WO2020202027A1

WO2020202027A1 - Apparatus for monitoring water in a component of a drainage network

Info

Publication number: WO2020202027A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/053098
Authority: WO
Inventors: Maria Laura PALA
Original assignee: Rainapp S.R.L.
Priority date: 2019-04-05
Filing date: 2020-04-01
Publication date: 2020-10-08
Also published as: IT201900005220A1

Abstract

Apparatus (100) for monitoring water in a component of a drainage network comprising: - a main module (110) preferably being pole-shaped, and comprising means (119) adapted for anchoring to a part (150) of said component, - at least a secondary module (120) being pole-shaped, being adapted to be mechanically coupled to a main module (110) and/or to another secondary module, and comprising at least one sensor (122) adapted to detect the presence and/or the level of water in said component; further comprising an electronic system (130) adapted to transmit data and/or information via radio deriving from detections performed by said at least one sensor; wherein said electronic system (130) is split into two or more electronic units (131, 132), wherein a first electronic unit (131) is part of said main module (110) and a second electronic unit (132) is part of said secondary module (120); wherein said electronic units (131, 132) are adapted to communicate with each other via radio, in particular said second electronic unit (132) is adapted to communicate with said first electronic unit (131).

Description

"Apparatus for monitoring water in a component of a drainage network"

DESCRIPTION

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring the water in a component of a drainage network, i.e. a network adapted to receive“waste water”, basically rainwater, (which is far more different from the sewerage network which is adapted to receive“sewage”, i.e. water considered as harmful for public health or annoying to people).

STATE OF THE ART

Conceptually, monitoring water in a container is simple: it is sufficient to have a water sensor and connect it to a suitable electronic apparatus.

It is far more complicated to provide a complete monitoring system intended to reliably, accurately and frequently monitor the water in a plurality of components (for example, drainage gutters, channels and basins) of a drainage network, whose components are different from each other and are placed at a remarkable distance from each other.

Furthermore, it would be desirable that the cost of such a monitoring system as well as the cost for collecting data are reasonable.

Finally, it would also be desirable that the installation cost and the maintenance cost of such a system are reasonable.

These are the problems dealt with by the present invention.

From Patent Document WO2018009976 a system is known for monitoring a drainage manhole; the system comprises a telescopic shaft that enlarges and fixes to the side walls of the manhole at the top of the manhole; a sensor unit is fixed to the shaft, comprising one or more sensors, and allows to monitor the sewage flowing at the bottom of the manhole while remaining at the top of the manhole and thus preventing any contact therewith.

From Patent Document US5942980 a multi-sensor hydrostatic measuring system for fuel tanks is known; the system comprises a shaft that extends from the cover of the tank to the bottom of the tank and an electronic control unit placed over the cover of the tank; the shaft is made of a number of portions of pipes mutually screwed and sealed; the sensors are placed along the shaft and wires are placed inside the shaft connecting sensors to the electronic control unit.

SUMMARY

Such problems are at least partially solved and the known solutions have improved thanks to what set forth in the appended claims which are an integral part of the present disclosure.

The idea underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatus for monitoring the water in a component of a drainage network that is flexible both mechanically (i.e. that can be easily used for very different components) and electrically/electronically (i.e. that can be easily installed with no specific requirements regarding the power supply or electrical and electronic communication) .

The monitoring system will comprise a plurality of such apparatuses.

LIST OF THE FIGURES

The present invention will be more apparent from the following detailed description to be considered along with the appended drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention inserted in a drainage gutter,

Fig. 2 shows a three-dimensional view from outside of a potential main module of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 shows a three-dimensional view from outside of a potential secondary module of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 4 shows a three-dimensional view of a potential open main module of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 5 shows a three-dimensional view of a potential open secondary module of the apparatus of Fig. 1,

Fig. 6 show the assembling of an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention by means of modules of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3,

Fig. 7 show one first option for mounting an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention composed of modules of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3, and

Fig. 8 show one second option for mounting an embodiment of an apparatus according to the present invention composed of modules of Fig. 2 and Fig. 3. As one can easily understand, there are various ways to implement the present invention which is defined in its main advantageous aspects in the appended claims and which is not limited by the hereinafter detailed description nor by the appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Fig. 1 (as well as the figures that follow) shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an apparatus 100 according to the present invention which is inserted, for exemplary but non-limiting purposes, in a drainage gutter, specifically in the cavity of a manhole 140 of the drainage gutter.

In Fig. 1 a grate 150 of the drainage gutter and an exhaust tube 160 for letting the liquid outflow from the cavity of the manhole 140 are visible.

In general, the apparatus according to the present invention is for monitoring the water in a component of a drainage network; in particular, it is a component connecting a surface portion of the drainage network and an underground portion of the drainage network, more particularly a drainage gutter (see for example Fig. 1) or a channel (see for example Fig. 8) or a basin. The term“water” is not to be herein intended in a strictly chemical sense; in fact, it is well known that a drainage network receives water containing other substances and/or bodies of different size.

In general, the apparatus according to the present invention (and also the apparatus 100 in Fig. 1) comprises: a main module 110, at least a secondary module 120, and an electronic system 130.

In Fig. 1, an electronic system 130 is represented (at the left bottom) as if arranged outside the apparatus 100. Actually, examining the figure, one can understand that the electronic system 130 consists of a plurality of components (in the example of Fig. 1 the components 112, 114, 122, 124) that are located in places inside the apparatus 100, that are different and distant from each other (for example 5-50 cm). Therefore, the left bottom part of Fig. 1 intends to show the logic relationship between the components of this plurality.

The main module 110 is preferably pole-shaped, and comprises means adapted to directly or indirectly anchor to a part of the drainage component. In the example of the figures anchoring means consist of a“T”-shaped hook 119 (it might also be a double“L”). In the example of Fig. 7, means 119 are adapted to anchor to a grate 150 of the drainage gutter. In the example of Fig. 8 means 119 are adapted to anchor to one first edge 801 (or to one second edge 802) of a channel 800 by means of a bracket 118. Advantageously, these same means 119 are adapted to anchor to different parts of drainage components. As it will be hereinafter explained, the main module can also comprise one or more sensors even of different types.

The secondary module 120 is pole-shaped, and it is adapted to be mechanically coupled (in particular connected) to the main module 110 and/or to another secondary module (for example equal or similar to module 120 of the figures). It comprises at least a sensor 122 adapted to detect the presence and/or the level of the water in the drainage component; in particular, the sensor is adapted to be positioned at the level to be detected. As it will be hereinafter explained, the secondary module can also comprise two or more sensors even of different types.

It must be noted that in the enclosed drawings a typical configuration of an apparatus according to the present invention with a main module and a secondary module is shown. However, it is understood that other configurations may provide for example only one main module or one main module and two secondary modules or etcetera. The various configurations allow to easily provide, by means of combining, apparatuses having different lengths suitable for different application contexts.

Furthermore, it is also possible to provide modules with different lengths: for example, one main module having a length of 25 cm, one first secondary module having a length of 10 cm, one second secondary module having a length of 20 cm, one third secondary module having a length of 40 cm. The number of sensors in a module may depend on their length. In general, advantageously, it can be provided that the main module has one or more predetermined lengths and/or that the secondary module has one or more predetermined lengths.

The system modules according to the present invention are adapted to be immersed in the water. Depending on the operative situations the level of immersion changes; for example, if the system comprises a main module and a secondary module, it can happen: 1) that the level of the water is very low and consequently neither of the two modules is immersed in the water, 2) that the secondary module is partially immersed in the water and the main module is not at all immersed in the water, 3) that the secondary module is totally immersed in the water and the main module is partially immersed in the water, 4) that the level of the water is very high and therefore both modules are totally immersed in the water.

In must be noted that not necessarily all the modules must contain electrical and/or electronic components; in fact, it must not be excluded that one or more modules have only a mechanical function.

The electronic system 130 is adapted to transmit data and/or information via radio deriving from detections performed at least by the sensor 122, and more generally by several or all the sensors of the apparatus 100. For example, a datum may be a single measurement of the level of the water (forwarding may take place for example in real time, i.e. as soon as or almost as soon as the measurement is performed). For example, an information may be the average level of the water measured within a few minutes or an hour or a day or a week or a month (forwarding can occur for example as soon as or almost as soon as the period considered has passed), or a series of single measurements of the level of the water measured within a few minutes or an hour or a day or a week or a month (forwarding can occur for example as soon as or almost as soon as the period considered has passed).

“Transmission via radio” means a transmission in the air of electromagnetic waves regardless of their frequency. It must be noted that, to be accurate, even light is an electromagnetic wave; however, in this case, the expression“optical transmission” is used.

Preferably, the electronic system 130 is adapted to transmit (internal and/or external) data and/or information in“real time” (or almost). However, it can be advantageously provided that, in case such transmission is not possible for any reason, the main module and/or secondary modules are provided with a storage adapted to store data and/or information so as to perform the transmission later on.

In Fig. 1, the transmission of data and/or information between the“electronic system” 130 (in particular the component 114 of the system 130 in the main module 110) and a “telematic system” 170 is schematized. As it will be hereinafter understood such transmission is advantageously bidirectional. The telematic system 170 may comprise various components, but substantially at least a server intended to monitor the water of a drainage network; at least a mobile phone network and/or at least a wired and/or radio information technology network (for example Internet) can also be considered as part of the system.

The electronic system 130 is for example split up in two electronic units 131 and 132; the first electronic unit 131 is part of the main module 110 and thus it can also be called“main electronic unit”; the second electronic unit 132 is part of the secondary module 120 and therefore it can also be called“secondary electronic unit”. The amount of electronic units depends on the number of modules as, typically but not necessarily, there is an electronic unit for each module.

Typically, the electronic unit of the main module is the most complex as it performs more functions with respect to the electronic units of the secondary modules which could be confined to measurements and sending measured data to the electronic unit of the main module; one of these functions is, for example, to communicate with an information technology or telematic system that is external to the apparatus, to process data or information received by one or more secondary modules, to detect the geographical position of the apparatus, etcetera.

Typically, the electronic system stores a firmware; more typically, such firmware will be stored in the electronic unit of the main module, but it is not excluded that a firmware is also in the electronic unit of secondary modules. Such firmware can be adapted to be updated through a direct wired connection (e.g. USB) and/or through a direct radio connection (e.g. BLE) and/or through a telephone connection (e.g. 5G).

In the case shown in Fig. 1, the electronic unit 131 consists of an electronic circuit board 114 and a sensor 112 electrically connected to the board 114, the electronic unit 132 consists of an electronic circuit board 124 and a sensor 122 electrically connected to the board 124.

Typically, the electronic unit in the main module and/or the electronic unit in the secondary module comprise a processor and storage housed on the electronic board. Typically, the electronic unit in the main module and/or the electronic unit in the secondary module comprise, in addition to possible sensors, a transmission circuit (in particular radio transmission) and/or a reception circuit (in particular radio reception) which are for communicating and which can be housed on the electronic circuit board or connected to the electronic circuit board.

The electronic system 130, in particular the electronic units 131 and 132 thereof, require a power energy source to function. To this end, the apparatus according to the present invention typically comprises at least an electric accumulator connected to the electronic system (not shown in the figures); there may be an electric accumulator for each module, for example in the case of secondary modules the electric accumulator may also be a capacitor. Such electric accumulator may be adapted to be periodically replaced and/or recharged through a direct wired connection and/or through a direct radio connection. Advantageously the electronic system is adapted to signal outside the charge status of its electric accumulator or of its electric accumulators.

The electronic units of the electronic system according to the present invention are advantageously adapted to communicate with each other; in particular the secondary electronic unit is adapted to communicate (in particular bidirectionally) with the main electronic unit; it can be termed a“star” topology telematic network. Thereby, even if an apparatus is very long and inserted in a very deep cavity, radio transmission of data and/or information towards (and possibly from) outside the apparatus is secured.

Typically, the secondary unit is adapted to transmit data or information deriving from detections performed by a sensor of the secondary module to the main unit for example at time intervals that are predefined and possibly modifiable. Such transmission from the secondary unit to the main unit may occur upon request of the main unit; in turn, the main unit may receive a request of data or information transmission from an external telematic system. Advantageously, the frequency of data and/or information transmission may depend on timeframe conditions (for example summer, autumn, winter and spring) and/or on weather conditions (e.g. it is raining, it is sunny). It is possible to provide that transmission of data from the secondary unit to the main unit is carried out according to a first parameter and that transmission of information from the main unit to a telematic system is carried out according to a second parameter. It is also possible that the main unit processes and/or packages data received from the secondary unit. Advantageously, the electronic units are adapted to communicate between each other via radio. Thereby, their coupling is simpler as it requires a mechanical connection, not an electric connection. Preferably, the main module uses a long- range LPWAN (= Low-Power Wide-Area Network) technology (e.g. Sigfox, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT) to communicate outside and a low-range LPWAN technology (e.g. BLE) to communicate towards a secondary module. Preferably, the secondary module uses a low-range LPWAN technology (e.g. BLE) to communicate towards the main module. Alternatively, some or all the modules may use for example the 5G technology or LoRa technology, or LoRaWAN technology for any communication.

Advantageously (as shown for exemplary purposes in Fig. 6), anchoring means (119 in the figures) are removable; in Fig. 4, a seat 116 for the fixing nut of the hook 119 is visible, and, in Fig. 2, a hole 117 for the fixing screw stem of the hook 119 is visible. Still more advantageously, anchoring means can be adapted to the application field, for example, referring to Fig. 6, they may provide hooks of different shape and/or dimension.

Advantageously (as shown for exemplary purposes in Fig. 7), anchoring means (119 in the figures) are of the removable anchoring type. In particular, anchoring means may have one first anchoring condition (see Fig. 7B) and one second non anchoring condition (see Fig. 7A).

Fig. 7 shows a particularly advantageous embodiment; after being assembled in a pole shape, the apparatus has such dimensions to be inserted through an opening of the grate 150, then it is slided along this opening, finally it is rotated of about 90° about its longitudinal axis such that the T-shaped hook (119 in the figures) anchors to the grate 150, in particular to the edge of this opening; after installation, the assembled apparatus is substantially vertical. According to this embodiment, advantageously, the main module and the secondary module have a predetermined section, in particular adapted to pass through a hole of a component part of a drainage network.

Typically (as shown for exemplary purposes in Fig. 6), there are connection means to mechanically couple (in particular to connect) two modules between each other; advantageously, connection means are of the removable connection type (in particular screws). Fig. 4 shows a hole 115 for a stem of a fixing screw for fixing the module 120 to the module 110; Fig. 5 shows a seat 126 for a head of a fixing screw for fixing the module 120 to the module 110 and a hole 125 for a stem of a fixing screw for fixing a module 120 to another module 120.

Advantageously (as shown for exemplary purposes in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5), the modules comprise a hollow and sealed box-shaped casing; in this cavity for example an electronic circuit board of the module, and in general electric and/or electronic components can be housed. Sealing is important, as the apparatus may have to operate at permanent or long-lasting contact with water or aqueous liquids during its lifetime. Obviously, potential modules that only have a mechanical function do not require the cavity and/or sealing.

As said, the modules, in particular the main module and/or the secondary modules can comprise at least one sensor adapted to detect the presence and/or the level of the water. In the example of Fig. 2 and Fig. 4, the module 110 is for example provided with two seats 111 for housing two sensors respectively. In the example of Fig. 3 and Fig. 5, the module 120 is for example provided with a seat 121 for housing a sensor.

For the purposes of the present invention, the apparatus must comprise at least one sensor adapted to detect the presence and/or the level of the water. However, it is possible or more likely that the apparatus (in particular the main module and/or the secondary module) comprises at least another sensor adapted to detect one (or more) physical or chemical characteristic of the water (e.g. the temperature and/or pH) and/or one (or more) chemical substance in the water. It may be advantageous that these water measurements are performed on flowing water. Obviously, the apparatus is advantageously adapted to transmit data and/or information associated not only with the level of the water but also with one (or more) physical or chemical characteristic of the water (e.g. the temperature and/or pH) and/or one (or more) chemical substance in the water.

Advantageously, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a position detection device connected to or integrated in its electronic system; typically, this will be connected to or integrated in the electronic unit of the main module; the detected position can be transmitted outside the apparatus. Thereby, the telematic system connected to monitoring apparatuses can automatically acknowledge the spatial origin of data and/or information received.

The monitoring apparatus according to the present invention can be adapted to be used to control signalling apparatuses, in particular light signalling (e.g. traffic lights connected directly or indirectly to the apparatus); for example, if a flooding is detected access to the flooded area can be interrupted.

The monitoring apparatus according to the present invention can be adapted to be used for emergency signalling to telecommunication apparatuses (e.g. cell phones connected directly or indirectly to the apparatus); for example, if a flooding is detected people in the nearby flooded area can be informed.

As already said, monitoring apparatuses according to the present invention (for example the ones described above and shown in the figures) are made to communicate with a telematic system (for example the telematic system 170 in Fig. 1) and thereby form a system for monitoring the water of a drainage network; such system is an aspect of the present invention.

Many of the applications of the monitoring apparatus according to the present invention can be carried out in a more efficient way also by a telematic system connected to a plurality of apparatuses. This is true, for example, for controlling signalling apparatuses (previously mentioned) and/or emergency signalling (previously mentioned).

Claims

1. Apparatus (100) for monitoring water in a component of a drainage network comprising:

a main module (110) preferably being pole-shaped, and comprising means (119) adapted for anchoring to a part (150) of said component,

at least a secondary module (120) being pole-shaped, being adapted to be mechanically coupled to a main module (110) and/or to another secondary module, and comprising at least one sensor (122) adapted to detect the presence and/or the level of water in said component;

further comprising an electronic system (130) adapted to transmit data and/or information via radio deriving from detections performed by said at least one sensor;

wherein said electronic system (130) is split into two or more electronic units (131, 132), wherein a first electronic unit (131) is part of said main module (110) and a second electronic unit (132) is part of said secondary module (120);

wherein said electronic units (131, 132) are adapted to communicate with each other via radio, in particular said second electronic unit (132) is adapted to communicate with said first electronic unit (131).

2. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to claim 1, wherein said secondary unit (132) is adapted to transmit data or information deriving from detections performed by said at least one sensor (122) to said main unit (131).

3. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said anchoring means (119) are of the removable anchoring type.

4. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to claim 3, wherein said anchoring means (119) have a first condition that is anchoring and a second condition that is non-anchoring.

5. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising connection means (115, 125, 126) for mechanically coupling two modules (110, 120), wherein said connection means are of the removable connection type.

6. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said modules (110, 120) comprise a hollow and sealed box-shaped casing.

7. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main module (110) comprises at least one sensor (112) adapted to detect the presence and/or level of water in said element.

8. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main module (110) and/or said secondary module (120) comprises at least one sensor adapted to detect one or more physical and chemical characteristics of water and/or one or more chemical substances in water, in particular in water flowing in said component.

9. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a position detection device connected to or integrated into said electronic system (130).

10. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said electronic system (130) stores a firmware, wherein said firmware is adapted to be updated through a direct wired connection and/or through a direct radio connection and/or through a telephone connection.

11. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising an electric accumulator connected to said electronic system (130), and adapted to be periodically replaced and/or recharged through a direct wired connection and/or through a direct radio connection.

12. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main module (110) has one or more predetermined lengths and/or said secondary module (120) has one or more predetermined lengths.

13. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said main module (110) and said secondary module (120) have a predetermined section.

14. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted to be used for controlling signalling apparatuses, in particular light signalling.

15. Monitoring apparatus (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, adapted to be used for emergency signalling to telecommunication apparatuses.

16. System for monitoring water of a drainage network comprising a plurality of apparatuses (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims.