Flow-estimation Processor for Conduit Sediment Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Estimating flow rates in water management systems is challenging due to the high cost of direct measurement instruments and the sensitivity of the Manning formula to small errors in static sewer pipe characteristics, which can change over time, making it difficult to obtain accurate calculations without frequent and costly real-time measurements.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses a flow-estimation processor to calculate and visualize estimated flow rates based on flow-depth measurements and initial/updated flow-estimation parameters, allowing for presentation via a user interface and enabling users to input updated values to adjust calculations, incorporating the Manning formula and other parameters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If direct measurements of flow rates are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate measurement accuracyVSAvoidinstrument complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses flow depth as an intermediary measurement to indirectly determine flow rate. Instead of directly measuring flow rate with complex instruments, the system measures flow depth with simple level sensors and uses the Manning formula to calculate flow rate, thereby avoiding complex direct measurement devices while maintaining reasonable accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical flow measurement instruments with a combination of simple level sensors and computational calculation. The system substitutes direct mechanical flow measurement with an indirect approach using depth measurement and mathematical modeling (Manning formula) to derive flow rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Device complexity

If the Manning formula is used to estimate flow rates, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to sensitivity to parameter errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement system simplicityVSAvoidflow rate estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs sensitivity analysis and parameter optimization without requiring manual intervention. The processor autonomously evaluates how changes in Manning formula parameters affect flow rate estimates and selects optimal parameter values, making the system self-adjusting and reducing the need for expert manual calibration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through sensitivity analysis, where the processor evaluates the impact of parameter variations on flow rate estimates and uses this information to optimize parameter selection. This feedback mechanism allows the system to compensate for parameter uncertainties and improve estimation accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If real-time measurements of static sewer pipe characteristics are taken, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesewer pipe characteristic accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary measurements of sewer pipe characteristics (slope, shape, roughness) during construction or initial setup, and stores these values for ongoing use. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated real-time measurements, saving time and resources while maintaining adequate accuracy for flow rate estimation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the approach based on the specific situation: for slowly changing parameters like pipe characteristics, it uses historical or preliminary values; for rapidly changing parameters like flow depth, it uses continuous real-time measurement. This dynamic adaptation optimizes the balance between measurement accuracy and resource consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Measurement precision

If multiple flow-estimation parameters are adjusted to improve accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow rate calculation accuracyVSAvoidparameter adjustment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9482568B2Detecting a sediment condition in a conduit

Publication Date: 2016.11.01 HADRONEX LLC

AI summary

In one embodiment, a flow-estimation processor receives one or more flow-depth measurements with each flow-depth measurement having been taken at a respective time. The processor calculates a respective estimated flow rate for each of the times based on the corresponding flow-depth measurement and one or more flow-estimation parameters each set to a respective initial value. The processor outputs the estimated flow rates for presentation via a user interface, and receives via the user interface one or more updated values corresponding respectively to a flow-estimation parameter. The processor calculates an updated estimated flow rate for each of the one or more times, such that each respective updated estimated flow rate is calculated based on the received updated values. The processor then outputs the updated estimated flow rates for presentation via the user interface.