Anti-Vandal Water Channel Sensor Housing With Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current channel monitoring systems for water physical variables in open channels face challenges such as vandalism, environmental damage, and inaccurate measurements due to lack of thermal insulation and exposure to harsh conditions, leading to frequent maintenance needs and high installation costs.
Innovation Solution
An anti-vandalism mounting system comprising a base with anchoring means, a second member fixed to the base, a third member externally attached, and a fourth member pivotally arranged, housing devices like ultrasonic sensors and photovoltaic solar panels within a compact, impact-resistant structure, providing thermal insulation and reducing visibility to prevent theft and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If monitoring devices are installed in open channels, then water physical variables can be monitored, but the devices are exposed to vandalism and environmental damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where multiple protective members (first member with compartments, second member, third member, and fourth member) are arranged concentrically around the monitoring devices. Each member provides an additional layer of protection, creating a fortified structure that shields the electronic devices from vandalism and environmental factors while maintaining monitoring functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective structure is divided into multiple segmented members (first member with multiple compartments, second member, third member, fourth member), each serving specific protective functions. The first member segments the internal space into compartments for organizing devices, while the layered arrangement of multiple members creates progressive protection barriers against external threats.
2Use of energy by moving object
If monitoring devices are exposed to direct sunlight and environmental conditions, then energy can be generated by solar panels, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to thermal effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal characteristics to different regions: the first member with its compartments provides thermal insulation for the electronic devices and measurement sensors, creating a thermally stable local environment. Meanwhile, the fourth member with the solar panel is positioned to receive sunlight for energy generation. This spatial differentiation of thermal properties allows simultaneous optimization of measurement accuracy and energy generation.
3Reliability
If multiple protective layers are added to protect monitoring devices, then security against vandalism improves, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each protective member serves multiple functions: the first member provides both structural support and thermal insulation through its compartments; the second, third, and fourth members collectively provide mechanical protection while the fourth member also houses the solar panel for energy generation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, managing complexity despite the layered structure.
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 system offers enhanced security, accuracy, and reduced maintenance by protecting components from vandalism and environmental factors, allowing for reliable, continuous monitoring without the need for frequent inspections or costly civil works, while maintaining system autonomy and robustness.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal insulation provided, therefore, not only providing a safer system, but also providing a system that offers a better performance in operation
Implementation Method 2
an energy generating device... wherein the energy generating device comprises the fourth member
Data Source
AI summary
An anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring water physical variables in open channels, which comprises: a first member, comprising a base with a plurality of perforations to introduce a plurality of anchoring means for fixing the first member to a system installation surface; a second member, which is fixed on the first member of the system by a plurality of anchoring means; a third member, arranged externally, which is attached to the first and second members from inside the system by anchoring means; and a fourth member, pivotally arranged in the lower part of the third member; wherein the first member comprises a plurality of compartments to house a plurality of devices for the operation of the system and for the monitoring of physical variables to be protected by the system; and wherein the system comprises an energy generating device and a plurality of safety devices, so that the fourth member is fixed to the third member of the system. A procedure for assembling an anti-vandalism mounting system for monitoring water physical variables in open channels.