A lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter

Abstract

This utility model discloses a lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter, belonging to the field of radar flow meter technology. The lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter includes a waterproof and transparent housing, in which a radar module and a downward-looking camera are installed. A shock-absorbing frame is movably installed inside the waterproof and transparent housing, and a shock-absorbing ball is provided in the middle of the shock-absorbing frame. The top of the shock-absorbing frame is provided with a connection module that connects to the UAV carrier, and the bottom of the shock-absorbing frame is provided with an adjustment component that connects to the radar module. It has the advantages of lightweight and compact structure, good weather resistance, waterproof and dustproof, high data accuracy, strong measurement effect, reliable system, and extended service life.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of radar flow meter technology, specifically to a lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter. Background Technology

[0002] A multi-rotor drone is an unmanned aerial vehicle with three or more rotors. It generates lift by rotating a motor on each axis, which drives the rotors. By changing the rotor speed on each axis, the thrust on that axis can be altered, allowing for changes in flight attitude through four degrees of freedom: pitch, roll, yaw, and acceleration. Multi-rotor drones have a relatively simple structure, low operating threshold, and low maintenance requirements, and have already achieved widespread application.

[0003] The radar flow meter employs planar microwave technology, using the Doppler radar principle to measure the surface velocity of water flow and utilizing built-in microstrip radar technology to measure the water level. Based on the velocity-area method, the cross-sectional area is first calculated from the measured water level, and then the average velocity is calculated from the surface velocity combined with the cross-sectional parameters. By establishing empirical formulas for the velocity distribution of open channel cross-sections such as circles, rectangles, and trapezoids, and combining them with hydraulic model algorithms, the flow rate is determined. It is a non-contact flow measurement instrument that accurately measures flow rate without altering the boundary conditions of channels, rivers, pipelines, etc.

[0004] Traditional radar flow meters are installed in a fixed manner on the river / channel to be measured, which results in high equipment costs, installation and maintenance costs, and wiring costs. Installation is inconvenient when the river / channel to be measured is wide, and the flow measurement cross-section cannot be changed in real time. Emergency situations such as disaster relief and emergency response cannot be deployed on-site in a timely manner.

[0005] Existing water level and flow meters weigh 770g and measure 210×210×191mm. They protrude from the drone body, are suspended pods, and are designed to be used with a 900mm wheelbase, resulting in a takeoff weight of 7.5kg. Furthermore, these airborne water level and flow meters lack dust and water resistance, making them unsuitable for unattended operations in complex environments. Moreover, to achieve dust and water resistance ratings, the weight of the airborne water level and flow meter would need to be further increased. Excessive drone takeoff weight not only negatively impacts usability, maintenance, cost, and safety, but the drone's downdraft also disturbs the water surface, reducing the effectiveness of surface velocity readings in low-flow-rate conditions and even completely disrupting surface ripples, thus distorting radar flow meter readings.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need to provide a lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter to solve the above problems. Utility Model Content

[0007] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, the purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter to solve the problems in the background technology mentioned above.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0009] A lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter includes a waterproof and wave-transparent housing. A radar module and a downward-looking camera are installed inside the waterproof and wave-transparent housing. A shock-absorbing frame is movably installed inside the waterproof and wave-transparent housing. A shock-absorbing ball is provided in the middle of the shock-absorbing frame. A connection module for connecting to a UAV carrier is provided at the top of the shock-absorbing frame. An adjustment component for connecting to the radar module is provided at the bottom of the shock-absorbing frame.

[0010] As a further embodiment of this invention, the radar module includes a flow velocity radar and a water level radar that work together.

[0011] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the adjustment assembly includes a roll joint gimbal motor, a pitch joint gimbal motor, and a yaw joint gimbal motor. The yaw joint gimbal motor is located at the bottom of the shock absorber frame. The output end of the yaw joint gimbal motor is connected to the pitch joint gimbal motor, and the output end of the pitch joint gimbal motor is connected to the roll joint gimbal motor connected to the flow velocity radar.

[0012] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the connecting module includes a plurality of connecting aluminum columns circumferentially distributed on the outer edge of the top of the shock absorber frame.

[0013] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the waterproof and wave-transparent shell is made of lightweight wave-transparent material by vacuum forming, and the waterproof and wave-transparent shell is provided with a mounting flange.

[0014] As a further embodiment of this utility model, the shock absorber frame consists of two crosses and four springs, with the two ends of the springs respectively connected to the corresponding ends of the two crosses.

[0015] In summary, the embodiments of this utility model have the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0016] 1. In this utility model, by using lightweight materials, a waterproof and wave-permeable shell, and optimizing the gimbal motor, the weight is reduced by more than 60% compared to existing solutions;

[0017] 2. In this utility model, the entire structure is encased in a waterproof and wave-permeable shell, which has excellent weather resistance, is dustproof and waterproof, and eliminates the need for separate waterproofing of moving parts, thereby extending the lifespan of the gimbal joint, reducing long-term usage costs, and improving system reliability.

[0018] 3. In this utility model, a downward-facing camera is added, which can determine the direction and velocity of water flow through image recognition, and then compare it with radar data to improve data accuracy;

[0019] 4. In this utility model, automatic alignment can be performed, improving data accuracy; and the compact design of the gimbal joint reduces the load volume, the aircraft's rotational inertia, the platform requirements, the aircraft's weight, the downdraft, the impact on the water surface, and the measurement effect.

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the structural features and effects of this utility model, the following detailed description of this utility model is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter in the embodiment of the utility model.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a first-view structural diagram of the interior of the waterproof and wave-transparent shell in an embodiment of the utility model.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a second-view structural schematic diagram of the interior of the waterproof and wave-transparent shell in an embodiment of the utility model.

[0024] Reference numerals: 1. Shock-absorbing ball; 2. Shock-absorbing frame; 3. Connecting aluminum column; 4. Flow radar; 5. Water level radar; 6. Downward-looking camera; 7. Roll joint gimbal motor; 8. Pitch joint gimbal motor; 9. Yarn joint gimbal motor; 10. Waterproof and wave-permeable shell. Detailed Implementation

[0025] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.

[0026] The specific implementation of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0027] In one embodiment of this utility model, see Figures 1-3 A lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter includes a waterproof and wave-transparent housing 10. A radar module and a downward-looking camera 6 are installed inside the waterproof and wave-transparent housing 10. A shock-absorbing frame 2 is movably installed inside the waterproof and wave-transparent housing 10. A shock-absorbing ball 1 is provided in the middle of the shock-absorbing frame 2. A connection module for connecting to a UAV carrier is provided at the top of the shock-absorbing frame 2. An adjustment component for connecting to the radar module is provided at the bottom of the shock-absorbing frame 2.

[0028] The radar module includes a flow velocity radar 4 and a water level radar 5 that work together.

[0029] The adjustment assembly includes a roll joint gimbal motor 7, a pitch joint gimbal motor 8, and a yaw joint gimbal motor 9. The yaw joint gimbal motor 9 is located at the bottom of the shock absorber 2. The output end of the yaw joint gimbal motor 9 is connected to the pitch joint gimbal motor 8. The output end of the pitch joint gimbal motor 8 is connected to the roll joint gimbal motor 7, which is connected to the flow rate radar 4.

[0030] The connection module includes several connecting aluminum columns 3 circumferentially distributed on the outer edge of the top of the shock absorber 2.

[0031] In this embodiment, after the multi-rotor UAV carrying the airborne water level and flow meter flies to the designated location of the channel / river to be measured, the airborne water level and flow meter uses the roll joint gimbal motor 7, pitch joint gimbal motor 8, and yaw joint gimbal motor 9 to stabilize the water level radar 5 to keep it parallel to the water surface, and adjusts the flight course and the yaw joint gimbal motor 9 to make the flow velocity radar 4 face (or face away from) the water flow direction.

[0032] The airborne computer calculates the water level height by combining the flight control returned elevation data (ASL) and the geographic data of the channel / river to be measured with the distance information from the radar to the water surface returned by the water level radar 5.

[0033] The flow radar 4 collects the surface velocity of the fluid, calculates the average velocity of the cross-section through the model, and calculates the flow rate of the channel / river to be measured.

[0034] The downward-facing camera 6 records the water surface ripples in real time, and calculates the surface flow velocity using the elevation information provided by the visual algorithm and the water level radar 5. This data is then compared with the data obtained by the flow velocity radar 4 to improve data reliability. At the same time, the downward-facing camera 6 records the water surface ripples in real time, and determines the direction of the water surface flow velocity using the visual algorithm to ensure that the flow velocity radar 4 is accurately facing (or away from) the direction of the water flow, thus improving data reliability.

[0035] The waterproof and wave-transparent shell 10 is made of lightweight wave-transparent material through vacuum forming. The waterproof and wave-transparent shell 10 is equipped with a mounting flange, which can be embedded into the bottom of the flow measurement drone to provide dustproof and waterproof performance for the system.

[0036] The connecting aluminum column 3 can connect the flow meter to the bottom of the drone's mounting, which can improve the stability of the flow meter during actual operation and prevent the flow meter from falling off during actual operation.

[0037] The shock absorber 2 consists of two crosses and four springs. The two ends of the springs are respectively connected to the corresponding ends of the two crosses. The cross design provides more connection points for the device. In addition, the cross design facilitates the even distribution of force, improves the shock absorption effect, and avoids the problem of the flow meter tilting due to the force acting on a certain point.

[0038] In this embodiment, compared to existing solutions, this flow meter reduces weight by more than 60% by using lightweight materials, a waterproof and transparent housing 10, and an optimized gimbal motor. Furthermore, the entire flow meter is encased in the waterproof and transparent housing 10, providing excellent weather resistance, dust and water protection, eliminating the need for separate waterproofing of moving parts, extending the lifespan of the gimbal joint, reducing long-term operating costs, and improving system reliability. The addition of a downward-facing camera 6 allows for image recognition to determine the water flow direction and velocity, which can then be compared with radar data to improve data accuracy. Automatic alignment further enhances data accuracy.

[0039] In addition, this flow meter features a streamlined design that can be integrated into the drone's shell, reducing protrusions and improving the drone's wind resistance. Furthermore, the compact design of the gimbal joint reduces the load volume, decreases the aircraft's rotational inertia, and lowers platform requirements. It also reduces the aircraft's weight, minimizes downdrafts, reduces the impact on the water surface, and enhances measurement results.

[0040] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present utility model should be included within the protection scope of the present utility model.

Claims

1. A lightweight airborne water level radar flowmeter characterized by, The device includes a waterproof and wave-transparent shell (10), which houses a radar module and a downward-facing camera (6). A shock-absorbing frame (2) is movably installed inside the waterproof and wave-transparent shell (10). A shock-absorbing ball (1) is provided in the middle of the shock-absorbing frame (2). A connection module for connecting to the UAV carrier is provided at the top of the shock-absorbing frame (2). An adjustment component for connecting to the radar module is provided at the bottom of the shock-absorbing frame (2).

2. The lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter of claim 1, wherein, The radar module includes a flow velocity radar (4) and a water level radar (5) that work together.

3. The lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter of claim 2, wherein, The adjustment components include a roll joint gimbal motor (7), a pitch joint gimbal motor (8), and a yaw joint gimbal motor (9). The yaw joint gimbal motor (9) is located at the bottom of the shock absorber (2). The output end of the yaw joint gimbal motor (9) is connected to the pitch joint gimbal motor (8). The output end of the pitch joint gimbal motor (8) is connected to the roll joint gimbal motor (7) which is connected to the flow radar (4).

4. The lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter of claim 1, wherein, The connecting module includes several connecting aluminum columns (3) circumferentially distributed on the outer edge of the top of the shock absorber (2).

5. The lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter of claim 1, wherein, The waterproof and wave-transparent shell (10) is made of lightweight wave-transparent material by vacuum forming, and the waterproof and wave-transparent shell (10) is provided with a mounting flange.

6. The lightweight airborne water level radar flow meter of claim 1, wherein, The shock absorber (2) consists of two crosses and four springs, with the two ends of the springs connected to the corresponding ends of the two crosses respectively.

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