Measuring Cup Water Level Sensor for Irrigation Surface Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for flood or surface irrigation struggle to accurately determine the surface level and volume of water, leading to inconsistencies in water infiltration and inefficiencies due to unknown soil infiltration rates and difficulties in measuring depth, especially with localized unevenness and varying crop density.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a measuring cup positioned below the surface level with a water level sensor to monitor the change point of the irrigation water front, allowing for accurate surface level and volume calculations, and an integrated soil moisture device with an auger to minimize soil disturbance and measure moisture content.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional measurement methods are used to determine ground level, then detailed surveys can be conducted, but the measurement precision is insufficient due to localized unevenness and it is difficult to determine the point at which to record the surveyed surface level measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex traditional surveying equipment and concentrates it in a simple measuring cup with water level sensor. This removes the need for detailed surveys and multiple measurements, providing accurate surface level detection through a single localized measurement point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical surveying instruments with a water-based measurement system using a measuring cup and water level sensor. This substitution simplifies the measurement process and improves precision by using water's natural level-seeking property to accurately determine surface level.
2Loss of information
If the volume of water applied is calculated by multiplying time by flow rate, then the total water applied is known, but the infiltrated volume remains unknown and the remaining volume above surface cannot be determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring water level in the measuring cup and using this information to calculate real-time infiltration rates. The system compares applied water volume with measured surface water volume to determine infiltrated volume, enabling closed-loop irrigation control.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring cup acts as an intermediary device that captures and measures the water volume remaining on the surface after infiltration. This intermediary measurement allows calculation of infiltrated volume by subtracting surface volume from total applied volume.
3Productivity
If high flows of water are applied onto bays, then water application efficiency is improved, but it becomes difficult to determine the precise time to stop the flow to avoid over-watering or under-watering
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time water level monitoring from the measuring cup to provide feedback on irrigation progress. When the water level indicates that the desired infiltration depth has been achieved, the system signals to stop water flow, enabling precise irrigation timing control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual timing and observation methods with automated water level sensing and electronic control. The water level sensor automatically detects when the irrigation endpoint is reached, eliminating the need for manual intervention and improving timing precision.
4Measurement precision
If the depth of water above surface is measured to calculate volume, then the area of coverage can be multiplied, but defining the surface level or datum above which depth is measured becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the surface level reference function from complex surveying procedures and embeds it directly in the measuring cup positioned at the measurement location. The cup's bottom serves as a fixed reference datum, simplifying depth measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring cup serves as an intermediary reference tool that establishes a local surface level datum at each measurement point. This intermediary device eliminates the need for global survey references and enables accurate local depth measurements.
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 precise determination of the surface level and volume of water, optimizing water application to ensure consistent infiltration without over- or under-watering, and providing real-time data for irrigation management.
Implementation Method 1
monitoring the levels provided by the water level sensor and calculating the surface level by determining the change point between the rapid increase of the monitored levels when the front of the irrigation water passes the water level sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method of determining the surface level of an area subject to flood, furrow or surface irrigation. The method includes the steps of providing at least one measuring cup positioned below the surface level but within the area and providing a water level sensor within or integrated with the at least one measuring cup. The levels provided by the water level sensor are used to calculate the surface level by determining the inflection point between the rapid increase of the monitored levels when the front of irrigation water passes the water level sensor. A further aspect of the disclosure is the provision of a soil moisture sensor, said sensor comprising an auger adapted to be inserted into the ground with minimum soil disturbance, said auger having means for measuring soil moisture.