Depth Gauge With Segmented Emitters For Snow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing snow depth gauges face challenges in accurately measuring snow depth due to caking of snow on emitters and detectors, especially in windy conditions, leading to false depth indications.
Innovation Solution
A depth gauge design with emitters and detectors alternately arranged around an elongate support, directed outwardly to distinguish between true and false depth readings, using light emitters and detectors that can differentiate signal reflections from ambient light, and a processor to analyze signal differences and identify snow types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single set of emitters and detectors is used to measure snow depth, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement reliability deteriorates due to snow caking on the emitters and detectors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple independent sets of emitters and detectors (at least two sets), each set providing independent depth measurements. This segmentation allows the system to compare readings from different sets and identify false readings caused by snow caking, thereby improving measurement reliability without requiring a single complex measurement mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The processor compares depth readings from multiple sets of emitters and detectors in real-time. When a discrepancy is detected between readings from different sets, the system identifies the reading indicating greater depth as potentially false (due to snow caking) and can ignore or flag it. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection and correction of measurement errors, improving reliability
2Volume of stationary object
If emitters and detectors are directed inwardly toward the gauge, then the structure is compact, but the measurement accuracy deteriorates due to inability to distinguish reflected signals from ambient light
Solution Approach 1:
The patent directs emitters and detectors outwardly from the gauge rather than inwardly, creating an asymmetric configuration where the measurement beam travels outward, reflects off the ground/snow surface, and returns to the detector. This asymmetric outward-directed configuration enables the detector to distinguish between light reflected from the ground (which travels a specific path length) and ambient light (which does not follow the same path), thereby improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The processor is programmed to switch emitters on and off in sequence and to measure signals during specific time windows corresponding to emitter transmission periods. This periodic action allows the system to correlate detected signals with specific emitter transmissions, distinguishing true reflected signals from ambient light based on timing synchronization
3Duration of action of moving object
If ambient light is present during measurement, then continuous operation is possible, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to interference with signal detection
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic pulsed emission from the emitters and measures signals during specific time windows when emitters are active. The processor correlates detector signals with emitter transmission timing, allowing it to distinguish between light reflected from the ground (which arrives during the expected time window after emitter pulse) and ambient light (which does not follow this timing pattern). This enables continuous operation regardless of ambient light conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces passive continuous detection with active pulsed emission and time-correlated detection. Instead of relying on ambient light conditions or continuous passive measurement, the system actively emits light pulses and measures only the reflected portion that returns within a specific time window, substituting timing-based discrimination for intensity-based discrimination and eliminating ambient light interference
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The gauge effectively differentiates between true and false snow depth readings, identifies snow types, and provides accurate measurements independent of ambient light, enabling reliable snow depth measurement regardless of wind conditions or time of day.
Implementation Method 1
the strength of a signal received by a detector which signal has been issued by an adjacent emitter will be dependent upon the extent to which that signal has been reflected by material which is adjacent to the emitter and the detector
Data Source
AI summary
A depth gauge includes an upright elongate support (1) and several spaced emitters (2) and spaced detectors (3) mounted on the elongate support. The emitters (2) and detectors are electrically connected to a processor that sends signals to the emitters and receives signals from the detectors.In a first aspect, at least two sets of emitters or at least two sets of detectors are mounted on the elongate support. The sets may be directed in different respective directions.In a second aspect, each emitter may emit radiation, and/or each detector may detect radiation, selectively only within a selected range of frequencies, or emit/detect radiation outside the selected range only at a comparatively reduced level. Different emitters may emit radiation, and/or different detectors may detect radiation, only within different ranges of frequencies, or emit/detect radiation outside those ranges only at comparatively reduced levels.