Manhole Interposer Flow Imaging for Remote Drainage Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current water flow measurement methods are costly, dangerous, and inefficient due to the need for human entry into confined spaces, lack of network connectivity, and difficulties in calibration and data retrieval, with no method for self-calibration or remote updates, leading to inaccurate and labor-intensive processes.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable interposer system with modules for lighting, power, and communication that fits under manhole covers, featuring a sealed rechargeable battery pack and algorithms for data extraction, allowing for safe, centralized, and cost-effective monitoring of water flow with network connectivity and remote data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If cabled, submerged sensors are installed in the flow stream with separate logger/battery box, then flow measurement capability is achieved, but installation becomes dangerous and complex requiring confined space entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor, logger, and battery into a single integrated flow monitoring unit that can be placed outside the confined space. This eliminates the need for separate cabled sensors submerged in the flow stream and removes the requirement for technicians to enter dangerous confined spaces for installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system using lasers and cameras to measure flow velocity without physical contact with the water. This allows accurate flow measurement while keeping all electronic components and sensors outside the hazardous confined space, eliminating installation dangers.
2Ease of manufacture
If expansion rings are used to mount sensors in the sewer pipe, then sensor installation is achieved, but the mounting becomes unreliable and subject to dislodgement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor mounting location from inside the sewer pipe to the outside environment. The flow monitoring unit is installed in the manhole above the pipe, eliminating the need for expansion rings and submerged sensor mounting that are prone to dislodgement from debris.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical expansion ring mounting system with an optical measurement system. Lasers project through the water flow and cameras capture the light patterns, allowing velocity measurement without any mechanical sensors contact the flow or require secure mounting in the pipe.
3Device complexity
If no network connectivity is provided in flow measurement units, then device complexity is reduced, but data retrieval becomes time-consuming requiring in-person visits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements network connectivity with automatic data transmission capabilities. The flow monitoring unit continuously measures flow parameters and automatically transmits data through cellular or other wireless networks to remote servers, enabling real-time monitoring without requiring manual data retrieval visits.
4Device complexity
If manual configuration and adjustment of embedded software is required, then device complexity is reduced, but calibration becomes laborious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-calibration capabilities where the system automatically adjusts its own parameters based on reference measurements and environmental conditions. The embedded software performs automatic configuration and calibration routines without requiring manual intervention, reducing both complexity and calibration time while minimizing human error.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow imaging and monitoring system for synchronized management of wide area drainage that includes an interposer for supporting monitoring and management equipment in a manhole, a module for illuminating water flowing in pipes at the base of the manhole, a module for monitoring responses to reflected light, a sealed and rechargeable battery pack, and a data analysis and management system to interpret data streams in real time. The interposer can be adjusted to fit the diameter of the manhole and can be adjusted to be placed under the manhole cover. The module for illuminating the flowing water can be adjusted to generate various frequencies. The support structures for the modules can be adjusted for varying pitch, roll and yaw with respect to the manhole. The data analysis and management system is supported by cloud computing.