Modular Measuring Device for Flexible Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measuring pipes for ground water level and ground slope measurements are limited to fixed positions, leading to suboptimal or unsuitable measurement results.

Innovation Solution

A modular measuring device with a cylindrical module and sensor system that can be placed in various mediums, allowing for remote or secured positioning, and equipped with position determining means to transmit measured parameters and positions to an external processing device, enabling flexible placement and accurate data collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed position measuring pipe is used, then the device structure is simple and easy to install, but the measurement position is limited and measurement results are suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement position flexibilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The measuring device is divided into multiple detachable cylindrical modules that can be assembled in different configurations. Each module can be independently positioned, allowing the measurement system to be segmented and distributed at various locations within the borehole, thereby achieving position flexibility while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The device transitions from a fixed static structure to a dynamic modular system where modules can be selectively assembled, disassembled, and repositioned. This dynamic configuration allows the measurement system to adapt to different measurement requirements and positions without requiring complete redesign or complex permanent installation structures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the measuring pipe is placed at the outskirts of a plot, then installation is simplified, but measurement results become unsuitable for the measurement objective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement result qualityVSAvoidinstallation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the measuring device into multiple cylindrical modules, the system can be installed in a single central borehole while achieving distributed measurement capabilities. This eliminates the need to place multiple separate measuring pipes at various locations (including outskirts), thereby improving measurement result quality without significantly complicating the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple measurement functions and positions are merged into a single integrated modular device that can be installed in one central location. The modular design allows different sensor modules to be combined within the same borehole, achieving comprehensive measurement coverage that would otherwise require multiple distributed installations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of information

If position determining means and data transmission components are added, then position and parameter data can be transmitted to external devices, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The housing and cylindrical modules are designed with universal interfaces and integrated circuits that can handle both sensing and data transmission functions. This multi-functionality allows position determining means and data transmission components to be incorporated without requiring separate dedicated structures, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity while maximizing data transmission capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3688233B1Modular detecting device
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 FIXEAU BV
  • EP3688233B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3688233B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3688233B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular measuring device ( device' ), for measuring at least one parameter of a medium external to, at least partially surrounding and/or inside the modular measuring device, and/or at least one parameter of the modular measuring device itself, comprising: a housing; a cylindrical module configured to be placed in at least one medium, wherein the cylindrical module is open or closed to the medium and is in data communication with the housing; and a sensor at least partially arranged within the cylindrical module and configured for measuring at least one parameter of the medium, and/or of the modular measuring device itself, the device further comprising position determining means at least partially arranged within the housing and/or within the cylindrical module, and configured for determining its position, wherein the device is configured for transmitting the measured parameter and the determined position to and/or receiving data from an external processing device.