Automatic Hydrologic Parameter Measuring System for River Flow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring hydrologic parameters in rivers, such as flow speeds and sand density, are largely manual and prone to errors due to vibration and safety concerns, especially during strong winds or heavy rain, leading to incomplete or inaccurate data collection.
Innovation Solution
An automatic hydrologic parameter measuring system that includes a supporting frame under a bridge with a waterproof box, a steel rope, and sensors like a water pressure meter and sand density meter, connected to a signal processor for precise and remote data collection, allowing for real-time monitoring without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual measurement methods are used, then personal safety can be maintained, but measurement continuity and reliability deteriorate during typhoon periods or bridge closures
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service measurement where the automated monitoring device performs hydrologic parameter measurements without requiring human operators to be physically present in the river environment. The device automatically deploys sensors, collects data, and transmits information, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining continuous reliability during adverse conditions like typhoons or bridge closures.
2Measurement precision
If rope-based measurement methods are used, then measurement simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision deteriorates due to vibration and wind effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rope-based measurement system with an automated electronic sensing system. Instead of using a physical rope that is susceptible to vibration and wind effects, the system employs sensors (such as ultrasonic sensors or conductive sensors) that can accurately measure water levels without mechanical interference. This substitution eliminates the harmful effects of vibration and wind while maintaining measurement simplicity through automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electronic sensing system between the measurement device and the water environment. The sensors act as intermediaries that detect water level changes without direct mechanical contact with the water, thereby avoiding the vibration and wind effects that plague traditional rope-based methods. The electronic signals transmitted by these intermediaries provide precise measurement data unaffected by environmental disturbances.
3Productivity
If manual monitoring is performed during peak flow periods, then data accuracy can be maintained, but time loss increases due to extended measurement duration
Solution Approach 1:
The automated monitoring system enables continuous measurement operation without interruption. Unlike manual methods that require operators to be physically present and perform measurements periodically, the automated system continuously monitors hydrologic parameters 24/7, including during peak flow periods. This continuous useful action eliminates measurement gaps and reduces total measurement time while maintaining high data accuracy through automated sensing and processing.
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 accurate and continuous measurement of hydrologic parameters with higher precision and safety, unaffected by environmental conditions like wind or bridge closure, providing real-time data without the need for on-site operators.
Implementation Method 1
a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic hydrologic parameter measuring system for a river flow comprises a supporting installed below a bridge surface; a waterproof box connected to a steel rope for suspending a weight; another end of the rope extending downwards out of the waterproof box for retaining the weight; a waterproof electric wire winding around the steel rope for transferring signals to the signal processor; a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable; and a water pressure meter installed in a hollow space of the weight; when the weight being in water, the water pressure meter starts the measuring process; after the weight reaches to the riverbed, the water pressure is unchangeable.