Drone Microwave Flow Measurement With Vibration Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the flow rate of rivers, open channels, or underground pipes are often invasive, time-consuming, expensive, and prone to errors due to factors like floating debris, flow disturbances, and unstable equipment.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive method using a microwave antenna mounted on a drone to measure surface velocity and calculate flow rate by associating velocity readings with shape and level measurements, employing vibration and angle sensors to correct for drone-induced noise and pitch, roll, and yaw effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a cable crane system is used for velocity profiling, then measurement stability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable crane system with an aerial vehicle (drone/UAV) that carries the microwave radar device. This substitution eliminates the need for complex ground-based cable infrastructure while achieving stable velocity measurements through the mobility and positioning capabilities of the aerial platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The aerial vehicle serves multiple functions: it carries the microwave radar device, provides stable positioning over the water body, and enables mobility to different measurement locations. This multi-functionality replaces the specialized cable crane system with a more versatile platform.
2Reliability
If ADCP is placed on a boat or floating device, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but measurement time increases and operation becomes unsafe during flooding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces water-based platforms (boats, floating devices) with an aerial vehicle that operates from above the water surface. This allows safe operation during flooding conditions while maintaining non-invasive measurement capabilities and reducing measurement time through rapid deployment and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement platform transitions from operating at water level (2D surface operation) to operating in the aerial dimension (3D space above water). This dimensional change enables safe operation during flooding while maintaining measurement capabilities.
3Reliability
If microwave radar is carried by an operator from a bridge, then non-invasive measurement is achieved, but flow disturbances occur due to bridge piers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the bridge-based measurement approach with an aerial vehicle that can position itself freely over the water body without relying on bridge infrastructure. This eliminates the harmful flow disturbances caused by bridge piers while maintaining non-invasive measurement capabilities.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a drone carries a velocity measuring device, then accessibility to difficult locations is improved, but vibration noise from the drone affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration source (drone engine/propellers) from the measurement device by suspending the microwave radar on a separate platform or using vibration isolation mechanisms. This separation removes the harmful vibrations from the measurement system while maintaining the accessibility benefits of drone-based operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces vibration isolation mechanisms or intermediate mounting structures that decouple the microwave radar device from the drone's vibration sources. This intermediary element filters out harmful vibrations while allowing the drone to maintain its position and mobility for difficult-to-access locations.
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
This approach allows for accurate, efficient, and flexible measurement of flow rates in challenging environments, reducing costs and operational risks while minimizing disruptions from floating debris and flow disturbances.
Implementation Method 1
a non-invasive microwave fluid velocity measuring device using a patch antenna or horn antenna to generate a microwave signal that is transmitted at a specific elevation angle α towards the fluid surface and to receive the reflected microwave signal from the fluid surface with a doppler shift frequency
Data Source
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Figure 3A
AI summary
The invention relates to a non-invasive microwave measuring device (01) for calculating the flow rate of a fluid, the device (01) comprising : - a non-invasive microwave fluid velocity measuring device (03) comprising a patch antenna or horn antenna to generate a microwave signal (14) that is transmitted at a specific elevation angle α towards the fluid surface (16) and to receive the reflected microwave signal (15) from the fluid surface (16) with a doppler shift frequency; - a drone (02) to which is suspended the measuring device (03) via a suspension system (04), said suspension system (04) eliminating vibration noise generated by the drone (02); - at least one vibration sensor to eliminate falls velocity readings; - at least one angle sensor to compensate for Pitch, Roll and Yaw from the drone (02) that influence the fluid surface velocity measurement.