Salinity Sensor Using Wheel-Water Interaction for Road Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring salinity on road surfaces, such as EP 1602913 A1, require a large amount of water that can reduce measurement accuracy and may freeze, especially when salt water is sprinkled in low temperatures, further reducing accuracy.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus mounted on a vehicle with a concentration sensor behind the wheel to measure salinity concentration, using a front nozzle to sprinkle a minimal amount of water to dissolve salinity and a rear nozzle to wet the wheel, ensuring sufficient water is bounced up for accurate measurement without freezing, eliminating the need for salt water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large amount of water is sprinkled to bounce up enough water for sensing salinity concentration, then the amount of water available for measurement is improved, but the accuracy of salinity measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the water application process into two separate functions: the front nozzle applies minimal water to dissolve salinity on the road surface, while the rear nozzle applies water to the wheel to ensure sufficient water is bounced up for sensing. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The wheel acts as an intermediary between the road surface and the concentration sensor. It picks up water containing dissolved salinity from the road surface and transfers it to the sensor, enabling measurement without requiring large amounts of water to be directly applied to the sensor area.
2Reliability
If a large amount of water is sprinkled to ensure sufficient water for sensing, then the reliability of measurement is improved, but the risk of water freezing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The front nozzle applies only the minimal necessary amount of water to dissolve salinity on the road surface, avoiding excessive water application that would increase freezing risk. This partial action is sufficient for the dissolution function while minimizing harmful effects.
3Reliability
If salt water is sprinkled to prevent freezing in low temperatures, then the reliability of measurement is improved, but the accuracy of salinity measurement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the freezing prevention function from the salinity measurement process. By using the rear nozzle to apply water to the wheel rather than to the road surface, the system prevents freezing of applied water without interfering with the salinity measurement accuracy, as the measurement relies on salinity already present on the road surface.
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 approach allows for precise salinity measurement with minimal water usage, preventing freezing and enhancing accuracy, while determining dangerous areas for de-icing based on measured salinity levels.
Implementation Method 1
The concentration sensor senses salinity concentration of the water bounced up by the wheel
Implementation Method 2
sprinkles water toward the road surface... to dissolve salinity on the road surface in the sprinkled water
Implementation Method 3
bouncing up the water containing the dissolved salinity by a wheel of a vehicle
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A concentration sensor 36 is disposed behind a wheel 22, and for sensing salinity concentration of water bounced up by the wheel 22. A front nozzle 34 is disposed ahead the wheel 22, and for sprinkling water toward an area of the road surface on which the wheel 22 is to pass. A rear nozzle 35 is disposed between the wheel 22 and the front nozzle 34, and for sprinkling water toward the wheel.