A biofouling shield for a sensor

Abstract

This utility model relates to the field of sensor technology and discloses a biofouling-resistant cover for sensors, comprising a sensor body, a protective mechanism, a sealing mechanism, and a fixing mechanism. The protective mechanism is detachably mounted on the front end of the sensor body and includes a filter cover with perforations and an internal anti-fouling sleeve. A slot is provided on the outer side of the protective mechanism, and a retaining ring is provided on the outer side of the sensor body. The sealing mechanism includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring pivotally connected by a hinge; both have arc-shaped grooves on their inner walls to accommodate the sealing rings, which engage with the slot and retaining ring. The fixing mechanism includes a support block, a fixing block, a pressing block, and a knob; the knob drives the pressing block to clamp and lock the sealing mechanism. This utility model achieves comprehensive anti-fouling through four layers of protection and utilizes a quick-release structure for convenient maintenance.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of sensor technology, and in particular to a biofouling shield for sensors. Background Technology

[0002] Underwater sensors, such as those used for marine environmental monitoring, water quality analysis, or underwater engineering, are crucial devices for acquiring hydrological data. These sensors need to be deployed in water for extended periods to ensure data continuity and accuracy.

[0003] However, biofouling is a common and challenging problem in both marine and freshwater environments. Algae, shellfish, microorganisms, and other organisms can rapidly accumulate and grow on the surface of sensor probes, forming biofilms or deposits.

[0004] Such biofilm can directly obstruct the sensor's measurement window or probe, leading to inaccurate, drifting, or even complete failure of measurement data. Furthermore, the accumulation of biofilm can increase water flow resistance and even corrode the sensor housing, severely shortening the sensor's lifespan.

[0005] To address this problem, existing sensors are typically equipped with protective shields. However, the structural design of these shields often has flaws. On the one hand, many shields rely on a single method of antifouling (such as physical shielding or a single coating), which has limited effectiveness in the complex marine environment and still cannot prevent the formation of stubborn biofilms.

[0006] More importantly, when the protective cover or sensor probe is inevitably contaminated, the existing protective cover is often connected to the sensor body by bolt fastening or integrated sealing, which is complex in structure and extremely inconvenient to disassemble, especially in harsh field environments such as underwater or on a ship.

[0007] This structural defect of "limited anti-fouling capability" and "difficult maintenance and disassembly" makes it difficult for on-site maintenance personnel to quickly clean, repair or replace the contaminated protective cover or probe, which greatly increases maintenance costs and downtime, making it unable to meet the requirements of long-term, high-precision and low-cost operation of the sensor.

[0008] Therefore, this invention proposes an anti-biofouling cover for sensors to address the shortcomings of existing technologies. Utility Model Content

[0009] To overcome the above shortcomings, this utility model provides a biofouling shield for sensors, which aims to improve the existing technology where biofouling shields for sensors have a single method of preventing biofouling with limited effectiveness, and the shield structure is usually connected and fixed to the sensor body, resulting in difficult, time-consuming and labor-intensive on-site maintenance or replacement.

[0010] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution: A biofouling shield for a sensor includes: a sensor body; a protective mechanism; a sealing mechanism; and a fixing mechanism.

[0011] The protective mechanism is detachably mounted on the front end of the sensor body.

[0012] The sealing mechanism is located at the connection between the sensor body and the protective mechanism.

[0013] The fixing mechanism is installed on the sealing mechanism to lock it in place.

[0014] The protective mechanism includes a filter cover coaxially arranged and a dirt-proof sleeve located inside the filter cover. The filter cover has filter holes distributed on it. The outer side of the protective mechanism is provided with a slot.

[0015] A retaining ring is provided on the outside of the sensor body.

[0016] The sealing mechanism includes a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring that are pivotally connected by a hinge. The inner walls of both the first sealing ring and the second sealing ring are provided with arc-shaped grooves, and the sealing ring is disposed in the arc-shaped groove.

[0017] The fixing mechanism includes a support block located at one end of the first sealing ring, a fixing block located at the other end of the first sealing ring, a pressing block located on the second sealing ring and cooperating with the fixing block, and a knob for driving the pressing block.

[0018] Furthermore, the sealing rings engage with the slots and retaining rings respectively, and the pressing block, support block, and fixing block of the fixing mechanism work together to clamp the first and second sealing rings. Preferably, the protective mechanism also includes electrode wires integrated into the surface of the anti-fouling sleeve and a power interface for connecting to an external power source.

[0019] Preferably, the filter cover is made of a copper-based alloy material.

[0020] Preferably, the antifouling sleeve is made of a low surface energy or slow-release antifouling polymer material.

[0021] Preferably, the fixing mechanism also includes a rotating shaft and a rotating rod.

[0022] Preferably, the knob is fixedly connected to one end of the rotating rod, and the rotating rod is threadedly connected to the rotating shaft.

[0023] Preferably, the rotating shaft drives the extrusion block to move toward the fixed block.

[0024] Preferably, the fixing mechanism further includes an anti-detachment plate, which is fixed to the other end of the rotating rod.

[0025] This utility model has the following beneficial effects: 1. In this utility model, by setting up a protective mechanism that integrates a filter cover, an anti-fouling sleeve, and an electrode wire, the physical blocking and chemical slow release of the filter cover, the anti-fouling material of the anti-fouling sleeve, and the active electrolysis of the electrode wire work together to solve the problem of single anti-biofouling methods and poor protective effect in the prior art. It achieves a comprehensive anti-fouling effect with four layers of composite structure, which can cope with complex underwater environments and greatly ensures the long-term accuracy of sensor probe measurements.

[0026] 2. In this utility model, an openable sealing mechanism consisting of a first sealing ring and a second sealing ring connected by a hinge is used, along with an independent fixing mechanism that drives the squeezing block by rotating a knob to clamp it. This solves the problems of integrated structure, difficulty in disassembly, and inability to perform on-site maintenance or replacement of the sensor protective cover in the prior art. It achieves the purpose of modularization of the protective mechanism and convenient and quick disassembly and assembly, which greatly facilitates the user's cleaning and replacement of the anti-fouling sleeve or sensor probe and extends the overall service life of the device. Attached Figure Description

[0027] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional schematic diagram of a biofouling shield for a sensor proposed in this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the protective mechanism of a biofouling shield for a sensor proposed in this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing mechanism of a biofouling shield for a sensor proposed in this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the fixing mechanism for an anti-biofouling cover for a sensor proposed in this utility model.

[0028] Legend: 1. Sensor body; 2. Sealing mechanism; 201. First sealing ring; 202. Second sealing ring; 203. Hinge; 204. Sealing ring; 205. Arc groove; 3. Protective mechanism; 301. Filter cover; 302. Filter hole; 303. Slot; 304. Anti-fouling sleeve; 305. Electrode wire; 306. Power interface; 307. Snap ring; 4. Fixing mechanism; 401. Support block; 402. Fixing block; 403. Rotating shaft; 404. Rotating rod; 405. Anti-detachment plate; 406. Compression block; 407. Knob. Detailed Implementation

[0029] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0030] Reference Figures 1-4 This utility model provides a biofouling protection cover for sensors, which aims to solve the problems of limited biofouling protection capabilities of existing underwater sensor protection devices and the difficulty in cleaning and maintenance due to the difficulty in disassembling the structure.

[0031] The biofouling shield for the sensor includes a sensor body 1, a protective mechanism 3, a sealing mechanism 2, and a fixing mechanism 4; The protective mechanism 3 is detachably installed at the front end of the sensor body 1 to wrap and protect the core measuring probe of the sensor body 1. The sealing mechanism 2 is ringed at the connection between the sensor body 1 and the protective mechanism 3 to achieve a waterproof seal at the connection between the two. The fixing mechanism 4 is installed on the sealing mechanism 2 and is used to quickly lock or loosen the sealing mechanism 2, thereby enabling convenient disassembly and assembly of the protective mechanism 3. Specifically, the protective mechanism 3 is a core unit that realizes a composite anti-biofouling function, which includes a filter cover 301 arranged coaxially and an anti-fouling sleeve 304 located inside the filter cover 301. The filter cover 301 has filter holes 302 evenly distributed on it. The filter cover 301 is used to provide a physical barrier to prevent large algae, debris or larvae from contacting the interior. Preferably, the filter cover 301 is made of copper-based alloy material, which can slowly release copper ions after being immersed in water to achieve chemical slow-release anti-fouling; The antifouling sleeve 304 is made of low surface energy or slow-release antifouling polymer material. Its surface is smooth and not easily adhered by organisms, forming the antifouling layer of the material. Furthermore, the protective mechanism 3 also includes an electrode wire 305 integrated on the surface of the antifouling sleeve 304. The electrode wire 305 is electrically connected to a power interface 306, which is used to connect to an external power source. The electrode wire 305 electrolyzes the surrounding water to generate strong oxidizing substances, thereby achieving active electrolytic defouling. To enable connection with the sealing mechanism 2, the outer side of the protective mechanism 3 is provided with a slot 303; A retaining ring 307 is provided on the outer side of the sensor body 1. The retaining ring 307 and the retaining groove 303 are used together to cooperate with the sealing ring 204 to achieve sealing and positioning.

[0032] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the biofouling shield for the sensor also includes a sealing mechanism 2, and the sealing mechanism 2 forms a specific structural fit and connection relationship with the aforementioned sensor body 1 and protective mechanism 3.

[0033] Please refer to the attached diagram for details. The core structure is described in detail below: The sealing mechanism 2 includes a first sealing ring 201 and a second sealing ring 202 that can be opened and closed relative to each other. The first sealing ring 201 and the second sealing ring 202 are pivotally connected by a hinge 203. This structure allows the sealing mechanism 2 to be opened or closed around the hinge 203. Arc-shaped grooves 205 are provided on the inner walls of the first sealing ring 201 and the second sealing ring 202, and the sealing ring 204 is accommodated and positioned in the arc-shaped grooves 205. The sealing mechanism 2 is arranged around the connection between the sensor body 1 and the protective mechanism 3 during assembly; When the sealing mechanism 2 is closed, its internal sealing ring 204 engages with the retaining ring 307 on the sensor body 1 and the retaining groove 303 on the protective mechanism 3. This structure, which uses an openable sealing ring (201, 202) to engage with a retaining ring (307) and a retaining groove (303), ensures that when the sealing ring 204 is subsequently locked by the fixing mechanism 4, radial pressure can be applied to make it fit tightly against the outer surface of the sensor body 1 and the protective mechanism 3, forming a reliable waterproof seal.

[0034] Based on the above embodiments, the present invention may further include the following preferred technical solutions: As a preferred embodiment, the fixing mechanism 4 is defined in detail. Please refer to the accompanying drawings. The fixing mechanism 4 also includes a rotating shaft 403 and a rotating rod 404.

[0035] As a further preferred embodiment, the knob 407 is fixedly connected to one end of the rotating rod 404, and the rotating rod 404 is threadedly connected to the rotating shaft 403.

[0036] As a further preferred embodiment, the rotating shaft 403 drives the pressing block 406 to move toward the fixed block 402, thereby achieving locking by pressing the open ends of the first sealing ring 201 and the second sealing ring 202.

[0037] As a further preferred embodiment, the fixing mechanism 4 also includes an anti-detachment plate 405, which is fixed to the other end of the rotating rod 404 to prevent the rotating rod 404 from accidentally falling off when released.

[0038] Working principle: In the deployed state, the protective mechanism 3 provides composite protection for the core probe of the sensor body 1; the outermost filter cover 301 and its evenly distributed filter holes 302 first achieve physical blocking; at the same time, the copper-based alloy material of the filter cover 301 continuously releases copper ions to achieve chemical slow-release antifouling; the antifouling sleeve 304 closely attached to it utilizes its low surface energy or slow-release antifouling polymer material characteristics to achieve passive material antifouling; when it is necessary to actively remove biofilm, the external power supply can supply power to the electrode wires 305 integrated on the surface of the antifouling sleeve 304 through the power interface 306, electrolyzing the surrounding water to generate strong oxidizing substances, thereby achieving active electrolytic defouling.

[0039] When installation is required, align the protective mechanism 3 with the front end of the sensor body 1, so that the slot 303 on the outside of the protective mechanism 3 is aligned with the retaining ring 307 on the outside of the sensor body 1 in the circumferential direction; then, open the first sealing ring 201 and the second sealing ring 202, which are pivotally connected by the hinge 203, and encircle them at the connection; close the sealing mechanism 2 so that the sealing ring 204, which is accommodated and positioned in the arc groove 205, is respectively engaged with the retaining ring 307 and the slot 303.

[0040] When locking is required, the operator rotates the knob 407, which drives the rotating rod 404 fixedly connected to it to rotate. The rotating rod 404 is connected to the rotating shaft 403 by a threaded transmission, which drives the rotating shaft 403, thereby causing the pressing block 406 to move toward the fixed block 402 located at the other end. The pressing block 406 cooperates with the fixed block 402 and the support block 401 to clamp the open ends of the first sealing ring 201 and the second sealing ring 202. This clamping force is transmitted to the sealing ring 204 through the arc groove 205, causing the sealing ring 204 to be deformed by pressure and tightly fitted at the retaining ring 307 and the retaining groove 303 to form a reliable waterproof seal.

[0041] When disassembly and maintenance are required, the operator rotates the knob 407 in the opposite direction, and the squeezing block 406 is released under the action of the threaded drive, releasing the clamping force on the sealing rings (201, 202); at this time, the anti-detachment plate 405 on the fixing mechanism 4 can prevent the rotating rod 404 from accidentally falling off; the operator can then open the sealing mechanism 2 through the hinge 203 and easily remove the entire protective mechanism 3 from the sensor body 1 for cleaning or replacement of the anti-fouling sleeve 304.

[0042] Through the synergistic effect of the protective mechanism 3, the sealing mechanism 2, and the fixing mechanism 4, this utility model achieves a structure with comprehensive anti-fouling function, reliable sealing, and quick disassembly and maintenance, solving the problems of difficult maintenance and limited anti-fouling effect of sensor protective covers in the prior art.

[0043] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present utility model and is not intended to limit the present utility model. Although the present utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., 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 biofouling shield for a sensor, comprising: Sensor body (1); The protective mechanism (3) is detachably installed at the front end of the sensor body (1); A sealing mechanism (2) is arranged around the connection between the sensor body (1) and the protective mechanism (3); A fixing mechanism (4) is installed on the sealing mechanism (2) to lock it in place; Its features are, The protective mechanism (3) includes a filter cover (301) arranged coaxially and a dirt-proof sleeve (304) located inside the filter cover (301). The filter cover (301) has filter holes (302) distributed on it. The outer side of the protective mechanism (3) is provided with a slot (303). The sensor body (1) is also provided with a retaining ring (307) on the outside. The sealing mechanism (2) includes a first sealing ring (201) and a second sealing ring (202) pivotally connected by a hinge (203). The inner walls of the first sealing ring (201) and the second sealing ring (202) are provided with arc-shaped grooves (205). A sealing ring (204) is disposed in the arc-shaped groove (205). The sealing ring (204) is engaged with the slot (303) and the ring (307) respectively. The fixing mechanism (4) includes a support block (401) disposed at one end of the first sealing ring (201), a fixing block (402) disposed at the other end of the first sealing ring (201), a pressing block (406) disposed on the second sealing ring (202) and cooperating with the fixing block (402), and a knob (407) for driving the pressing block (406).

2. The anti-biofouling cover for a sensor according to claim 1, wherein: The protective mechanism (3) also includes an electrode wire (305) integrated on the surface of the anti-fouling sleeve (304) and a power interface (306) for connecting to an external power source.

3. The anti-biofouling cover for a sensor of claim 1, wherein: The filter cover (301) is made of copper-based alloy material.

4. The anti-biofouling cover for a sensor of claim 1, wherein: The antifouling sleeve (304) is made of surface energy or slow-release antifouling polymer material.

5. The anti-biofouling cover for a sensor of claim 1, wherein: The fixing mechanism (4) also includes a rotating shaft (403) and a rotating rod (404).

6. A biofouling resistant cover for a sensor according to claim 5, wherein: The knob (407) is fixedly connected to one end of the rotating rod (404), and the rotating rod (404) is threadedly connected to the rotating shaft (403).

7. A biofouling resistant cover for a sensor according to claim 6, wherein: The rotating shaft (403) drives the extrusion block (406) to move toward the fixed block (402).

8. The anti-biofouling cover for a sensor of claim 6, wherein: The fixing mechanism (4) also includes an anti-detachment plate (405), which is fixed to the other end of the rotating rod (404).

Images