterways. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a waterway monitoring device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the waterway monitoring device in this embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a partially enlarged structural diagram of the monitoring tube and gearbox in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0032] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the acquisition unit in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the floating part in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0034] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly relationship of the gear box in an embodiment of this utility model.

[0035] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the gearbox in an embodiment of the present invention, showing the meshing relationship between the driving gear and the driven gear.

[0036] The reference numerals for each component in the diagram are as follows:

[0037] 1. Monitoring box; 2. Monitoring tube; 21. Water inlet tank; 22. Guide tank; 3. Adjustment tube; 4. Floating part; 41. Float; 42. First screw; 43. First limiting plate; 5. Data collection part; 51. Fixed ball; 52. Second screw; 53. Probe bracket; 54. Second limiting plate; 6. Gear box; 61. Driving gear; 62. Driven gear; 63. Bearing. Detailed Implementation

[0038] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in this embodiment can be combined with each other. The technical solutions of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of this utility model, and not all of them. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of this utility model without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.

[0039] See attached document Figure 1 and attached Figure 2 The monitoring device in this embodiment mainly includes a monitoring box 1 located at the upper end and a vertically downward monitoring tube 2. The monitoring tube 2 houses an adjustable monitoring assembly, which consists of an adjustment tube 3, a floating part 4, a data acquisition part 5, and a gear box 6 for driving the adjustment.

[0040] The monitoring box 1 is a waterproof and sealed structure, which can accommodate electronic devices such as a data processing unit, a wireless communication module (e.g., 4G / 5G / NB-IoT), a data storage device, and a power supply battery. The monitoring tube 2 is a hollow tubular structure with at least two guide grooves 22 extending axially along its wall, as well as several water inlet grooves 21 for allowing water to flow freely. The water inlet grooves 21 ensure that the water around the acquisition unit 5 can exchange with the water in the navigation channel environment in real time and without obstruction, guaranteeing the timeliness of the monitoring data. The guide grooves 22 are used to guide and restrict the movement of the buoy 4 and the acquisition unit 5, preventing them from rotating.

[0041] As attached Figure 4As shown, the acquisition unit 5 is the sensor-bearing part. It includes a fixed ball 51, with a probe bracket 53 connected to its lower part. The probe bracket 53 is preferably a cage-like or grid-like structure, which effectively protects the internally installed precision sensor probes, such as those for turbidity, pH, dissolved oxygen, conductivity, and water temperature, from impacts by impurities in the water, while also ensuring sufficient water flow through the probe for measurement. A second screw 52 is coaxially connected to the upper part of the fixed ball 51, and its surface is machined with standard external threads. At least two second limiting plates 54 are provided on the side of the fixed ball 51. The shape and size of these limiting plates precisely match the guide groove 22 on the monitoring tube 2, allowing them to slide within it.

[0042] As attached Figure 5 As shown, the buoyancy section 4 provides a reference water level for the device. It includes a float 41 with sufficient buoyancy, which can be made of lightweight, high-buoyancy closed-cell foam plastic, hollow sealed engineering plastic, or balsa wood with a waterproof coating. A first screw 42 is connected to the lower part of the float 41, and its surface is machined with external threads. To achieve synchronous opposing or separating movements, the thread direction of the first screw 42 is preferably opposite to that of the second screw 52, ​​for example, one is a left-hand thread and the other is a right-hand thread. Below the connection between the first screw 42 and the float 41, a first limiting plate 43 is provided, which has a similar function and structure to the second limiting plate 54 and also slides in cooperation with the guide groove 22 of the monitoring tube 2.

[0043] The regulating tube 3 is the core driving component for distance adjustment. It is a hollow tube with internal threads at both ends that match the first screw 42 and the second screw 52.

[0044] See attached document Figure 3 Appendix Figure 6 and attached Figure 7 The gearbox 6 serves as the carrier for the manual adjustment mechanism. In this embodiment, the gearbox 6 is a plate-shaped component fixed at an appropriate position on the monitoring tube 2. A driven gear 62 is coaxially and securely mounted on the outer wall of the adjustment tube 3. The driven gear 62 and the adjustment tube 3 can be connected by a key, spline, or interference fit to transmit torque. To reduce rotational resistance and improve the smoothness of adjustment, a planar thrust bearing or a deep groove ball bearing 63 is provided between the contact surfaces of the driven gear 62 and the gearbox 6.

[0045] A driving gear 61 meshes with a driven gear 62, and both are rotatably connected to a gearbox 6. (See attached diagram) Figure 3 As shown, a window is opened on the wall of the monitoring tube 2 at the position corresponding to the drive gear 61, so that a portion of the teeth of the drive gear 61 are exposed outside the monitoring tube 2. This allows the operator to directly rotate the drive gear 61 with their fingers or simple tools without disassembling the equipment.

[0046] Working principle and adjustment process:

[0047] The entire monitoring device is placed in the designated location in the waterway. Due to buoyancy, the float 41 of the buoyant section 4 will always float and remain close to the water surface. The operator needs to set the monitoring depth of the sensor probe below the water surface. The operator uses their finger to turn the drive gear 61 through the window outside the monitoring tube 2. The rotation of the drive gear 61, through meshing, drives the driven gear 62 to rotate in the opposite direction. Since the driven gear 62 is rigidly connected to the regulating tube 3, the regulating tube 3 also rotates synchronously. The presence of the bearing 63 ensures low friction and high efficiency in this process. During this process, the buoyant section 4 and the acquisition section 5 are restricted from circumferential rotation due to the sliding fit between their limiting plates 43, 54 and the guide groove 22 of the monitoring tube 2, and can only move linearly along the axial direction of the monitoring tube 2. When the regulating tube 3 rotates, its internal left- or right-hand internal threads or the same-direction internal threads engaging with left- or right-hand external threads will respectively drive the first screw 42 and the second screw 52 to simultaneously tighten towards the middle or open towards both ends. For example, when the regulating tube 3 is rotated clockwise, the buoy 4 and the collecting unit 5 may move closer together, reducing the distance between the float 41 and the probe bracket 53; rotating it counterclockwise will move them further apart, increasing the distance. Once adjusted to the desired depth, such as 50 cm below the water surface, operation can be stopped. Due to the self-locking property of the gear transmission or frictional resistance, this distance will be stably maintained. Thereafter, regardless of whether the overall water level of the channel rises or falls due to tides or rainfall, the float 41 will always follow the water surface, and because the distance between the collecting unit 5 and the buoy 4 is locked, the sensor inside its probe bracket 53 will always remain at a position 50 cm below the water surface, achieving accurate and continuous monitoring of water quality parameters at a specific water layer.

[0048] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that this invention is not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described above, and that it can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of this invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered illustrative and non-limiting in all respects, and the scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description. Thus, it is intended that all variations falling within the meaning and scope of equivalents of the claims be included within this invention. No reference numerals in the claims should be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

[0049] Furthermore, it should be understood that although this specification describes embodiments, not every embodiment contains only one independent technical solution. This narrative style is merely for clarity. Those skilled in the art should consider the specification as a whole, and the technical solutions in each embodiment can also be appropriately combined to form other embodiments that can be understood by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A waterway monitoring device, characterized in that, include: A monitoring tube (2) defines a hollow containment space inside; A collection unit (5) is disposed within the receiving space of the monitoring tube (2) and is adapted to install at least one sensor. The collection unit (5) is configured to move along the axial direction of the monitoring tube (2) but is restricted to rotate about the axial direction. A floating part (4) is provided in the receiving space of the monitoring tube (2) and is configured to float on the water surface and move with the water level. The floating part (4) is also configured to move along the axial direction of the monitoring tube (2), but is restricted to rotate about the axial direction. and: An adjustment mechanism is connected between the acquisition unit (5) and the floating unit (4) and is configured to actively change the axial distance between the acquisition unit (5) and the floating unit (4) when driven.

2. The waterway monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the monitoring tube (2) is provided with at least one guide groove (22) extending along its axial direction; the collection part (5) and the floating part (4) are respectively provided with limiting structures (54, 43) that slide with the guide groove (22) to realize the axial movement and circumferential limiting of the collection part (5) and the floating part (4).

3. The waterway monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment mechanism includes: A first screw (42) is connected to the buoyancy section (4); A second screw (52) is connected to the acquisition unit (5); and: An adjusting tube (3) is threaded to the first screw (42) and the second screw (52) at both ends, respectively. The adjusting tube (3) is configured to rotate about its own axis so that the first screw (42) and the second screw (52) can move axially toward or away from each other through threaded transmission.

4. The waterway monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The thread direction of the first screw (42) is opposite to that of the thread direction of the second screw (52).

5. The waterway monitoring device according to claim 3, characterized in that, It also includes a drive mechanism for driving the regulating tube (3) to rotate; the drive mechanism includes: A driven gear (62) is coaxially fixed to the outer periphery of the adjusting tube (3); and: A drive gear (61) meshes with the driven gear (62), and a portion of the drive gear (61) is configured to be operable from outside the monitoring tube (2).

6. The waterway monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, It also includes a gear box (6), which is fixed on the monitoring tube (2), and a bearing (63) for supporting and reducing rotational friction is provided between the driven gear (62) and the gear box (6).

7. The waterway monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The acquisition unit (5) includes a cage-shaped or grid-shaped probe bracket (53), and the sensor is installed inside the probe bracket (53).

8. The waterway monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one water inlet groove (21) is provided on the wall of the monitoring tube (2) to allow water from outside the monitoring tube (2) to flow into its containing space.

9. The waterway monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a monitoring box (1), which is sealed to one end of the monitoring tube (2) and is used to house the data processing circuit and power supply unit.

10. The waterway monitoring device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, The buoyancy section (4) includes a float (41) with a preset buoyancy.

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