Stormwater Pit Sensing for Blockage and Water Level Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Drainage systems, including stormwater pits, face issues such as overflow during large rainfall events and blockages due to debris, which affect their drainage capability.
Innovation Solution
A sensor device comprising a light level detector and a distance sensor, housed within a package, to measure light and determine water or content levels in stormwater pits, with a processor and transmitter to analyze and transmit data, enabling real-time monitoring and control of drainage systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual inspection methods are used to monitor drainage systems, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability of blockage detection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual inspection methods with automated optical sensors. The light level detector measures light intensity to detect blockages, and the distance sensor uses time-of-flight measurement to determine water levels, eliminating the need for physical inspection while improving detection accuracy and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to detect blockages and water levels. By measuring light level changes and light travel time through the drainage system, the sensors can indirectly detect conditions that would otherwise require direct physical inspection, enabling remote and automated monitoring.
2Reliability
If real-time monitoring is implemented using multiple sensors, then reliability of drainage management is improved, but use of energy and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a multi-functional sensor unit that combines both light level detection and distance measurement capabilities in a single device. This allows the system to monitor both blockages and water levels simultaneously using one power source, reducing overall energy consumption compared to separate monitoring systems while maintaining high reliability through comprehensive real-time data collection.
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 effective detection of blockages and water levels, allowing for proactive management of drainage systems to prevent overflow and flooding, and facilitates intelligent decision-making for redirecting water flow and deploying maintenance resources.
Implementation Method 1
a light level detector configured to measure light entering the pit through the opening
Implementation Method 2
a distance sensor configured to determine a distance from the sensor to a water or content level within the pit, wherein the distance sensor comprises a radio frequency (RF) radiation emitter and receiver
Implementation Method 3
the distance sensor is configured to emit a radiation and receive a reflection of the radiation, wherein the reflected signal is produced by reflection or similar of contents of the pit
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor device for a pit having an opening comprises a light level detector configured to measure light entering the pit through the opening, and/or a distance sensor configured to determine a distance from the sensor to a water or content level within the pit. The sensor device also comprises a processor for interpreting the measured light and/or water or content level and prepares a transmission signal, and a transmitter of the transmission signal. The detector, processor and transmitter are housed within a package.