Floating Sensor Assembly for Stable Sewage Water Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional water quality measuring devices in sewage treatment plants are susceptible to overturning due to water currents, leading to inaccurate measurements and rapid sensor failure, and maintenance is difficult due to exposure and adherence of foreign substances.

Innovation Solution

A floating water quality measuring device with a cantilever unit, wire rope, and floating sensor unit that maintains stability and allows for easy maintenance by pivoting and preventing foreign substance adherence, featuring a hat-shaped cover to drain away water and contaminants.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional water quality measuring device is fixed to a railing in the reaction tank, then it can perform water quality measurement, but it is susceptible to overturning due to water currents and water level fluctuations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement stabilityVSAvoiddevice stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic floating structure that can move with water level changes. The floating body rises and falls with water levels and can rotate around the column-axis, allowing the device to adapt to dynamic water conditions rather than resisting them, thereby preventing overturning while maintaining measurement capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device is divided into separable components: the floating body, the column-axis module, and the sensor unit. The sensor unit can be detached from the floating body for maintenance, and the entire assembly can be rotated around the column-axis. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component's function and facilitates maintenance operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the device is fixed in position, then water quality measurement can be performed, but maintenance is difficult due to foreign substances adhering to the upper surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The device incorporates rotational movement around the column-axis, transforming it from a static fixed structure to a dynamic system. This rotation capability allows the sensor unit to be easily accessed by rotating it to a convenient position for maintenance, while the floating body remains in its measurement position, solving both measurement and maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor unit is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the floating body. This segmentation allows the sensor unit to be easily removed for maintenance or replacement without affecting the floating body's measurement function, significantly improving ease of repair

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If the sensor is exposed to air due to overturning, then the device structure is simplified, but the sensor fails more quickly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidsensor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The floating body's ability to float and rotate prevents overturning, ensuring the sensor remains properly positioned and protected during operation. The dynamic design allows the device to adapt to water currents and level changes without compromising sensor exposure or protection, maintaining both structural simplicity and sensor durability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Ensures stable water quality measurement despite fluctuating water levels and currents, prevents sensor contamination, and facilitates easy maintenance by allowing the device to pivot and drain away foreign substances.

Implementation Method 1

a floating module configured to float on water

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBuoyancy: Archimedes' Principle (Buoyancy)

Implementation Method 2

The cover module may be formed in a hat shape inclined downward from top to bottom so that fluid flows from the upper side to the lower side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity-driven flow: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4644225A1Floating water quality measuring device
Publication Date: 2025.11.05 ECOSENSE
  • EP4644225A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4644225A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4644225A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides a floating water quality measuring device (1) for measuring the quality of water treated in a sewage treatment plant. The floating water quality measuring device (1) includes a cantilever unit (10), a wire rope (20), and a floating sensor unit (30).