Remote Flow Rate Measurement via Stroboscopic Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow rate measurement systems in irrigation systems, particularly those with subsurface components, are costly due to the need for multiple flow meters with onboard processing and display capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic device with a processor, camera, and light is used to remotely measure flow rates from various flow meters by observing a stroboscopic effect or recording images of a rotating measured element, eliminating the need for onboard processing in each flow meter.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple flow meters with onboard processors and displays are used to measure flow rates at various locations, then flow rate measurement capability is improved, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a camera to capture images of the rotating measured element in the flow meter, creating a visual copy of the rotation information. This optical copy can then be analyzed by a remote device to determine flow rate, eliminating the need for expensive onboard processors and displays in each flow meter while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a camera as an intermediary device between the flow meter's rotating measured element and the analysis system. The camera captures the rotation information and transmits it to a remote device for processing, separating the measurement function from the processing function and reducing overall system cost
2Ease of operation
If flow meters with onboard processing and display units are deployed throughout the irrigation system, then operational monitoring capability is improved, but installation and maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measurement function (flow meter with rotating element) and the observation function (camera capturing rotation) into a unified remote monitoring system. The central device performs all processing and display functions, eliminating the need for separate processing and display units at each measurement location, thereby simplifying installation and maintenance
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
This solution allows for cost-effective remote measurement of flow rates across multiple irrigation system components, enhancing operational monitoring and leak detection without the high cost of individual flow meter processing and display units.
Implementation Method 1
A single, handheld electronic device, such as a smart phone, tablet, laptop computer or the like can be used to remotely measure the flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
The methods and systems described herein can be used for remote measuring of flow rate from a multitude of different flow meters without requiring each flow meter to be capable of onboard processing and displaying of flow rate information. A single electronic device can be used to remotely measure the flow rate of a multitude of different flow meters.