Pressure Sensor Diaphragm for Riverbed Elevation Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional landform monitoring systems face accuracy issues due to swinging weight hammers and sensing cables, which affect measurement precision in river and slope monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A landform monitoring system utilizing micro-electromechanical pressure sensing devices with a housing unit, pressure sensor, flexible sheet, and fluid medium, where the flexible sheet's deformation transmits pressure to the sensor via a fluid medium, generating a pressure sensing signal without direct contact with the landform.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a weight hammer hung by a steel cord is used to measure riverbed elevation, then the measurement function is achieved, but the assembly swings due to water flow and wind, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful swinging motion from the measurement system by replacing the traditional weight hammer and steel cord assembly with a pressure sensor-based system. The new system measures riverbed elevation by detecting water pressure at a fixed mounting position, eliminating the unstable hanging components that caused swinging and inaccurate measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight hammer system with a pressure sensing system that uses electronic sensors to detect water pressure. This substitution transforms the measurement mechanism from a mechanical hanging weight to an electronic pressure detection system, providing stable and accurate measurements without physical contact with the riverbed.
2Measurement precision
If a sensing cable extending vertically is used to detect slope landform variation, then vibration detection is achieved, but the variation monitored cannot provide accurate evaluation for slope landform variation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the slope monitoring function into multiple pressure sensing units distributed at different positions and orientations. Each unit measures pressure in specific directions, and the combined data from multiple segmented sensors provides comprehensive and accurate evaluation of slope landform variations, overcoming the limitations of a single sensing cable.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensing units are designed to perform multiple functions: measuring vertical pressure, horizontal pressure, and vibration simultaneously. This multi-functional capability allows a single sensor system to provide comprehensive data for evaluating various aspects of slope landform variation, replacing the limited single-function sensing cable system.
3Reliability
If a pressure sensor directly contacts the landform to measure pressure, then pressure sensing is achieved, but the sensor is exposed to environmental damage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible diaphragm as an intermediary between the pressure sensor and the external environment. The diaphragm transmits pressure from the surrounding medium (water or air) to the sensor while maintaining a sealed protective barrier, allowing the sensor to function reliably without direct exposure to harmful environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible diaphragm made of thin film material to create a protective seal around the pressure sensor. This flexible shell allows pressure transmission while protecting the sensor from environmental damage, contamination, and direct contact with the monitored medium, ensuring long-term reliability.
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
Ensures accurate and reliable monitoring of landforms by providing precise pressure sensing signals without the interference of swinging components, enhancing measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a fluid medium filled fully in the accommodating space in the housing unit, wherein, when the sheet deforms as a result of an external pressure acting thereon, a pressure corresponding to the deformation of the sheet is transmitted to the pressure sensing side of the pressure sensor via the fluid medium
Implementation Method 2
when the sheet deforms as a result of an external pressure acting thereon
Data Source
AI summary
A landform monitoring system includes a pressure sensing device mounted on a mounting frame, and including a housing unit configured with an accommodating space and having first and second openings in fluid communication with the accommodating space. A pressure sensor is attached to the housing unit, and seals the first opening. A flexible sheet is attached to the housing unit and seals the second opening. A fluid medium is filled fully in the accommodating space. When the sheet deforms as a result of an external pressure acting thereon, a pressure corresponding to the deformation of the sheet is transmitted to the pressure sensor via the fluid medium such that the pressure sensor generates a pressure sensing signal corresponding to the external pressure.