Claims:PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED SPECIFICATION , Technical Field
Present disclosure relates to Rain Gauges. In particular, present disclosure relates to an automatic rain gauge.
Background
Rain or precipitation is measured using two types gauges, namely non-recording and recording type gauges. The non-recording type rain gauge consists of funnel, body and receiver. The collected water is manually measured using gradated jar. Recording type rain gauges has three main variations namely weighing bucket, tipping bucket and floating rain gauges. The weighing bucket rain gauge consists of a cylindrical body. The rainwater is collected in bucket through a funnel. The balance mechanism is connected to bucket and a pen arm. Weight of the collected water in bucket moves the spring down. Then pen arm moves on the chart. The chart is placed on continuously rotating drum with time for recording rainfall. This rain gauge produces amount of rainfall versus time graph.
A tipping bucket rain Gauge has a receiver. The receiver is connected to a funnel and bucket. In this setup, pairs of bucket move like pendulum. When water fills in one bucket, other bucket rotates to another side. This movement completes the circuit and pen lever arm writes on drum driven with time. This rain gauge also records amount of rainfall versus time data. The floating rain gauge works similar to weighing bucket rain gauge. The precipitation is received in rectangular container through funnel. The container consists of floating panel, which rises according to water level. The pen arm connected to floating panel moves on graph with rise of water level. This graph is placed on rotating drum, which moves according to time. When floating panel rises, water moves into drainage chamber. Then it is removed through siphon action.

The rain gauges as known in the art are manually operated. During heavy rain the measurement data may have errors. Manual operation of the rain gauge during heavy rains becomes difficult. Further, such rain gauges are not completely automatic and require frequent intervention for proper operation.
Present disclosure is directed to address one or more problems as discussed above and other problems associated with the prior art.
Summary
A rain gauge is disclosed. The rain gauge includes a measuring tank for collecting the rainwater, a water level sensor for measuring the level of the water in the measuring tank and a controller coupled with the water level sensor. The controller is configured for monitoring the water level in the measuring tank for calculating rainfall measurement.
In an aspect, the rain gauge includes a communication port coupled with the controller. The communication port is configured for transmitting the rainfall measurement to a wireless network.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a collection tank configured for collecting water precipitated in the predefined area, the collection tank fluidly coupled with the measuring tank for transfer of rainwater from the collection tank to the measuring tank.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a top plate having at least one first opening and a bottom plate positioned below the top plate. The bottom plate has at least one second opening corresponding to the at least one first opening. The top plate is configured for movement relative to bottom plate between an open position in which the at least one

first opening is aligned with the at least one second opening to provide a passage and a closed position in which the at least one first opening is not aligned with the at least one second opening for closing the passage.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a pipeline for transfer of rainwater from the collection tank to the measuring tank.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a rainfall sensor coupled with the controller, and a motor coupled with the top plate. The controller is configured to move the top plate between the open position and the closed position based on input from the rainfall sensor.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a vent for venting of the measuring tank.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a pump configured for removing rainwater from the measuring tank.
In an aspect, the pump is coupled with the controller. The controller is configured to operate the pump based on input from water level sensor.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a movement sensor coupled with the controller. The movement sensor is configured for sensing movement in the measuring tank.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a transport unit configured to move the rain gauge to a set location, and a location sensor to detect location of the rain gauge.
In an aspect, the rain gauge has a rechargeable power source, and a solar panel for recharging the power source.

Brief Description of Drawings
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a rain gauge in accordance with an
embodiment.
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective cut-sectional view of a rain gauge in accordance with
an embodiment.
FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic view of the components of the rain gauge in accordance
with an embodiment.
FIG. 4 illustrates top plate and bottom plate, with the top plate in closed position.
FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic view of components of the rain gauge.
Detailed Description
Present disclosure provides a rain gauge system (10), also referred to as 'rain gauge'. The rain gauge (10) as disclosed herein is fully automated and does not require any manual intervention except for maintenance or repair. The rain gauge (10) in accordance with the present disclosure may be a standalone device for measuring rainfall and transmitting the measurement values to a remote location.
The rain gauge (10) may have a housing (12) to house several components of the rain gauge (10). The housing (12) may define an outer side wall (14) and a top wall (16) that provides a covering to the components inside the housing (12). The top wall (16) may extend from the periphery of the outer side wall (14). The housing (12) may further define various compartments for supporting other components of the rain gauge (10). Any other suitable provision may be provided in the housing (12) for supporting and securing the components of the rain gauge (10), and to protect them from environment as needed. The outer side wall (14) and/or the top wall (16) may be

removable for accessing the components of the rain gauge (10) for maintenance or repair.
Further, a collection tank (18) may be provided at the top of the housing (12). The collection tank (18) may be configured for collection of precipitation in a predefined area. In the embodiment as shown, the top wall (16) of the housing (12) defines a collection tank (18). The collection tank (18) is configured for receiving rainwater when it rains for storing it at the first instance. The collection tank (18) is defined by a bottom plate (20) and an inner side wall (22) extending from the bottom plate (20). In the embodiment as shown, the inner side wall (22) extends from the top wall (16), and the bottom plate (20) extends from the inner side wall (22). Any other suitable provision may be provided for functioning as the collection tank (18). The inner side wall (22) may be inclined relative to the bottom plate (20) and the top wall (16).
The water collected in the collection tank (18) is directed towards a measuring tank (24). The measuring tank (24) is a tank in which level of water stored is measured to gauge/measure the rainfall/precipitation. In the embodiment as shown, the measuring tank (24) is positioned below the collection tank (18) so that the water from the collection tank (18) can flow by gravity towards the measuring tank (24). In an embodiment, the measuring tank may have capacity of 100 ml. Any other suitable arrangement may be provided for directing water from the collection tank (18) towards the measuring tank (24).
The transfer of water from the collection tank (18) to the measuring tank (24) may be controlled/regulated. A top plate (26) may be placed over the bottom plate (20). The bottom plate (20) and the top plate (26) may be provided with one or more openings. The openings in the top plate are referred to as first openings (28) and the openings of the bottom plate are referred to as second openings (30). The first openings (28) and

the second openings (30) may be made such that at a particular alignment of the top plate (26) and bottom plate (20) with respect to each other, the first openings (28) and the second openings (30) align with each other and a passage (32) is formed for allowing water in the collection tank (18) to pass through the first openings (28) and the second openings (30). In the embodiment as disclosed herein, as shown in FIG 4, the top plate (26) is coupled to the bottom plate (20) with the planes of the top plate (26) and the bottom plate (20) being parallel to each other. Further, the top plate (26) and the bottom plate (20) abut each other as shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4. The top plate (26) is configured for rotation over and relative to the bottom plate (20) between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the first openings (28) of the top plate (26) and the second openings (30) of the bottom plate (20) align with each other and allow the rainwater in the collection tank (18) to pass through the aligned first openings (28) and second openings (30). In the embodiment as shown, a motor (34) is coupled with the top plate (26) to rotate the top plate (26) relative to the bottom plate (20), for selectively opening or closing the passage (32) or selective aligning the first openings (28) and the second openings (30). The motor (34) is electronically coupled with a controller (36) to control operation of the motor (34), and thus regulate opening and closing of the passage (32), or in other words, for controlling movement of the top plate (26) between the open position and the closed position. The motor (34) may be a stepper motor. This arrangement ensures that environmental particles such as dust do not contact with components placed inside the housing (12). For example, this may prevent dust from entering the measuring tank (24).
The controller (36) may be configured for allowing water in the collection tank (18) to move towards the measuring tank (24) only when rainfall is detected. Rainfall sensors (38) may be provided for detecting or sensing precipitation. In the embodiment as shown, rainfall sensors (38) are mounted over the top wall (16) of the housing (12). The rainfall sensors (38) may be electronically coupled with the controller (36). When

the controller (36), based on signal from the rainfall sensors (38), determines that precipitation is taking place, the controller (36) operates the motor (34) to move the top plate (26) to an open position. Therefore, as soon as the rain fall starts, the rainwater starts collecting at the collection tank (18) and simultaneously is directed towards the measuring tank (24).
The measuring tank (24) is made of predefined dimensions so that the exact volume of water in the measuring tank (24) can be determined based on level of water in the measuring tank (24). The measuring tank (24) may be made or any suitable material as required. In the embodiment as shown, the measuring tank (24) is shown as cylindrical in shape and positioned directly below the collection tank (18).
Suitable pipelines may be provided for transferring water from the collection tank (18) to the measuring tank (24). In the embodiment as shown, the pipeline includes secondary pipes (42) and the primary pipes (40). The secondary pipes (42) are have one end fluidly coupled to the openings and the other end fluidly coupled to the primary pipe (40). The primary pipe (40) collects the water from the secondary pipes (42) and directs that water towards the measuring tank (24). A bottom end (44) of the primary pipe (40) is positioned close to a bottom of the measuring tank (24). This facilitates smooth receiving of water in the measuring tank (24) by reducing any sloshing or splashing in the measuring tank (24) when the water is released from the bottom end (44) of the primary pipe (40).
The top of the measuring tank (24) is covered by a cover plate (46). The cover plate (46) is provided with suitable provisions as required for supporting and/or passing through of the pipelines as shown in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3. Further, the cover plate (46) is configured for mounting a water level sensor (48). The water level sensor (48) measures the height or level of water in the measuring tank (24). The water level sensor

(48) may be a UV sensor, that measures the water level based on the UV rays reflected from the water surface. The water level sensor (48) may be electronically coupled with the controller (36) for controlling operation of the water level sensor (48) by the controller (36). The water level sensor (48) detects the water level and provides measurement data to the controller (36).
In addition, a vent may be provided for venting out air from the measuring tank (24). As shown in FIG. 3, a vent pipe (50) may be configured as vent. The vent pipe (50) may have one end positioned in the measuring tank (24) and another end positioned in the environment. In the embodiment as shown, the vent pipe (50) is supported by the cover plate (46).
A pump (52) may be provided for removal of water from the measuring tank (24). The pump (52) may be configured to pump out the water from the measuring tank (24) once the measuring tank (24) is full, or after a spell of rainfall is over. A suction pipe is coupled to the suction port of the pump (52) and outflow pipe is coupled to the pressure port. The outflow pipe may direct water from the pump (52) to any suitable location outside the rain gauge (10). The controller (36) may operate the pump (52) based on signal/input received from the water level sensor (48). In the embodiment as shown, the pump (52) is mounted on the cover plate (46).
A suitable power source (54), such as a rechargeable battery may be provided in the rain gauge (10) for supplying power to different electrical/electronic components of the rain gauge (10). The battery may be suitably coupled with the electrical/electronic components as required. Further, in an embodiment, the rain gauge (10) may be provided with solar panels as a power source. In yet another embodiment, where rechargeable batteries are used as power source, solar panels may be provided for charging the rechargeable batteries. The solar panels may be supported suitably as

required. For example, in an embodiment, the solar panels may be mounted on the top wall (16) of the housing (12). The power source (54) may be coupled with the controller (36) for monitoring or regulating the power level and power level status of the power source (54).
Further, a communication port (56) is provided in the rain gauge (10). The communication port (56) may be configured for transmitting or receiving signal or data wirelessly over a wireless network. The data may be related to the rainfall measurements as measured using the rain gauge. The communication port (56) may be configured for any suitable wireless communication. For example, the communication port (56) may be configured for communication through a wi-fi, a cellular network, radio network, etc. In an embodiment, a SIM module may be used as a communication port (56). The SIM module may enable the rain gauge (10) to send/receive data or signal over a wide geographical area. Further, the SIM module may be configured to send or receive data on a cellular data network or by SMS.
The rain gauge (10) may be subject to vibration/movements in the event of excessive winds or heavy rainfalls or hailstones. A movement sensor (58) may be used for detection of movements/vibrations in the rain gauge (10). In an embodiment an accelerometer may be used as the movement sensor (58). The movement sensor (58) may be mounted on the rain gauge (10) on any suitable location. For example, the movement sensor (58) may be mounted on the housing (12), or the movement sensor (58) may be mounted on a circuit board on which other electronic components of the rain gauge are mounted. The movement sensor (58) may be coupled with the controller (36). The movement sensor (58) may be configured for detecting level of vibrations in the rain gauge (10) or any component of the rain gauge (10). For example, the movement sensor (58) may be mounted on the top of the measuring tank (24) to detect vibrations/movement of the measuring tank (24). Excessive vibration/movement of

the measuring tank (24) may indicate slushing or splashing of water in the measuring tank (24). Sloshing or splashing of water may induce error in the measurements of actual water level taken by the water level sensor (48). Therefore, the controller (36) may be configured, based on input from the movement sensor (58), indicate the tolerance or degree of error in the measurements taken. In an embodiment, the controller (36) may be configured for taking measurements once the vibrations are detected below a predefined threshold to ensure acceptable accuracy in the readings taken.
Further, the water level sensor (48), being an electronic component may be susceptible to damage from water. The water level sensor (48) may have sensor door (62) that require opening for working of water level sensor (48). The sensor door may be opened or closed based on input from movement sensor (58)s to protect the water level sensor (48) from contacting water due to slushing or splashing. The sensor door may be in form of a sliding plate positioned proximate to the water level sensor (48). The sliding plate may be actuated by an actuator, wherein such actuator is controlled by the controller to selectively open or close the sliding door for allowing working of water level sensor (48) or protecting the water level sensor (48) from sloshing or splashing of water.
The controller (36) may be configured for transmitting data related to status/operation of the rain gauge (10) and measurements in real-time or in predetermined time intervals. The controller (36) may include a readable/writable memory as required for performing different operations as described herein. In an embodiment, the rain-gauge (10) may be configured for being operated/monitored remotely via a smartphone. A mobile application may be deployed for monitoring the operation of the rain gauge (10).

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic block diagram of the rain gauge (10) system in accordance with an embodiment. As shown, the rainfall sensors (38), the movement sensor (58), the communication port (56), the water level sensor (48), the power source (54), the pump (52) and the motor (34) are operatively coupled with the controller (36).
Further the rain gauge system (10) may include further additional components such as transport unit (60) and a location sensor coupled with the controller (36). The location sensor may be part of the transport unit (60). The compact rain gauge (10) as disclosed herein may be mounted on transport unit (60), for example, the rain gauge (10) may be mounted on a drone/quadcopter. Based on weather information the controller (36) may be configured to move the rain gauge (10) to a location where the rainfall is expected, for taking measurements at a particular location. The weather information may be sourced from internet or a user of the rain gauge (10) may input the location co-ordinates for moving the rain gauge (10) to a particular location. Accordingly, based on input from the location sensor and the rain gauge (10), rainfall measurements may be taken at any place which may or may not be accessible. The location sensor may be a GPS system.
The rain gauge as disclosed herein provides an automated solution for taking rainfall measurements. The rain gauge as disclosed herein does not need frequent manual intervention for its operation. Further, the rain gauge in accordance with the present disclosure can be made compact enough to be portable in nature. The size and shape of the rain gauge of the present disclosure may be configured as required based on usage and deployment conditions. In an embodiment, the cylindrical housing may be 15 cm in diameter and 30 cm in height. Further, the compact portable nature of the rain gauge as disclosed herein enables the rain gauge to be kept on any mobile or transportable platform, which can be taken at any desired location for rainfall

measurements. Even the locations not accessible by normal transport provisions c; be accessed using suitable drones or other transport provisions to measure rainfall remote or inaccessible locations. Further, the rain gauge in accordance with prese disclosure can be monitored and operated remotely using wireless networks.
List of Reference Numerals
Rain gauge (10) Housing (12) Outer side wall (14) Top wall (16) Collection tank (18) Bottom plate (20) Inner side wall (22) Measuring tank (24) Top plate (26) First openings (28) Second openings (30) Passage (32) Motor (34) Controller (36) Rainfall sensors (38) Primary pipe (40) Secondary pipe (42) Bottom end (44) Cover plate (46) Water level sensor (48) vent(50) Pump (52)

power source (54) communication port (56) movement sensor (58) Transport Unit (60) Sensor door (62)

I CLAIM:
1. A rain gauge (10) comprising:
a measuring tank (24) for collecting rainwater;
a water level sensor (48) for measuring the level of the water in the measuring tank (24);
a controller (36) coupled with the water level sensor (48), the controller (36) configured for monitoring the level of water in the measuring tank (24) for calculating rainfall measurement.
2. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a communication port (56) coupled with the controller (36), the communication port (56) configured for transmitting the rainfall measurement to a wireless network.
3. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claim 1, comprising a collection tank (18) configured for collecting water precipitated in the predefined area, the collection tank (18) fluidly coupled with the measuring tank (24) for transfer of rainwater from the collection tank (18) to the measuring tank (24).
4. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claim 3, the collection tank (18) comprising:
a top plate (26) having at least one first opening (28) a bottom plate (20) positioned below the top plate (26), the bottom plate (20) having at least one second opening (30) corresponding to the at least one first opening (28);
wherein the top plate (26) is configured for movement relative to the bottom plate (20) between an open position in which the at least one first opening (28) is aligned with the at least one second opening (30) and a closed position in which the at least one first opening (28) is not aligned with the at least one second opening (30).

5. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claim 1 or claim 3, comprising a pipeline for transfer of rainwater from the collection tank (18) to the measuring tank (24).
6. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claim 4, comprising:
a rainfall sensor (38) coupled with the controller (36); and
a motor (34) coupled with the top plate (26);
wherein the controller (36) is configured to move the top plate (26) between the open position and the closed position based on input from the rainfall sensor (38).
7. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 6, comprising a vent is provided in the measuring tank (24).
8. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 7, comprising a pump (52) configured for removing rainwater from the measuring tank (24).
9. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the pump (52) is coupled with the controller (36), the controller (36) configured to operate the pump (52) based on input from water level sensor (48).
10. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 9, comprising a movement sensor (58) coupled with the controller (36), the movement sensor (58) configured for sensing movement in the measuring tank (24).
11. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 10, comprising:
a transport unit (60) configured to move the rain gauge (10) to a set location; and

a location sensor to detect location of the rain gauge (10).
12. The rain gauge (10) as claimed in claims 1 to 11, comprising: a rechargeable power source (54); and a solar panel for recharging the power source (54).