Solar-Powered Wireless Inclinometer for Rod Pumping Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inclinometers in rod pumping systems require external power supplies that are prone to damage and maintenance issues due to environmental factors, and their installation can be cumbersome and inaccurate.
Innovation Solution
An integrated inclinometer design with a solar panel for self-powering, magnetic attachment to the walking beam, and internal antenna for wireless data transmission, eliminating the need for external cables and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an external power supply is used for the inclinometer, then the inclinometer can be powered, but the power supply and cables are prone to damage and water ingress due to environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the power supply, antenna, and inclinometer components into a single sealed housing unit. This merging eliminates the need for external cables and connections that are vulnerable to water ingress, while the solar panel is mounted on the exterior surface to provide power without requiring internal battery compartments or external wiring.
Solution Approach 2:
The solar panel provides self-powered operation by converting sunlight directly into electrical energy to charge the internal power supply. This eliminates the need for external power sources, manual battery replacement, and associated wiring, making the system maintenance-free and immune to cable-related water ingress issues.
2Ease of operation
If an external power supply and separate components are used, then the inclinometer can function, but installation becomes difficult and placement precision is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating all components (inclinometer, power supply, antenna) into a single compact unit, the patent eliminates the need for separate mounting of multiple components. The unit is attached to the walking beam as one piece, simplifying installation while ensuring precise placement for accurate angle measurements.
3Reliability
If external cables and connections are used, then power and data can be transmitted, but the cables are easily damaged by environmental factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates external cables and connections from the system. Power is supplied wirelessly via solar panel, and data transmission is achieved through wireless communication between the antenna in the inclinometer and the receiver, completely removing vulnerable cable infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical cable-based power and data transmission system with wireless electromagnetic field-based transmission. The antenna transmits data wirelessly to a receiver, eliminating physical cables that are susceptible to environmental damage.
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
The solution provides a maintenance-free, accurate, and reliable measurement of the walking beam's angle, reducing the risk of water ingress and cable damage, while allowing for easy installation and operation.
Implementation Method 1
a solar panel disposed in the indented portion of the cover and electrically connected to the power supply
Implementation Method 2
one or more magnets attached to a bottom of the chassis and configured to magnetically attach the inclinometer to the walking beam
Data Source
AI summary
An inclinometer that provides inclination data of a walking beam in a rod pumping system includes a cover including an indented portion external to the inclinometer. The cover is attached to a chassis which together provide an internal area. Magnets are attached to a bottom of the chassis to magnetically attach the inclinometer to the walking beam. A power supply within the internal area includes a power storage and a charger. A solar panel is disposed in the indented portion of the cover and electrically connects to the power supply through a hole in the cover. Beam angle sensor circuitry measures an inclination of the walking beam and transmits corresponding inclination measurement data via an antenna in the internal area. The power supply is configured to supply power to this beam angle sensor circuitry.