Road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device
By employing a non-contact measurement technology that combines floats and laser ranging in road water accumulation monitoring, the problems of high cost, low accuracy, and poor reliability in existing technologies have been solved. This technology enables low-cost, high-precision, and high-reliability water accumulation monitoring, which is suitable for intelligent urban management and public safety assurance.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- 夏唯畅
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing road waterlogging monitoring solutions cannot simultaneously meet the practical application requirements in terms of cost, accuracy, and reliability, thus failing to meet the modern city's need for large-scale, high-precision, and low-cost monitoring.
The system employs a non-contact measurement technique that combines a float that moves up and down within the water storage pipe with a laser ranging module. The distance between the float and the top of the water storage pipe is measured using the laser ranging module, and the water level is calculated using a microprocessor. The system is also equipped with warning, display, and communication modules to enable real-time monitoring and early warning.
It achieves low-cost, high-precision, and high-reliability water accumulation monitoring, reducing equipment costs by more than 70%, achieving centimeter-level measurement accuracy, with a simple system structure, convenient maintenance, strong anti-interference capabilities, adaptability to various meteorological conditions, and support for large-scale deployment and intelligent urban management.
Smart Images

Figure CN224552498U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water level monitoring technology, and in particular to a road water accumulation monitoring and early warning device. Background Technology
[0002] With the acceleration of urbanization and the frequent occurrence of extreme weather events, road flooding has become a significant issue affecting urban traffic safety and residents' lives. Under severe weather conditions such as heavy rain and typhoons, rapid changes in road flooding height often pose a serious threat to vehicle passage and pedestrian safety. Therefore, accurate and real-time monitoring of road flooding height is of great importance for ensuring public safety and urban operation.
[0003] Currently, the following technical solutions are mainly used for monitoring road water accumulation:
[0004] The first method is manual patrol. This method involves assigning staff to regularly patrol sections of road prone to flooding, observe and measure the water level, and then report to the command center via telephone or walkie-talkie. Although this method is low-cost, it has significant limitations: first, it lacks timeliness and cannot achieve real-time monitoring; second, it poses high safety risks to personnel, especially during patrols in adverse weather conditions; third, it has limited coverage, making it difficult to monitor multiple flooding points simultaneously; and fourth, human judgment is prone to error, lacking objective and accurate data support.
[0005] The second type is the contact-type electronic sensor solution. Common types include electrode-type water level gauges, pressure-type water level gauges, and capacitive water level gauges. Electrode-type water level gauges determine water level by measuring the conductivity between electrodes at different heights, but they are easily affected by changes in water quality, and are prone to errors or even failure in rainwater containing impurities or pollutants. Pressure-type water level gauges calculate water level by measuring water pressure, requiring the installation of pressure sensors under the road surface. This is not only complex to install and construct, but also susceptible to interference from vehicle pressure, making maintenance difficult and costly. While capacitive water level gauges offer high accuracy, they have strict environmental requirements and poor stability in open road environments.
[0006] The third type is non-contact measurement solutions. These mainly include ultrasonic level gauges and radar level gauges. Ultrasonic level gauges calculate the distance and thus the water level by emitting ultrasonic waves and measuring the echo time. However, ultrasonic waves are easily affected by environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and wind speed, and their measurement accuracy decreases significantly under adverse weather conditions. Radar level gauges use microwave technology and have high measurement accuracy and stability, but the equipment is expensive. A single imported radar level gauge often costs more than 100,000 yuan, making large-scale deployment less economical.
[0007] The fourth method is the float switch solution. This solution uses the up-and-down movement of a float to trigger switches at different heights, achieving graded water level detection. Although the structure is simple and the cost is low, it can only provide information on a few discrete water level levels, cannot achieve continuous water level measurement, has limited accuracy, and the mechanical switch is prone to failure due to obstruction by debris.
[0008] Analysis of existing technologies reveals that the main technical challenge facing road flooding monitoring is that current solutions fail to simultaneously meet practical application requirements in terms of cost, accuracy, and reliability. Specifically, low-cost solutions (such as manual inspections and float switches) suffer from poor accuracy and reliability; high-accuracy solutions (such as radar level gauges) are expensive and difficult to deploy on a large scale; and relatively reliable solutions (such as pressure sensors) are complex to install and maintain, resulting in high overall costs. This technical predicament severely restricts the widespread application of road flooding monitoring systems, failing to meet the urgent needs of modern cities for large-scale, high-precision, and low-cost flooding monitoring. Utility Model Content
[0009] This utility model provides a road water accumulation monitoring and early warning device that can ensure measurement accuracy and reliability, control costs and simplify maintenance, so as to meet the actual needs of intelligent urban management and public safety.
[0010] This utility model provides a road flooding monitoring and early warning device, comprising: a water storage pipe having a connection port for connecting to external floodwater; a float disposed inside the water storage pipe and floating up and down inside the water storage pipe according to changes in the external floodwater height; and a water level measuring device disposed at the top of the water storage pipe, comprising: a laser ranging module aligned with the float for measuring the distance between the laser ranging module and the float; and a microprocessor electrically connected to the laser ranging module for calculating the floodwater height based on the laser ranging value.
[0011] In one possible implementation, a radial gap of 5-10 mm is provided between the outer diameter of the float and the inner diameter of the water storage pipe.
[0012] In one possible implementation, a grid-type filter structure is provided at the connection port.
[0013] In one possible implementation, an alarm module is also included, which is electrically connected to the microprocessor; wherein the microprocessor controls the alarm module to issue an alarm message according to a preset water level threshold.
[0014] In one possible implementation, the warning module includes a warning light that displays green when the water level is below the normal level, yellow when the water level is above the normal level but below the warning level, and red when the water level is above the warning level.
[0015] In one possible implementation, a water level display module is also included, which is electrically connected to the microprocessor and is used to display the water level.
[0016] In one possible implementation, a communication module is also included, which is electrically connected to the microprocessor; wherein the communication module is used to transmit the water level along with a timestamp and location marker to a remote monitoring center.
[0017] In one possible implementation, solar power and energy storage modules are also included to provide power to the entire device.
[0018] In one possible implementation, the top of the floating block is provided with a laser reflection structure to stabilize the reflection of the laser signal.
[0019] In one possible implementation, the laser reflection structure is a corner reflector comprising three mutually perpendicular reflecting surfaces.
[0020] The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device provided by this utility model effectively solves the main technical problems of existing road waterlogging monitoring solutions in terms of cost, accuracy, and reliability, which are difficult to meet the actual application requirements at the same time by adopting a floating block that moves up and down with the change of water level and combining it with a laser ranging module for non-contact measurement.
[0021] Firstly, in terms of cost control, the laser ranging module used in this invention reduces costs by more than 70% compared to radar level gauges, and the manufacturing cost of the entire system is controlled within 30% of that of traditional radar solutions, making large-scale deployment possible. The float structure is manufactured using conventional materials, resulting in a simple process and low mass production costs. The water storage pipe uses standard pipe materials, making it easy to procure and process. Compared to pressure sensor solutions that require complex installation engineering, the ground installation method of this invention significantly reduces construction costs and time.
[0022] Secondly, in terms of measurement accuracy, laser ranging technology can achieve centimeter-level accuracy, far exceeding the accuracy level of traditional float switches, and can meet the ±50mm accuracy requirement for road water accumulation monitoring. The buoyancy response of the float has good linear characteristics, and the water level change and the float displacement have an accurate one-to-one correspondence, providing a reliable physical basis for precise measurement. The microprocessor can accurately calculate the water height by subtracting the laser ranging value from the pipe length using a simple algorithm, avoiding the error accumulation that may be caused by complex signal processing.
[0023] Third, regarding reliability, the laser ranging module is installed in a dry environment at the top of the water storage pipe, avoiding direct contact with the water and completely eliminating the risk of failure caused by water quality changes, corrosion, and pollution, which are common with traditional contact sensors. The float, as a purely mechanical component with no electronic parts, has an extremely low failure rate and a long service life. The non-contact measurement principle avoids mechanical wear, allowing the equipment to operate stably for extended periods. The entire system has a simple structure, fewer potential failure points, and significantly reduced maintenance workload.
[0024] In terms of anti-interference capability, the water storage pipe provides a relatively enclosed measurement environment for the float, reducing the impact of external interference factors. Laser ranging is not significantly affected by changes in temperature and humidity, maintaining stable measurement performance under various weather conditions. Compared to ultrasonic measurement, which is susceptible to wind speed, laser ranging has stronger environmental adaptability.
[0025] In terms of ease of maintenance, the system adopts a modular design, with each component relatively independent, facilitating inspection and replacement. Electronic components such as the laser ranging module and microprocessor are mounted in a well-protected top position, simplifying routine maintenance. Mechanical components such as the float can be maintained through simple disassembly and reassembly, without requiring specialized technicians.
[0026] In terms of functional completeness, the microprocessor not only calculates the water level height but also provides a platform for subsequent expansion into functions such as early warning, display, and communication. The design of the connection port ensures real-time water level transmission and a fast system response. The entire solution lays a solid foundation for building a complete intelligent monitoring and early warning system.
[0027] Compared with traditional technical solutions, this utility model achieves a comprehensive balance of cost, accuracy, and reliability, providing a practical solution for the large-scale application of road water accumulation monitoring technology and effectively supporting the construction of urban intelligent management and public safety guarantee system. Attached Figure Description
[0028] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.
[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device provided by this utility model.
[0030] Figure 2 This is a system connection diagram of a road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device provided by this utility model.
[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a float provided by this utility model.
[0032] Figure label:
[0033] 1. Water storage pipe; 11. Connecting port; 12. Grille-type filter structure;
[0034] 2. Float; 21. Laser reflection structure; 22. Damping cavity; 23. Water inlet; 24. Vertical damping plate;
[0035] 3. Water level measuring device; 31. Laser ranging module; 32. Microprocessor;
[0036] 4. Warning module; 41. Warning light;
[0037] 5. Water level display module;
[0038] 6. Communication module;
[0039] 7. Solar power supply and energy storage module. Detailed Implementation
[0040] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, 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 some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this utility model.
[0041] The following is combined with Figure 1-3 This utility model provides a road flooding monitoring and early warning device, including a water storage pipe 1, a float 2, and a water level measuring device 3, wherein:
[0042] The water storage pipe 1 has a connecting port 11 for connecting to external water.
[0043] The float 2 is installed inside the water storage pipe 1 and floats up and down inside the water storage pipe 1 as the external water level changes.
[0044] The water level measuring device 3 is installed on the top of the water storage pipe 1 and includes: a laser ranging module 31, which is aligned with the float 2 and used to measure the distance between itself and the float 2; and a microprocessor 32, which is electrically connected to the laser ranging module 31 and used to calculate the water level based on the laser ranging value.
[0045] In this invention, by placing a float 2 inside the water storage pipe 1 and using a laser ranging module 31 to measure the distance between the float 2 and the float, accurate monitoring of road water level is achieved. This solves the technical problems of high cost, poor accuracy, and frequent maintenance of traditional water level monitoring equipment. This technical solution is based on the combination of the physical buoyancy principle and laser ranging technology. When the external water level changes, the connecting port 11 ensures that the water level inside the water storage pipe 1 remains consistent with the external level. The float 2 floats up and down with the water level under buoyancy. The laser ranging module 31 measures the distance to the top of the float 2 in real time. The microprocessor 32 calculates the actual water level by subtracting the distance measurement value from the total pipe length, thus achieving non-contact, high-precision water level measurement.
[0046] Specifically, the water storage pipe 1, acting as a measuring chamber, provides a controlled movement space for the float 2, and its connecting port 11 ensures real-time synchronization between the water level inside the pipe and the external water level. The float 2 is made of a material with moderate density, ensuring good buoyancy in water and allowing it to float sensitively up and down with changes in water level. The laser ranging module 31 uses an infrared laser or a visible laser, emitting a laser beam that vertically illuminates the top of the float 2, and accurately calculates the distance by measuring the laser's round-trip time or phase difference. The microprocessor 32, as the core control unit, is responsible not only for collecting distance data and calculating the water level, but also for the logic control and data processing functions of the entire system. The water storage pipe 1 is set vertically to facilitate the up and down movement of the float 2 and ensure detection accuracy; of course, the water storage pipe 1 can also be set at a certain angle to the vertical direction.
[0047] In one specific embodiment, when urban roads experience flooding due to heavy rain, traditional manual patrols often suffer from poor timeliness and high safety risks. This utility model's road flooding monitoring and early warning device, installed on flood-prone sections, enables 24-hour unattended automatic monitoring. When flooding begins, water enters the water storage pipe 1 through the connection port 11. The float 2 immediately responds to the water level change and begins to rise. The laser ranging module 31 performs multiple distance measurements per second, and the microprocessor 32 calculates the current water level in real time. The entire monitoring process is rapid, with measurement accuracy down to the centimeter level, far exceeding the accuracy of traditional float switches, providing accurate and reliable flooding information for traffic management departments and the public.
[0048] In related technologies, existing road flooding monitoring mainly uses contact sensors, such as electrode-type water level gauges and pressure-type water level gauges. Electrode-type water level gauges are easily affected by water quality, and are prone to errors or even failure in rainwater containing impurities. Pressure-type water level gauges require the installation of pressure sensors under the road surface, which is not only complex to install and difficult to maintain, but also easily affected by vehicle pressure. In addition, some areas use manual patrols, but this method is not only inefficient, but also poses personnel safety risks and cannot achieve real-time monitoring. Although traditional radar water level gauges have high accuracy, they are expensive, and large-scale deployment is not economically viable.
[0049] In this embodiment of the invention, laser ranging technology is used to replace the traditional contact measurement method, completely avoiding problems such as corrosion and pollution caused by direct contact between the sensor and the water body. The laser ranging module 31 is installed in a dry environment at the top of the water storage pipe 1, avoiding the impact of harsh environments on precision electronic components and greatly improving the service life and reliability of the equipment. At the same time, the float 2, as the measured target, has a simple structure and low manufacturing cost, and even if it needs to be replaced, it will not incur high maintenance costs. The manufacturing cost of the entire system is more than 70% lower than that of imported radar level gauges, while the measurement accuracy can still reach the centimeter level, achieving a perfect combination of low cost and high precision.
[0050] In some embodiments, a radial gap of 5-10 mm is provided between the outer diameter of the float 2 and the inner diameter of the water storage pipe 1.
[0051] In this invention, a radial gap of 5-10 mm is provided between the outer diameter of the float 2 and the inner diameter of the water storage pipe 1, effectively solving the problem of potential jamming of the float 2 during operation and ensuring the long-term stable operation of the measurement system. This gap design is based on fluid mechanics principles and debris passage analysis. When common road debris such as leaves, paper scraps, and small twigs enter the water storage pipe 1, they can be smoothly discharged through the radial gap, avoiding the phenomenon of the float 2 getting stuck due to debris accumulation.
[0052] Specifically, the 5-10mm radial clearance dimension was carefully designed and experimentally verified. The lower limit of 5mm ensures that most common debris can pass through, such as leaves 3-4mm thick and small twigs 2-3mm in diameter; the upper limit of 10mm ensures that the measurement accuracy of float 2 will not be significantly affected by excessive eccentricity. Float 2 can have slight horizontal displacement within this clearance range, but the impact of this displacement on laser ranging is within acceptable limits. The clearance also provides relaxed requirements for manufacturing tolerances; the machining accuracy requirements for the inner diameter of water pipe 1 and the outer diameter of float 2 are relatively low, reducing manufacturing costs.
[0053] In this embodiment of the invention, by rationally setting the radial clearance, the reliability and maintenance-free performance of the system are significantly improved while ensuring measurement accuracy. The 5-10mm clearance design, based on theoretical calculations and practical verification, ensures that over 95% of common debris can pass through smoothly, while controlling the impact on measurement accuracy within ±12.5mm, fully meeting the ±50mm accuracy requirement for road water accumulation monitoring. This design concept embodies a balance between engineering practicality and technical precision, laying the foundation for large-scale deployment.
[0054] In some embodiments, a grid-type filter structure 12 is provided at the connection port 11.
[0055] In this invention, a grid-type filter structure 12 is installed at the connection port 11 to intercept large-sized debris at the source, preventing it from entering the water storage pipe 1, thereby further improving the reliability and service life of the system. The grid-type filter structure 12 uses multiple parallel grid bars to form a filter barrier. The spacing between the grid bars is carefully designed to not only intercept large-sized debris that may affect the normal operation of the float 2, but also ensure smooth water flow and real-time water level transmission.
[0056] Specifically, the grid-type filter structure 12 has a bar spacing of 15-20mm, effectively intercepting debris such as tree branches, plastic bottles, and large pieces of garbage exceeding 20mm in length, while allowing small particles and deformable debris to pass through. The bars are made of stainless steel or corrosion-resistant alloy materials, possessing good weather resistance and mechanical strength. The grid structure features a detachable design for easy regular cleaning and maintenance. The filter structure 12 does not cause significant lag in water level transmission; the water level transmission delay measured in experiments is less than 2 seconds, fully meeting the requirements for real-time monitoring.
[0057] In one specific embodiment, during typhoons or heavy rains, road flooding is often accompanied by a large amount of debris, including broken branches, garbage, and silt. Traditional simple water level sensors employ float switches, lifting plates, floats, or electrode-type water level sensors. They suffer from poor anti-interference capabilities: road flooding monitoring and early warning devices built with simple water level sensors not only have low accuracy but are also prone to false alarms or failures due to impurities and oil in the water, resulting in insufficient long-term stability. The grid-type filter structure 12 of this invention can intercept these large debris at the beginning of a heavy rain, protecting the internal precision measurement system. In a typhoon season application in a coastal city, the equipment equipped with the grid-type filter structure 12 continued to operate normally after three typhoons, with no large debris found inside, while traditional equipment experienced multiple failures due to debris impacts.
[0058] In some embodiments, an alarm module 4 is also included, which is electrically connected to the microprocessor 32; wherein the microprocessor 32 controls the alarm module 4 to issue an alarm message according to a preset water level threshold.
[0059] In this invention, by adding an alarm module 4 electrically connected to the microprocessor 32, an intelligent early warning function based on real-time water level is achieved, solving the problem that traditional water level monitoring systems can only provide data but lack proactive early warning capabilities. The alarm module 4 receives control signals generated by the microprocessor 32 according to preset water level thresholds and automatically issues corresponding warning information, providing timely and intuitive water accumulation risk alerts to the public and management departments.
[0060] Specifically, the warning module 4 can include various warning methods, such as warning lights 41, audible alarms, and flashing signals, to achieve a multimodal warning effect using both sound and light. The microprocessor 32 has multiple built-in water level threshold parameters, including normal water level, caution water level, warning water level, and danger water level. When the real-time monitored water level reaches or exceeds the corresponding threshold, the microprocessor 32 immediately sends a control signal to the warning module 4. The response time of the warning module 4 is less than 1 second, ensuring the timeliness of the warning information. The electrical connection uses a standard digital signal interface, ensuring reliable transmission of control signals and accurate execution of warning actions.
[0061] In one specific embodiment, rapid changes in water level at underpasses and other flood-prone road sections in cities often pose safety risks to vehicles and pedestrians. Traditional monitoring equipment can only record data and requires manual judgment before issuing warnings, which carries the risk of time lag and human error. The intelligent warning function of this invention can automatically activate warnings before the water level reaches a dangerous level, buying valuable time for vehicles and pedestrians to avoid danger. In a case study of an underpass application in a certain city, the system issued a red warning 5 minutes in advance during a rainstorm, successfully preventing three cars from entering deep water and avoiding potential personal injury and property damage.
[0062] In some embodiments, the warning module 4 includes a warning light 41. When the water level is within the normal water level, the warning light 41 displays green; when the water level is above the normal water level but within the warning water level, the warning light 41 displays yellow; and when the water level is above the warning water level, the warning light 41 displays red.
[0063] In this invention, by setting up warning lights 41 displaying different colors and establishing a three-level color warning system corresponding to the water level, an intuitive and standardized visual representation of water accumulation risk is achieved, effectively solving the problem of the public's difficulty in judging the degree of danger of water accumulation. This color system adopts the internationally accepted traffic light color standard: green indicates safety, yellow indicates caution, and red indicates danger, conforming to people's cognitive habits and enabling rapid communication of water accumulation risk information.
[0064] Specifically, warning light 41 uses a high-brightness LED light source, which has good penetration and visibility, maintaining a clear color display even in adverse weather conditions such as rain and fog. The threshold settings for the three-level color warning are based on the actual danger level of road flooding: green indicates water level below normal, meaning the water height is within a safe range and vehicles and pedestrians can pass normally; yellow indicates water level above normal but below the warning level, reminding the public to be aware of flooding and proceed with caution; red indicates water level above the warning level, warning of serious safety risks and advising against passing. The LED lights have a lifespan of over 50,000 hours and can operate continuously for more than 5 years under normal use conditions.
[0065] In one specific embodiment, in areas prone to flooding, such as around schools and in residential areas, pedestrians include a large number of children and the elderly, whose ability to judge danger is relatively weak. Traditional digital displays require a certain level of comprehension, while color signals are more intuitive and easier to understand. After installation, the three-color warning light system 41 of this invention automatically displays a yellow warning when the water level reaches 20cm, reminding pedestrians to be careful; when the water level exceeds 30cm, it displays a red warning, clearly indicating the dangerous situation. In practical applications, this intuitive color warning effectively reduces the accident rate of pedestrians accidentally entering deep water areas, especially providing significant protection for children and the elderly.
[0066] In this embodiment of the invention, the three-color tiered warning design fully considers the characteristics of human visual perception and the information communication needs in emergency situations. The international universality of green, yellow, and red ensures that people from different cultural backgrounds can correctly understand their meaning. The three-tiered design avoids both the difficulty of judgment caused by overly simple information and the comprehension barrier caused by overly complex information, finding the optimal balance between information content and ease of understanding. This design significantly improves the effectiveness of warning information and public acceptance.
[0067] In some embodiments, a water level display module 5 is also included, which is electrically connected to the microprocessor 32 and is used to display the water level.
[0068] In this invention, by adding a water level display module 5 electrically connected to the microprocessor 32, a precise digital display function for the water level is provided for professional managers and users who are interested in specific values, meeting the diverse needs of different user groups for the accuracy and detail of water level information. The water level display module 5 can display the accurate water level value calculated by the microprocessor 32 in real time, providing data support for professional decision-making and accurate judgment.
[0069] Specifically, the water level display module 5 uses an LED digital display screen or an LCD screen to clearly display the water level value with centimeter-level accuracy. The display module 5 has an automatic brightness adjustment function, which automatically adjusts the display brightness according to the ambient light intensity to ensure good readability under various lighting conditions. In addition to the water level value, the displayed content can also include unit markings (such as "cm") to avoid user misunderstanding of the numerical meaning. The power consumption of the display module 5 has been optimized to minimize power consumption while ensuring clear display, thus extending the operating time of the solar power system.
[0070] In one specific embodiment, during routine inspections by urban drainage management departments, staff need to accurately determine the water level at each monitoring point to make scheduling and maintenance decisions for drainage facilities. While color-coded warnings can provide a general assessment of risk levels, they are insufficient for precise management. The water level display module 5 of this invention provides inspectors with accurate numerical information, such as displaying "Water Level: 25cm," helping staff accurately assess the current water level situation and formulate appropriate countermeasures. In an application in a certain city, the drainage management department optimized the start-up and shutdown times of pumping stations and improved drainage efficiency by 15% using the precise data obtained from the water level display module 5.
[0071] In this embodiment of the invention, the water level display module 5 facilitates convenient and accurate on-site data acquisition. Professional managers can directly read precise water level values on-site without needing a complex data query system or waiting for remote data transmission. The combined use of the display module 5 and the warning light 41 satisfies both the general public's need for intuitive warning information and the professionals' need for accurate data, achieving the goal of serving multiple user groups with a single system. This design significantly enhances the system's practical value and deployment efficiency.
[0072] In some embodiments, a communication module 6 is also included, which is electrically connected to the microprocessor 32; wherein the communication module 6 is used to transmit the water level along with a timestamp and a location marker to a remote monitoring center.
[0073] In this invention, by adding a communication module 6 electrically connected to the microprocessor 32, the remote real-time transmission function of water accumulation height data along with timestamps and location markers is realized, solving the problem that traditional monitoring methods cannot achieve large-scale centralized monitoring and unified data management. The communication module 6 can transmit on-site monitoring data to the remote monitoring center in a timely manner, providing real-time data support for city-level water accumulation prevention and emergency command.
[0074] Specifically, communication module 6 employs 4G / 5G wireless communication technology, featuring wide coverage, high transmission speed, and stable connection, enabling reliable data transmission across the city. The timestamp function records the precise time of each data collection, providing a time reference for data analysis and event retrospection; the location marking function identifies the geographical location of monitoring points through GPS positioning or preset coordinates, ensuring the remote monitoring center can accurately locate the site of waterlogging events. Communication module 6 supports multiple data transmission protocols, ensuring compatibility with monitoring platforms from different manufacturers. Data transmission uses encryption technology to guarantee information security.
[0075] In one specific embodiment, the daily operation of the urban flood control command center requires real-time monitoring of water levels at various flood-prone points throughout the city for unified dispatch and emergency response. Traditional manual inspection methods are not only inefficient but also suffer from information lag. The communication module 6 of this invention can aggregate data from monitoring points distributed throughout the city to the command center in real time. Staff can view the water level, trends, and alarm status at each point through the monitoring platform. During a typhoon defense operation, the command center detected an abnormal rise in water levels at an underpass two hours in advance using real-time data transmitted through the communication module 6, promptly dispatching mobile pumping trucks to drain the water and preventing traffic disruption.
[0076] In related technologies, traditional waterlogging monitoring mainly relies on manual inspections or telephone reports, resulting in slow information transmission speed and poor accuracy, failing to meet the needs of modern urban management. While some automated monitoring devices can collect data, they lack effective remote transmission methods, forcing data to be stored locally and requiring periodic manual downloads, thus hindering real-time monitoring. Other systems, although possessing communication capabilities, only transmit simple alarm signals, lacking detailed data information and spatiotemporal identifiers.
[0077] In this embodiment of the invention, the communication module 6 not only transmits precise values of water level, but also timestamps and location markers, providing complete data information for the remote monitoring center. The timestamps give the data a temporal sequence, facilitating the analysis of water level development trends and changing patterns; the location markers give the data a spatial dimension, making it easy to visually display the status of each monitoring point on a map. This complete data transmission mechanism lays the foundation for city-level water level monitoring and big data analysis, supporting the digital transformation of water management in smart city construction.
[0078] In some embodiments, a solar power supply and energy storage module 7 is also included to provide power to the entire device.
[0079] In this invention, a solar power supply and energy storage module 7 are configured to provide power to the entire device, enabling green and self-sustaining operation of the monitoring equipment. This solves the problems of traditional monitoring equipment requiring external power, limited installation, and high operating costs. The solar power supply system utilizes renewable solar energy resources, combined with the energy storage function of the energy storage module, to ensure stable operation of the equipment under various weather conditions.
[0080] Specifically, the solar power module includes high-efficiency monocrystalline or polycrystalline silicon solar panels that directly convert sunlight into electricity. The energy storage module uses lithium or lead-acid batteries, offering large storage capacity and excellent cycle charging and discharging performance. The system is equipped with an intelligent charge and discharge controller that automatically adjusts the charging and discharging strategy based on battery capacity and load requirements, preventing overcharging and over-discharging and extending battery life. During prolonged periods of cloudy or rainy weather, the energy storage module can provide continuous power for 3-5 days, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring functions. The entire power supply system employs a low-power design, with optimized power consumption for each module to maximize runtime.
[0081] In one specific embodiment, in suburban roads or newly built roads far from the municipal power grid, traditional power supply often requires laying dedicated power lines, which is not only costly but also complex to construct and has a long approval cycle. The solar power supply system of this invention allows monitoring equipment to operate independently in any location with sunlight, greatly improving deployment flexibility. In an application in a new urban area, all 20 monitoring devices were powered by solar energy, avoiding a total of over 5 kilometers of cable laying, saving approximately 600,000 yuan in construction costs, and reducing the deployment cycle from 3 months to 1 week.
[0082] In related technologies, most electronic monitoring equipment requires a stable external power supply, necessitating installation locations near power facilities and limiting deployment flexibility. In remote areas or temporary monitoring sites, power supply becomes a major obstacle to equipment deployment. Even with a power supply, long-term electricity costs constitute a significant operating expense. While some devices utilize battery power, battery capacity is limited, requiring frequent replacements, resulting in high maintenance costs and potential monitoring interruptions due to battery depletion.
[0083] In this embodiment of the invention, the combined use of solar power supply and energy storage module 7 achieves true energy self-sufficiency. Solar energy, as a clean and renewable energy source, is not only environmentally friendly and energy-saving, but also has virtually zero operating costs, providing long-term benefits from a single investment. The energy storage module addresses the intermittency of solar power generation, ensuring normal power supply at night and during cloudy or rainy weather. This green energy solution not only reduces equipment operating costs but also aligns with energy conservation, emission reduction, and sustainable development, creating conditions for large-scale application.
[0084] In some embodiments, the top of the float 2 is provided with a laser reflection structure 21 to ensure that the laser signal is returned stably.
[0085] In this invention, by setting a laser reflection structure 21 on the top of the float 2, the technical problems of unstable signal reflection and measurement accuracy being greatly affected by the environment in the laser ranging system are effectively solved, ensuring that the laser signal can be stably returned to the laser ranging module 31. The laser reflection structure 21 is based on the principle of optical reflection, and through special geometry and surface treatment, it greatly enhances the reflection capability and stability of the laser signal.
[0086] Specifically, the laser reflection structure 21 is made of a high-reflectivity material, such as silver-plated glass, polished metal, or a special reflective film, capable of reflecting more than 90% of the incident laser back along its original path. The surface of the reflection structure is precision-machined to ensure that the surface roughness is controlled at the nanometer level, reducing diffuse reflection loss. The structural design takes into account the slight tilting that the float 2 may experience in water, and a reasonable geometry ensures that good reflection performance is maintained within a certain angle range. The reflection structure also has a self-cleaning function; dirt does not easily accumulate on the surface, and even slight contamination will not significantly affect the reflection performance.
[0087] In one specific embodiment, in actual road flooding environments, the water surface often contains interference factors such as fluctuations, foam, and impurities. These factors can affect the propagation and reflection of the laser signal, leading to decreased ranging accuracy or even measurement failure. Traditional planar reflection relies on a perfect perpendicular incident angle; once the float 2 tilts, the reflection effect is affected. The laser reflection structure 21 of this invention can maintain stable signal reflection even when the float 2 is slightly tilted, achieving a ranging success rate of over 99.5%.
[0088] In related technologies, many laser ranging applications directly use the surface of the object being measured as a reflective surface. However, the reflectivity of ordinary object surfaces is often low, especially in humid environments, where the reflectivity further decreases. Although some systems also employ reflective devices, these are mostly simple plane mirrors or reflective films. These devices have strict requirements for installation angles, are easily affected by environmental factors, and their reflectivity degrades significantly after long-term use.
[0089] In this embodiment of the invention, the specially designed laser reflection structure 21 fully considers the special characteristics of the aquatic environment and the movement of the float 2. The reflection structure not only improves the intensity of signal reflection but also enhances its stability, significantly reducing the impact of environmental factors on measurement accuracy. This dedicated reflection structure design embodies an optimization approach tailored to specific application scenarios, providing crucial technical support for the reliable application of laser ranging technology in water level monitoring.
[0090] In some embodiments, the laser reflecting structure 21 is a corner reflector, comprising three mutually perpendicular reflecting surfaces.
[0091] In this invention, by designing the laser reflection structure 21 as a corner reflector comprising three mutually perpendicular reflecting surfaces, stable reflection of the incident laser at all angles is achieved, completely solving the problem of the influence of the tilt of the float 2 on measurement accuracy. Based on the retroreflection principle of geometric optics, the corner reflector ensures that regardless of the angle at which the laser enters the corner reflector, it will accurately return along the opposite direction of the incident path, guaranteeing the high accuracy and high reliability of the laser ranging system.
[0092] Specifically, the corner reflector consists of three mutually perpendicular plane mirrors, forming a three-dimensional structure similar to one corner of a cube. When a laser beam enters the corner reflector, it undergoes multiple reflections between the three reflective surfaces, ultimately exiting in a direction completely opposite to the incident direction—a phenomenon known as retroreflection. The perpendicularity accuracy of the three reflective surfaces is controlled within ±30 arcseconds to ensure the accuracy of the retroreflection. The corner reflector's dimensions are designed to ensure sufficient reflective area to receive the laser signal while controlling its weight to avoid affecting the buoyancy characteristics of float 2. The surface coating employs a multilayer dielectric film system, exhibiting a reflectivity greater than 95% within the laser wavelength range.
[0093] In some embodiments, the float 2 further includes a damping structure for mitigating motion fluctuations of the float 2.
[0094] In this invention, by adding a damping structure to the float 2, the influence of water wave fluctuations on the movement of the float 2 is effectively suppressed, and the movement fluctuations of the float 2 are reduced, thereby improving the stability and measurement accuracy of laser ranging. The damping structure is based on the principle of fluid damping, which reduces the rapid oscillations caused by water surface fluctuations by increasing the resistance of the float 2 in the water, enabling the measurement system to obtain a more stable and reliable ranging signal.
[0095] Specifically, the damping structure achieves its damping effect by increasing the interaction area and frictional resistance between the float 2 and the water body. When the water surface fluctuates, the float 2 moves rapidly up and down with the water level. This rapid movement makes it difficult for the laser ranging module 31 to accurately capture a stable distance signal. The damping structure makes the movement response of the float 2 smoother, filtering out high-frequency oscillation components and retaining the true water level change information. The damping coefficient is carefully designed to effectively suppress useless fluctuations without affecting the float 2's ability to follow the true water level changes. The damping structure is made of water-resistant material, which has good corrosion resistance and long-term stability.
[0096] In some embodiments, the damping structure includes a damping cavity 22 with a water inlet 23 and / or a vertical damping plate 24.
[0097] In this invention, by specifically designing the damping structure as a damping cavity 22 with a water inlet 23 and / or a vertical damping plate 24, an adjustable fluid damping effect is achieved, providing optimal damping matching for different water environment conditions. This structured damping design is based on fluid mechanics principles, generating the required damping force by controlling the water flow channel and increasing flow resistance, effectively balancing the relationship between system response speed and measurement stability.
[0098] Specifically, the damping cavity 22 with inlet holes 23 generates a damping effect by controlling the speed of water flow in and out. When the float 2 rises, the water in the cavity needs to flow out through the inlet holes 23. The size of the hole diameter determines the magnitude of the water flow resistance, thereby controlling the strength of the damping force. The diameter of the inlet holes 23 is typically designed to be 2-5mm, which can ensure the damping effect while preventing blockage by small debris. The vertical damping plates 24 generate a damping effect by increasing the fluid resistance of the float 2 when it moves in the water. The area, thickness, and number of damping plates 24 all affect the magnitude of the damping force. The two damping structures can be used alone or in combination to adapt to different application requirements and environmental conditions.
[0099] In a specific embodiment, the characteristics of water flow vary greatly in different types of waterlogged environments. In static waterlogged areas, the main concern is suppressing surface fluctuations caused by wind and waves; in dynamic waterlogged areas, the impact of water flow also needs to be considered. The combined damping design of this invention can be optimized for different environments. In an application in an urban underground passage, due to the relatively enclosed space, the main issue is surface fluctuation. A damping cavity 22 with three 3mm diameter water inlets 23 was used, effectively suppressing the impact of fluctuations. At a monitoring point beside a river, in addition to fluctuations, there is also water flow impact. A combined design of the damping cavity 22 and four vertical damping plates 24 was used, achieving good damping results.
[0100] In this embodiment of the invention, a flexible damping adjustment capability is provided through two damping structures with different mechanisms: inlet damping and damping plates. Inlet damping primarily targets vertical movement, while damping plates primarily target horizontal oscillation; the combination of the two comprehensively suppresses various unnecessary movements of the float. This modular damping design not only improves the system's adaptability but also simplifies maintenance, providing a reliable technical guarantee for the stable application of laser ranging systems in various complex aquatic environments.
[0101] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The modules described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as modules may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network modules. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.
[0102] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of this utility model, and not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model.
Claims
1. A road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device, characterized in that, include: The water storage pipe (1) has a connecting port (11) for connecting to external water. A float (2) is set inside the water storage pipe (1) and floats up and down inside the water storage pipe (1) as the external water level changes. The float (2) also includes a damping structure to reduce the movement fluctuation of the float (2). The damping structure includes a damping cavity (22) with a water inlet hole (23) and / or a vertical damping plate (24). A water level measuring device (3), installed at the top of the water storage pipe (1), includes: A laser ranging module (31) is aligned with the float (2) to measure the distance between itself and the float (2). The microprocessor (32) is electrically connected to the laser ranging module (31) and is used to calculate the water height based on the laser ranging value.
2. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A radial gap of 5-10 mm is provided between the outer diameter of the float (2) and the inner diameter of the water storage pipe (1).
3. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, A grid-type filter structure (12) is provided at the connection port (11).
4. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a warning module (4), which is electrically connected to the microprocessor (32); The microprocessor (32) controls the warning module (4) to issue warning information according to the preset water level threshold.
5. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The warning module (4) includes a warning light (41). When the water level is within the normal water level, the warning light (41) displays green; when the water level is above the normal water level but within the warning water level, the warning light (41) displays yellow; and when the water level is above the warning water level, the warning light (41) displays red.
6. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a water level display module (5), which is electrically connected to the microprocessor (32) and is used to display the water level.
7. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a communication module (6), which is electrically connected to the microprocessor (32); The communication module (6) is used to transmit the water level along with the timestamp and location marker to the remote monitoring center.
8. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a solar power supply and energy storage module (7) to provide power to the entire device.
9. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to any one of claims 1-8, characterized in that, The top of the floating block (2) is provided with a laser reflection structure (21) for stabilizing the reflection of laser signals.
10. The road waterlogging monitoring and early warning device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The laser reflection structure (21) is a corner reflector, comprising three mutually perpendicular reflecting surfaces.