Self-Powered Precipitation Meter With Integrated Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tipping-bucket-type precipitation meters require external power and a separate display device for operation, making them difficult to install and use in remote or hazardous areas without additional infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered precipitation measurement apparatus with a housing, water collecting vessel, cup module, electric signaling unit, guiding module, and self-powered generator that converts precipitation energy into electrical energy to power display lights, eliminating the need for external power and separate display devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a tipping-bucket-type precipitation meter is used to enable digital recording and automatic observation, then measurement precision and automation are improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring external power supply and separate display devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (precipitation collection, power generation, signal processing, and display) into a single integrated device. The water collecting vessel, cup module, electric signaling unit, and display lights are all merged into one housing, eliminating the need for separate external power supplies and display devices while maintaining automatic observation capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the precipitation meter self-sufficient by integrating multiple functions into one device: it collects precipitation, generates its own power through the self-powered generator, processes signals through the electric signaling unit, and displays results through integrated display lights. This multi-functionality eliminates dependency on external infrastructure
2Reliability
If external power supply and separate display devices are used to operate the precipitation meter, then reliability of measurement is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the precipitation meter to be self-sufficient by integrating a self-powered generator that converts precipitation potential energy into electrical energy to power the device itself. The display lights are directly controlled by the electric signaling unit without requiring external power or separate display devices, allowing easy installation in remote areas without infrastructure
3Loss of information
If a separate display device is installed to show precipitation information, then information display capability is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the display function directly into the precipitation meter housing. The display lights are formed on at least one outer surface of the housing and are directly controlled by the electric signaling unit, eliminating the need for separate external display devices while ensuring precipitation information is clearly visible
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the display function from a separate external device to the surface of the housing itself. The display lights are formed on the outer surface, allowing information to be displayed in the same spatial dimension as the measurement device, thereby integrating the display function without adding separate components
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 real-time precipitation measurement and display without external power or separate display devices, suitable for installation in areas prone to waterlogging or flooding, effectively preventing flood damage by providing immediate precipitation data.
Implementation Method 1
a self-powered generator for converting potential energy of the precipitation to electric energy by using the precipitation falling from the triggering point opening to the self-powered generator
Implementation Method 2
a waterwheel that transforms the potential energy of the precipitation to kinetic energy corresponding to rotational motion as the precipitation dropping downwards from the triggering point opening strikes at least one surface thereof
Data Source
AI summary
There is disclosed a self-powered apparatus for measuring precipitation, comprising: a housing; a display unit including one or more display lights capable of displaying an amount of precipitation, wherein the display lights are formed on at least one of outer surfaces of the housing; a water collecting vessel, having a funnel-shaped space to which the precipitation is introduced and gathered at a vertex part of the funnel-shaped space; a cup module, having an accommodating space for accommodating the precipitation dropped from the vertex part of the funnel-shaped space of the water collecting vessel; an electric signaling unit; a guiding module; a self-powered generator; and a final drainage opening, formed at a lower part of the housing.