Ocean current monitoring device

Abstract

The application provides a marine flow velocity monitoring device, which comprises an observation frame, a flow velocity monitor, a universal mechanism and a first counterweight component. The flow velocity monitor is used for monitoring marine flow velocity parameters. The universal mechanism is provided with a movable outer ring and a movable inner ring which are coaxially arranged. The movable outer ring is rotatably arranged on the observation frame through a first horizontal rotating shaft. The movable inner ring is rotatably arranged in the movable outer ring through a second horizontal rotating shaft. The second horizontal rotating shaft is perpendicular to the first horizontal rotating shaft. The movable inner ring is connected with the flow velocity monitor and coaxially arranged with the flow velocity monitor. The first counterweight component is arranged on the flow velocity monitor and is used for lowering the gravity center of the flow velocity monitor, so that the measurement axis of the flow velocity monitor is kept consistent with the direction of gravity in a dynamic marine environment. Through the cooperation of the universal mechanism and the first counterweight component, the self-adaptive stability of the flow velocity monitor in extreme sea conditions is effectively improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of marine environmental monitoring technology, and in particular to a marine current velocity monitoring device. Background Technology

[0002] In deep-sea aquaculture, marine engineering, and hydrological monitoring, current velocity monitoring instruments (typically acoustic Doppler current profilers, or ADCPs) are core equipment for acquiring key marine environmental parameters such as waves and current velocities. Traditional current velocity monitoring instrument mounts typically use rigid fixing methods (such as welding or bolting) to secure the instrument to a seabed base or protective structure. While this design can meet basic measurement needs under normal sea conditions, it has significant limitations under extreme sea conditions such as typhoons and strong upwellings.

[0003] Traditional ocean current monitoring equipment cannot adapt to multi-directional current impacts, causing the current monitoring instrument to deviate in direction or overturn under strong turbulence, resulting in severely distorted measurement data. Utility Model Content

[0004] This application provides an ocean current velocity monitoring device to solve the problems existing in related technologies. The technical solution is as follows:

[0005] This application provides an ocean current velocity monitoring device, including:

[0006] Observation rack;

[0007] A current velocity monitor, used to monitor ocean current velocity parameters;

[0008] A universal joint mechanism comprising a coaxially arranged outer and inner movable rings. The outer movable ring is rotatably mounted on the observation frame via a first horizontal pivot, and the inner movable ring is rotatably mounted within the outer movable ring via a second horizontal pivot perpendicular to the first horizontal pivot. The inner movable ring is connected to the flow velocity monitor and is coaxially arranged with the flow velocity monitor.

[0009] A first counterweight component is disposed on the current velocity monitor. The first counterweight component is used to lower the center of gravity of the current velocity monitor so that the measurement axis of the current velocity monitor remains consistent with the direction of gravity in a dynamic marine environment.

[0010] In one embodiment, the opposite sides of the movable outer ring are rotatably connected to the observation frame via the first horizontal pivot.

[0011] In one embodiment, the opposite sides of the movable inner ring are rotatably connected to the observation frame via the second horizontal pivot.

[0012] In one embodiment, the first counterweight is located directly below the flow rate monitor.

[0013] In one embodiment, the ocean current monitoring device further includes:

[0014] The second counterweight component is located at the bottom of the observation frame and is used to lower the center of gravity of the observation frame.

[0015] In one embodiment, the vertical projection of the observation frame lies within the vertical projection of the second counterweight component.

[0016] In one embodiment, the observation frame is equipped with lifting rings.

[0017] In one embodiment, the observation frame includes:

[0018] Circular base frame;

[0019] An annular top frame, wherein the annular top frame and the annular bottom frame are spaced apart along the height direction of the observation frame; and

[0020] Multiple columns are provided between the annular bottom frame and the annular top frame, and the multiple columns are arranged at intervals around the vertical center line of the observation frame;

[0021] The universal joint is located inside the annular top frame, and the first horizontal rotating shaft is connected to the annular top frame.

[0022] In one embodiment, the observation frame is a one-piece cast structure.

[0023] In one embodiment, the observation frame is made of 316 stainless steel.

[0024] The advantages or beneficial effects of the above technical solutions include at least the following:

[0025] This invention relates to an ocean current velocity monitoring device that effectively enhances the adaptive stability of the current velocity monitor under extreme sea conditions through the synergistic effect of a universal joint mechanism and a first counterweight component. The universal joint mechanism, with its orthogonally arranged dual horizontal rotating shaft structure (the first horizontal rotating shaft connects the observation frame to the movable outer ring, and the second horizontal rotating shaft connects the movable outer ring to the movable inner ring), enables the current velocity monitor to adapt to multi-directional ocean current impacts. The free rotation of the dual shafts counteracts the hydrodynamic torque, preventing the current velocity monitor from deflecting or capsizing. Meanwhile, the first counterweight component lowers the center of gravity of the current velocity monitor and dynamically aligns its measuring axis with the direction of gravity. It automatically corrects the attitude of the current velocity monitor using gravitational torque, ensuring that the measuring axis remains perpendicular even when the movable outer and inner rings sway with turbulent currents, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the measurement data.

[0026] The above overview is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. In addition to the illustrative aspects, embodiments, and features described above, further aspects, embodiments, and features of this application will become readily apparent from the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0027] In the accompanying drawings, unless otherwise specified, the same reference numerals throughout the various drawings denote the same or similar parts or elements. These drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale. It should be understood that these drawings depict only some embodiments disclosed in this application and should not be construed as limiting the scope of this application.

[0028] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ocean current velocity monitoring device of this utility model from a first-person perspective;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the ocean current velocity monitoring device of this utility model from a second perspective.

[0030] Figure Labels

[0031] 1. Observation frame; 11. Annular bottom frame; 12. Annular top frame; 13. Column; 14. Lifting ring; 2. Flow velocity monitor; 3. Universal mechanism; 31. Movable outer ring; 32. First horizontal rotating shaft; 33. Movable inner ring; 34. Second horizontal rotating shaft; 4. First counterweight component; 5. Second counterweight component. Detailed Implementation

[0032] In the following description, only certain exemplary embodiments are briefly described. As those skilled in the art will recognize, the described embodiments can be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of this application. Therefore, the drawings and description are considered to be exemplary in nature and not restrictive.

[0033] See Figures 1-2 This invention illustrates a preferred embodiment of an ocean current velocity monitoring device, comprising:

[0034] Observation frame 1;

[0035] Current velocity monitor 2 is used to monitor ocean current velocity parameters;

[0036] Universal mechanism 3, comprising a coaxially arranged movable outer ring 31 and movable inner ring 33. The movable outer ring 31 is rotatably mounted on the observation frame 1 via a first horizontal rotating shaft 32. The movable inner ring 33 is rotatably mounted inside the movable outer ring 31 via a second horizontal rotating shaft 34, which is perpendicular to the first horizontal rotating shaft 32. The movable inner ring 33 is connected to the flow velocity monitor 2, and the movable inner ring 33 is coaxially arranged with the flow velocity monitor 2, meaning the vertical centerline of the movable inner ring 33 coincides with the measurement axis of the flow velocity monitor 2.

[0037] The first counterweight component 4 is mounted on the current velocity monitor 2. The first counterweight component 4 is used to lower the center of gravity of the current velocity monitor 2 so that the measurement axis of the current velocity monitor 2 remains consistent with the direction of gravity in the dynamic marine environment.

[0038] The ocean current monitoring device of this invention effectively improves the adaptive stability of the current monitor 2 under extreme sea conditions through the synergistic effect of the universal joint 3 and the first counterweight component 4. Specifically, the universal joint 3, through its orthogonally arranged double horizontal rotating shaft structure (the first horizontal rotating shaft 32 connects the observation frame 1 to the movable outer ring 31, and the second horizontal rotating shaft 34 connects the movable outer ring 31 to the movable inner ring 33), enables the current monitor 2 to adapt to multi-directional ocean current impacts. The free rotation of the two shafts counteracts the hydrodynamic torque, preventing the current monitor 2 from deflecting or overturning. Meanwhile, the first counterweight component 4 lowers the center of gravity of the current monitor 2 and dynamically aligns its measuring axis with the direction of gravity. It automatically corrects the attitude of the current monitor 2 using gravitational torque, ensuring that even when the movable outer ring 31 and movable inner ring 33 sway with turbulent currents, the measuring axis remains perpendicular, thus guaranteeing the accuracy of the measurement data.

[0039] Understandably, the flow rate monitor 2 is typically an acoustic Doppler velocity profiler (ADCP).

[0040] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, the two opposite sides of the movable outer ring 31 are rotatably connected to the observation frame 1 through the first horizontal rotating shaft 32 to form a double-rotating axis symmetrical structure. This double-rotating axis symmetrical structure enhances the force balance and motion stability of the universal mechanism 3, enabling the movable outer ring 31 to achieve smoother rotational motion when subjected to multi-directional ocean current impacts, avoiding jamming or deflection caused by unilateral force. At the same time, the symmetrically distributed first horizontal rotating shafts 32 improve the load-bearing capacity of the overall structure, ensuring that the current velocity monitor 2 can still maintain a stable working state under extreme sea conditions.

[0041] See Figures 1-2In one embodiment, the two opposite sides of the movable inner ring 33 are rotatably connected to the observation frame 1 via a second horizontal rotating shaft 34 to form a double-axis symmetrical structure. This double-axis symmetrical structure enhances the force balance and motion stability of the movable inner ring 33, enabling the movable inner ring 33 to achieve smoother rotational motion when subjected to multi-directional ocean current impacts, avoiding jamming or deflection caused by unilateral force. At the same time, the symmetrically distributed second horizontal rotating shafts 34 improve the load-bearing capacity of the overall structure, ensuring that the current velocity monitor 2 can maintain a stable working state under extreme sea conditions.

[0042] In one embodiment, the first counterweight 4 is located directly below the flow velocity monitor 2. By placing the first counterweight 4 directly below the flow velocity monitor 2, gravity causes the center of gravity of the device to shift vertically downward, ensuring that the measurement axis of the flow velocity monitor 2 always automatically coincides with the direction of gravity. When the device oscillates due to the impact of ocean currents, the gravitational torque of the first counterweight 4 can quickly restore the vertical attitude of the flow velocity monitor 2. Therefore, this downward-positioned counterweight design significantly improves the dynamic stability of the device and effectively overcomes the problem of measurement axis offset caused by the high center of gravity of traditional monitoring devices in complex flow fields.

[0043] In one embodiment, the first counterweight component 4 is made of cast iron, with a total counterweight mass of 25 kg. By using cast iron to make the 25 kg first counterweight component 4, the high density of cast iron is utilized to achieve precise center of gravity adjustment within a compact space. This specific mass design can generate sufficient gravitational torque to enable the current velocity monitor 2 to quickly restore its vertical attitude in dynamic sea conditions, while avoiding the problem of excessive structural inertia caused by excessive counterweight. At the same time, the corrosion resistance of cast iron ensures reliable operation in long-term marine environments. Under the optimized gravitational balance formed by the 25 kg counterweight, the current velocity monitor 2 can effectively resist fluid impact and maintain sensitive attitude response, thereby significantly improving measurement accuracy and equipment stability.

[0044] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, both sides of the first counterweight component 4 are fixedly connected to the current velocity monitor 2 via connecting components. By symmetrically fixing the connecting components to the current velocity monitor 2 on both sides of the first counterweight component 4, the structural design achieves balanced force distribution and connection stability of the first counterweight component 4. This allows the first counterweight component 4 to maintain a stable center of gravity adjustment when the device sways with the ocean current, avoiding stress concentration or structural deformation that may occur with a single-sided connection. At the same time, the double-connecting component structure enhances the overall impact resistance, ensuring that the current velocity monitor 2 can quickly restore its vertical measurement attitude under extreme sea conditions through the gravity self-stabilization mechanism of the first counterweight component 4.

[0045] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, the ocean current monitoring device further includes:

[0046] The second counterweight component 5 is located at the bottom of the observation frame 1. The second counterweight component 5 is used to lower the center of gravity of the observation frame 1 so that the equipment can be stably set on the seabed base and ensure the stability of the attitude of the observation frame 1 in strong upwelling or turbulent currents (tilt angle controlled to be less than 5°).

[0047] In one embodiment, the vertical projection of the observation frame 1 is located within the vertical projection of the second counterweight component 5. By completely encompassing the vertical projection of the observation frame 1 within the vertical projection range of the second counterweight component 5, the second counterweight component 5 provides all-around gravity support for the observation frame 1. When the equipment is impacted by multi-directional ocean currents, the gravity of the second counterweight component 5 can generate a uniformly distributed restoring torque, effectively suppressing the swaying amplitude of the observation frame 1. At the same time, this projection inclusion relationship optimizes the center of gravity distribution of the overall structure, enhances the equipment's anti-overturning capability in dynamic marine environments, and ensures that the current velocity monitor 2 always maintains a stable working posture.

[0048] In one embodiment, the second counterweight component 5 is made of cast iron, with a total counterweight mass of 400 kg. By using cast iron to make the 400 kg second counterweight component 5, the high density of cast iron is utilized to achieve optimal mass configuration within a limited space. This specific mass design ensures that sufficient gravitational torque is generated to effectively counteract the fluid impact torque under extreme sea conditions, while the corrosion resistance of cast iron ensures structural reliability in long-term marine environments. This allows the observation frame 1 to quickly dampen its swing and maintain balance under the stable gravitational field formed by the 400 kg counterweight, thereby significantly improving the measurement stability and data accuracy of the current velocity monitor 2 in dynamic marine environments.

[0049] In one embodiment, the observation frame 1 is equipped with a lifting ring 14. By incorporating the lifting ring 14 into the structural design of the observation frame 1, a reliable support point is provided for the hoisting and transportation of the equipment. This lifting ring 14 structure enables the marine environmental monitoring equipment to be deployed and retrieved conveniently and efficiently, while optimizing the operational safety of the equipment under complex sea conditions. It also ensures that the current velocity monitor 2 maintains its structural integrity during installation and maintenance, thereby improving the convenience and reliability of the overall project implementation.

[0050] See Figures 1-2In one embodiment, lifting rings 14 are provided at each of the four corners of the top of the observation frame 1. Thus, by symmetrically arranging the lifting rings 14 at the four corners of the top of the observation frame 1, multi-point balanced force is achieved during equipment hoisting. The four lifting rings 14 form a stable spatial quadrilateral support structure, enabling the observation frame 1 to automatically adjust the tension distribution at each lifting point during hoisting, avoiding equipment tilting or structural deformation caused by single-point hoisting. Simultaneously, the four-corner distribution of the lifting rings 14 provides multiple hoisting options for different operating environments, ensuring the stability and safety of hoisting large-mass equipment in complex sea conditions, and improving the operational convenience and adaptability of equipment deployment and retrieval.

[0051] See Figures 1-2 In one embodiment, the observation frame 1 includes:

[0052] 11-ring bottom frame;

[0053] The annular top frame 12 and the annular bottom frame 11 are spaced apart along the height direction of the observation frame 1; and

[0054] Multiple columns 13 are arranged between the annular bottom frame 11 and the annular top frame 12, and the multiple columns 13 are arranged at intervals around the vertical center line of the observation frame 1.

[0055] The universal joint 3 is located inside the annular top frame 12, and the first horizontal rotating shaft 32 is connected to the annular top frame 12. The annular bottom frame 11 and the annular top frame 12, together with multiple columns 13, form a three-dimensional frame structure for the observation frame 1. This combination of the annular double frame and the columns 13 forms a stable three-dimensional support system, enabling the observation frame 1 to evenly distribute the load when subjected to multi-directional ocean current impacts. The annular top frame 12 provides a horizontal mounting reference surface for the universal joint 3, ensuring the connection stability between the first horizontal rotating shaft 32 and the annular top frame 12. The multiple columns 13 are arranged at intervals around the vertical center line, which not only ensures the overall structural strength of the frame but also optimizes the internal spatial layout of the equipment. Under the rigid support of the three-dimensional frame and the dynamic adjustment of the universal joint 3, the current velocity monitor 2 can maintain both structural stability and measurement accuracy under extreme sea conditions.

[0056] In one embodiment, the observation frame 1 is a one-piece cast structure. By adopting a one-piece cast structural design for the observation frame 1, the structural weaknesses and assembly errors that may exist in traditional welding or bolted connections are eliminated, making the observation frame 1 a continuous and uniform stress system. This one-piece molding process not only improves the overall rigidity and deformation resistance of the observation frame 1 under extreme sea conditions and ensures the accuracy and stability of the mounting base of the universal stabilizing mechanism, but also, the isotropic characteristics of the cast structure enable the observation frame 1 to uniformly distribute multi-directional ocean current impact loads, avoiding local failures caused by stress concentration, thereby significantly improving the structural reliability and long-term durability of the equipment in dynamic marine environments.

[0057] In one embodiment, the observation frame 1 is made of 316 stainless steel. By using 316 stainless steel to manufacture the observation frame 1, the excellent corrosion resistance and high strength of this material enable the observation frame 1 to effectively resist seawater erosion and biofouling in long-term marine environments. Simultaneously, the high strength of 316 stainless steel ensures the structural integrity of the observation frame 1 when subjected to multi-directional fluid impacts under extreme sea conditions. This material selection not only meets the stringent durability requirements of marine engineering equipment but also ensures the long-term accuracy maintenance of the universal stabilization mechanism's mounting base through the material's inherent stability, thereby significantly improving the overall reliability and service life of the equipment in harsh marine environments.

[0058] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of those different embodiments or examples.

[0059] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0060] The above are merely specific embodiments of this application, but the scope of protection of this application is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art can easily conceive of various variations or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in this application, and these should all be included within the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, the scope of protection of this application should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A marine current velocity monitoring device, characterized in that, include: Observation shelf; A current velocity monitor, used to monitor ocean current velocity parameters; A universal joint mechanism comprising a coaxially arranged outer and inner movable rings. The outer movable ring is rotatably mounted on the observation frame via a first horizontal pivot, and the inner movable ring is rotatably mounted within the outer movable ring via a second horizontal pivot perpendicular to the first horizontal pivot. The inner movable ring is connected to the flow velocity monitor and is coaxially arranged with the flow velocity monitor. A first counterweight component is disposed on the current velocity monitor. The first counterweight component is used to lower the center of gravity of the current velocity monitor so that the measurement axis of the current velocity monitor remains consistent with the direction of gravity in a dynamic marine environment.

2. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both sides of the movable outer ring are rotatably connected to the observation frame via the first horizontal pivot.

3. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, Both sides of the movable inner ring are rotatably connected to the observation frame via the second horizontal pivot.

4. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first counterweight component is located directly below the flow rate monitor.

5. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ocean current monitoring equipment also includes: The second counterweight component is located at the bottom of the observation frame and is used to lower the center of gravity of the observation frame.

6. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 5, characterized in that, The vertical projection of the observation frame is located within the vertical projection of the second counterweight component.

7. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The observation frame is equipped with hanging rings.

8. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The observation frame includes: Circular base frame; An annular top frame, wherein the annular top frame and the annular bottom frame are spaced apart along the height direction of the observation frame; and Multiple columns are provided between the annular bottom frame and the annular top frame, and the multiple columns are arranged at intervals around the vertical center line of the observation frame; The universal joint is located inside the annular top frame, and the first horizontal rotating shaft is connected to the annular top frame.

9. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The observation frame is a one-piece cast structure.

10. The ocean current velocity monitoring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The observation frame is made of 316 stainless steel.

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