Dynamic Range Limiting for Sewer Level Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current sewer manhole monitoring systems face inefficiencies due to inaccurate wastewater level measurements caused by obstacles, non-flat surfaces, and RF signal blockage, leading to delayed detection of blockages and inefficiencies in maintaining underground drainage networks.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that dynamically set range limits for level sensors based on the actual depth of the sewer manhole and previous iteration values to correct measurement errors, and use a processor to determine risks associated with the sewer manhole from remote locations, incorporating sensors like level, temperature, and gas sensors, and communication protocols like NB-IoT and UDP for data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a level sensor is placed in the sewer manhole to measure wastewater level, then wastewater level measurement is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to obstacles like metal steps and non-flat surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by setting dynamic range limits before measurement based on actual manhole depth, and by filtering erroneous measurements through iterative validation. This prevents inaccurate readings from obstacles before they compromise the monitoring system's reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by making the range limit adaptive rather than fixed. The range limit is dynamically adjusted based on the actual depth of the sewer manhole and the measured wastewater level, allowing the system to accommodate varying conditions and eliminate measurement errors caused by static threshold limitations.
2Ease of operation
If a monitoring device with wireless sensor is placed under the manhole lid, then remote monitoring is enabled, but RF signal transmission fails due to lid blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring device is extracted from the position under the manhole lid and placed inside the manhole chamber instead. This relocation removes the RF signal blockage problem caused by the metal lid while maintaining the ability to perform remote monitoring functions through alternative communication paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary communication approach by using communication modules that can transmit data through the manhole environment. The system acts as an intermediary between the physical sensor measurements and the remote monitoring system, finding alternative pathways for data transmission that bypass the RF blockage issue.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual inspection methods are used for sewer maintenance, then flexibility in handling various situations is maintained, but detection speed and efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system enables self-service by automatically detecting wastewater levels, identifying potential blockages, and generating alerts without requiring continuous manual inspection. The system serves itself by autonomously performing monitoring functions while maintaining the adaptability to handle various sewer conditions through programmable detection algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the monitoring system continuously receives measurement data, compares it against thresholds and historical patterns, and provides real-time feedback about sewer conditions. This feedback loop enables rapid detection of blockages and allows the system to adapt its monitoring strategy based on the observed conditions, combining automation speed with operational flexibility.
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 provides accurate wastewater level measurements, reduces erroneous data, enables early detection of risks, and maximizes battery life by using sensors effectively, ensuring timely alerts and efficient maintenance of sewer systems.
Implementation Method 1
receiving, by a sewer monitoring system configured in a sewer manhole, measured values from a level sensor communicatively connected to the sewer monitoring system
Implementation Method 2
If an ultrasound-based sensor is used, the sound beam of the ultrasound-based sensor may not hit on a flat surface to receive accurate sewage water level
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to wastewater management that provides a method and a system for monitoring a sewer manhole from a remote location. The sewer monitoring system configured in a sewer manhole receives measured values from a level sensor and determines an accuracy error in the measured values for different conditions. The sewer monitoring system resolves the accuracy error in the measured values to obtain accurate measured values by either measuring a level of wastewater in the sewer manhole by setting a first range limit for the measured values dynamically based on an actual depth of the sewer manhole, or iteratively measuring the level of wastewater in the sewer manhole by setting unique a second range limit for the measured values dynamically. A risk associated with the sewer manhole based on the accurate measured values of the level sensor is determined, for monitoring the sewer manhole from a remote location.