Multi-Point Laser Sludge Level Meter for Flowing Pipes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sludge level meters, such as radar and ultrasonic devices, struggle to provide accurate sludge level measurements in urban drainage pipes due to interference from flowing water, making real-time monitoring in complex environments like drainage networks challenging.
Innovation Solution
A high-precision laser sludge level meter with a multi-point monitoring function using a Doppler optical flow rate analyzer, which adjusts laser focal length to measure the sludge-water interface and calculates sludge thickness, and includes a gas-liquid drying and flushing system to maintain lens clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If radar or ultrasonic sludge level meters are used to measure sludge level in drainage pipes, then the device can be installed with low environmental interference, but the flowing water interferes with the measurement making it difficult to obtain accurate sludge level data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces radar or ultrasonic measurement principles with a laser-based optical measurement system. The laser sludge level meter uses optical components (laser emitter, lens, photodetector) instead of electromagnetic radiation methods, enabling accurate measurement in flowing water conditions where traditional radar/ultrasonic devices fail due to water interference with the measurement beam.
2Measurement precision
If traditional sludge level meters are used in clarification tanks, then accurate sludge level data can be obtained, but the device is not applicable in complex situations such as urban drainage pipes or channels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable lens that can dynamically adjust its position along the optical axis to change the laser focal length. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the laser beam to maintain focus at different depths, enabling the device to adapt to varying pipe configurations and measure sludge levels at multiple points within the drainage pipe, thus improving versatility in complex environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser sludge level meter is designed to function in multiple scenarios: it can measure sludge levels in both stationary and flowing water conditions, adapt to different pipe diameters and configurations, and operate in various drainage network environments. The combination of laser measurement technology with movable lens adjustment creates a universal device that overcomes the limitations of traditional devices restricted to specific applications.
3Measurement precision
If laser focal length is adjusted to measure sludge-water interface in flowing water, then accurate sludge thickness can be calculated, but the device complexity increases with focusing mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the focusing function into a separate, independently movable lens component that can be adjusted without affecting other parts of the measurement system. This modular approach simplifies the overall device complexity by isolating the focusing mechanism, allowing it to be adjusted independently while maintaining the stability of the laser emitter and photodetector components.
4Loss of information
If multi-point monitoring function is added to measure sludge levels at different positions, then comprehensive pipeline data is obtained, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds the dimension of optical path adjustment by incorporating a movable lens that can change the focal length of the laser beam. This dimensional addition to the optical system enables the single device to measure sludge levels at multiple depths and positions within the drainage pipe, achieving multi-point monitoring functionality without requiring multiple separate measurement devices, thus balancing data completeness with device simplicity.
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
The laser sludge level meter achieves accurate sludge level monitoring in flowing water conditions, provides multi-point data for pipeline maintenance, and reduces maintenance costs through automatic angle adjustments and dual cleaning functions, while also measuring water levels.
Implementation Method 1
Based on a Doppler optical flow rate analyzer, the sludge level meter measures a sludge/water interface position by adjusting a laser focal length
Implementation Method 2
the Doppler optical ranging unit inside the housing is configured to adjust a laser focus through a lens to identify a sludge-water interface in a pipe
Implementation Method 3
a light output end of the Doppler optical ranging unit is dried and flushed by the gas-liquid drying and flushing unit
Data Source
AI summary
A high-precision laser sludge level meter with a multi-point monitoring function includes a hanging bracket and a measuring structure; the hanging bracket allows horizontal rotation and tilt adjustment to support the measuring structure; the measuring structure includes a housing, and a Doppler optical ranging unit and a gas-liquid drying and flushing unit arranged inside the housing, where the housing is fixed on the hanging bracket, the Doppler optical ranging unit inside the housing is configured to adjust a laser focus through a lens to identify a sludge-water interface in a pipe, and a light output end of the Doppler optical ranging unit is dried and flushed by the gas-liquid drying and flushing unit. The sludge level meter measures a sludge/water interface position by adjusting a laser focal length and proportionally calculates the sludge thickness in the pipe through the focal length adjustment amount.