Differential Pressure River Flow Monitoring Hull
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current river flow velocity monitoring methods require precise positioning and public wireless communication networks, which are challenging in remote alpine and gorge regions with limited infrastructure and unstable satellite signals.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using a differential pressure measurement device with low-precision satellite positioning and Internet of Things communication, allowing data transmission without relying on public communication networks, utilizing a hull with pressure sensors and a wireless communication relay network to calculate and transmit river flow velocity data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise positioning is used to measure river flow velocity, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning requirement from the flow velocity measurement system. Instead of using complex precise positioning systems, the invention uses only low-precision satellite positioning to obtain approximate location, while the actual flow velocity measurement is performed through differential pressure sensing that does not depend on precise positioning. This separates the location function from the measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical positioning-based measurement approach with a pressure-based measurement system. The differential pressure sensors measure the pressure difference between upstream and downstream sides of the floating device, and this pressure differential is directly related to flow velocity through fluid dynamics principles, eliminating the need for complex positioning and distance measurement systems.
2Reliability
If public wireless communication networks are used for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but adaptability to remote areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the communication system universal by supporting multiple transmission modes. The data transmission module can automatically select between public wireless communication networks (when available) and satellite communication (when public networks are unavailable), making the system adaptable to both urban and remote areas without requiring separate systems for different environments.
3Measurement precision
If ground markers are set for accurate engineering positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but ease of operation in remote areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the requirement for ground markers by extracting the positioning function to satellite-based low-precision positioning. The system accepts that satellite positioning has lower accuracy (meter-level rather than centimeter-level) but this is sufficient for the application, eliminating the need for difficult ground marker installation in remote areas.
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
Enables accurate measurement and transmission of river flow velocity data in areas with poor satellite positioning and no public wireless communication, independent of satellite and public network signals, facilitating hydrological monitoring in remote regions.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensors are respectively provided on an upstream face of a front end and a downstream face of a rear end below the floatation line of a ship
Implementation Method 2
a hull floating on a water surface with an aspect ratio of the hull being greater than one
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a device, a system and a method for monitoring river flow velocity based on differential pressure measurement, comprising: a hull floating on a water surface with an aspect ratio of the hull being greater than one, characterized in that pressure sensors are respectively provided on an upstream face of a front end and a downstream face of a rear end below the floatation line of a ship; an electronic instrument is provided in the hull, and the electronic instrument comprises an acquisition module connected to the two pressure sensors, the acquisition module being connected to a data processing module with a memory, and the data processing module being connected to a satellite positioning module and a wireless communication module. According to the present invention, the flow velocity of water flow is measured based on the difference between the simulated measured upstream face pressure at the bow and the simulated measured downstream face pressure at the stern by an unpowered measuring ship drifting on the water surface. The measured data is transmitted to the data processing center on the ground via the wireless communication network. The present invention enables the flow data to be measured in presence of poor satellite positioning signals and public network signals or no signals, achieving data transmission independent of satellite positioning and public communication networks.