SNOW STAKE

Abstract

The present invention concerns a snow stake for measuring snow depth. This invention also concerns a method of manufacturing a snow stake for measuring snow depth. The snow stake comprises an elongate body and a strip of dual-purpose emitters/detectors mechanically attached to the elongate body. Each dual-purpose emitter/detector is configured to be able to both emit light and detect light. A control unit controls the dual-purpose emitters/detectors to emit light, or detect light and switch the function of the dual-purpose emitters/detectors over the course of a measurement process. Each of the dual-purpose emitters/detectors is an LED.

Claims

1. A snow stake comprising: an elongate body; a strip of dual-purpose emitters/detectors mechanically attached to the elongate body, such that the dual-purpose emitters/detectors are disposed along the elongate body, wherein each dual-purpose emitter/detector is configured to be able to both emit light and detect light and a control unit, wherein the dual-purpose emitters/detectors are arranged such that they are controlled to emit light, or detect light, by the control unit, wherein the control unit is arranged to switch the function of the dual-purpose emitters/detectors over the course of a measurement process, and each of the dual-purpose emitters/detectors is an LED.

2. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip of dual-purpose emitters/detectors comprises a flexible strip.

3. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip is mechanically fastened to the elongate body by adhesive.

4. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, comprising a modular arrangement, whereby a plurality of elongate bodies and associated strips of dual-purpose emitters/detectors are connected together.

5. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a temperature sensor.

6. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors disposed along the elongate body.

7. A snow stake as claimed in claim 5, wherein the temperature sensor forms part of the strip of dual-purpose emitters/detectors.

8. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an electrical conductivity sensor.

9. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a plurality of electrical conductivity sensors disposed along the elongate body.

10. A snow stake as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electrical conductivity sensor forms part of the strip of dual-purpose emitters/detectors.

11. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a communications unit.

12. A snow stake as claimed in claim 11, wherein the communications unit is configured to send information and commands both to and from the snow stake.

13. A snow stake as claimed in claim 11, wherein the communications unit is configured to receive sensor measurements and send the measurements to a processing unit.

14. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a processing unit, wherein the processing unit is arranged to process measurements taken by the snow stake in order to provide an indication of the snow depth or snow conditions proximate to the snow stake.

15. A snow stake as claimed in claim 14, wherein the processing unit is associated with a memory unit which is configured to store the measurements.

16. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, comprising a user interface, the user interface arranged to display measurement data obtained via the snow stake.

17. A snow stake as claimed in claim 1, wherein the strip of dual-purpose emitters/detectors is coated with a snow repellent material.

18. A method of manufacturing a snow stake, the method comprising the steps of: providing a flexible strip; attaching a plurality of dual-function emitters/detectors to the flexible strip, wherein each dual-function emitter/detector is an LED; providing an elongate body; mechanically attaching the flexible strip to the elongate body; and attaching a control unit to the dual-function emitters/detectors and configuring the control unit to control the dual-function emitters/detectors to emit light, or detect light, and switch the function of the dual-purpose emitters/detectors over the course of a measurement process.

19. A method as claimed in claim 18, wherein the step of mechanically attaching the flexible strip to the elongate body comprises applying adhesive to the flexible strip and/or elongate body.

20. A method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising the step of attaching a plurality of electrical connectors to the flexible strip, the electrical connectors arranged to provide power to the dual-function emitters/detectors or transmit control or measurement signals to or from the dual-function emitters/detectors.

21. A method as claimed in claim 18, further comprising the step of attaching one or more temperature sensors, and/or electrical conductivity sensors, to the flexible strip.

22. Apparatus for measuring snow depth comprising: a strip of dual-purpose emitters/detectors wherein each dual-purpose emitter/detector is configured to be able to both emit light and detect light.

23. A snow stake comprising an optical sensor, a temperature sensor, and an electrical conductivity sensor.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings of which:

[0044] FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a snow stake according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0045] FIG. 2 shows schematic view of a modular snow stake according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0046] FIG. 3 shows a reel to reel manufacturing method of producing an elongate strip as used in the first and second embodiment of the invention; and

[0047] FIG. 4 shows an example sensor arrangement according to an embodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0048] FIG. 1 shows a snow stake 10 which comprises an elongate body 12 connected to a base 14, the base 14 being secured to the ground 16 such that the elongate body 12 extends from the ground 16 in an approximately vertical direction. The elongate body is formed of a material suitable for use in a cold environment, and may be an insulator, for example a body made of glass-reinforced nylon. A flexible strip 18 is mechanically connected to the elongate body 12 by an adhesive. The flexible strip 18 comprises a plurality of dual-function emitters/detectors in the form of LEDs 20, each dual-function emitter/detector comprising an LED 20, a plurality of temperature sensors 22, and a plurality of electrical conductivity sensors 24. The LEDs 20, temperature sensors 22, and electrical conductivity sensors 24 are disposed along the flexible strip 18 in a regular repeating pattern, such that they extend from the top to the bottom of the elongate body 12. The skilled person will appreciate that FIG. 1 is schematic only, and the number of LEDs and sensors may be much greater than shown. The flexible strip 18 also includes wiring (not shown for clarity) which allows power to be supplied to, and measurement data taken from, the LEDs 20, temperature sensors 22, and electrical conductivity sensors 24. A head unit 40, including a power supply in the form of a battery 28 and solar panel 30 is arranged to supply power to the snow stake 10, is located at the top of the snow stake 10 in order to provide the optimum position for the solar panel 30. The head unit 40 is also provided with a communications unit 32 linked to a control unit 34. The control unit 34 is arranged to take various measurements with the LEDs 20, temperature sensors 22, and electrical conductivity sensors 24, and send that measurement data via the communications unit 32 to a central processing unit 36. The central processing unit 36 is arranged to analyse the measurement data in order to provide an indication of the snow depth and snow pack composition proximate to the snow stake 10. The central processing unit 36 may be a portable smart device such as a phone or tablet, or a computer located away from the snow stake.

[0049] A typical measurement cycle will take place as follows. During daylight hours, the LEDs 20 may be used to take a simple and passive light detection measurement. The LEDs that are above the snowline will detect more light than the LEDs below the snowline. When there is no daylight, which may be for particularly long periods of time in the winter season, one or more of the LEDs 20 may be activated to emit light which is then detected by the LEDs 20 which are not emitting light. The level of reflectance detected by each LED 20 will indicate the snow levels proximate to that LED 20, and will give an indication of the snow level. The LEDs 20 may be arranged to emit light of different wavelengths. By varying the wavelength of the light being emitted, the measurements may give further indications of the composition of the snowpack, not just the depth of the snowpack. The measurements being taken by the LEDs 20 will be complimented and combined with the measurements taken by the temperature sensors 22 and electrical conductivity sensors 24. Those additional measurements will give a further indication of the composition of the snowpack, for example the “wetness” of the snow, and whether or not the snowpack is melting, or close to melting. Such information may be particularly useful for water management purposes where snow melt provides a significant proportion of a water supply. The measurements taken by the LEDs 20, the temperature sensors 22, and the electrical conductivity sensors are collected by the control unit 34 and transmitted by the communications unit 32 to the central processing unit 36. The use of a central processing unit 36 reduces the complexity of the individual snow stake 10, and a single central processing unit 36 may be arranged to receive measurement data from a large number of individual snow stakes. The snow stake 10 may be arranged to run through a measurement cycle on a regular basis, for example four times a day. Alternatively, or in addition to the regular measurement cycle, the central processing unit 36 may send a measurement request to the snow stake 10 via the communications unit 32 which initiates a measurement cycle.

[0050] FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of a second embodiment of the invention. A modular arrangement is provided, made up of a plurality of elements 110. Each modular element 110 is similar to the elongate body 12 and flexible strip of sensors 18 described with reference to FIG. 1, and where appropriate the same reference numerals have been used. For purposes of clarity, the LED and sensor arrangement as shown in FIG. 1 has not been reproduced, but would be understood by the skilled person to be present on the flexible strip 18. The main difference between the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is the provision of a copper connection 112 extending from the end of the flexible strip of sensors 18, which allows connection of the flexible strip of sensors 18 to a flexible strip of sensors on an adjoining modular element 110, such that the two flexible strips 18 then act as a single flexible strip. The elongate body 12 also comprises a protrusion 114 which is shaped to securely engage with a correspondingly shaped receiving portion 116 in the elongate body of an adjoining module element 110. The protrusion 114 and receiving portion may be provided with a demountable coupling, for example being threaded, or having a bayonet type fitting, such that the module elements 110 are easily joined together when required. In an alternative embodiment, the modular elements 110 may be associated with a bungee cord, which allows the easy assembly and disassembly of the snow stake, whilst also ensuring that all the modular elements 110 remain together when disassembled. The skilled person will appreciate that the modular elements may be joined together by a variety of suitable couplings that allow the snow stake to be folded or dismantled for easy transportation when not in use. Such couplings may include springs, lockable hinges, and/or locking collars. The couplings may be such that the modular elements remain together when disassembled, which ensures no parts are lost during transportation. A base 118 is also provided to receive the lowest modular element 110, and allow the snow stake 10 created by the modular elements 110 to be secured in position in a similar way as to the first embodiment. A head unit 40 may be joined to the top modular element 110 in a similar way to the head unit 40 is connected to the snow stake 10. Measurements may be taken with the modular arrangement of FIG. 2 in the same way as the embodiment described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a manufacturing apparatus for manufacturing the flexible strip of LEDs, temperature sensors, and electrical conductivity sensors. The flexible strip, in the form of a flexible PCB is supplied on a reel 300. The strip is run through a sensor application station 302, where the LEDs, temperature sensors, and electrical conductivity sensors are applied to the strip, which is then spooled onto the reel 304. In addition to reducing the manufacturing footprint of the apparatus, the reel of flexible strip may be more easily transported to further manufacturing stations, for example where the strip is applied to the elongate body. The reel of flexible strip may also be manufactured such that easily divided sections of flexible strip are provided, thereby allowing easy cutting of the flexible strip to the required lengths.

[0052] FIG. 4 shows combined sensor arrangement 400, where an LED 402, a temperature sensor 404, and electrical conductivity sensor 406, are applied to a common backing substrate 408. Provision of a combined sensor arrangement 400 may speed up the manufacturing process for the flexible strip. Alternatively, there may be a plurality of LEDs, for example emitting and detecting different wavelengths, combined on a common backing substrate with a single temperature sensor and single electrical conductivity sensor. The flexible strip may comprise a flexible PCB on which the various elements are installed. The flexible strip may be coated in a waterproof material, and/or a low-friction material.

[0053] Whilst the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to particular embodiments, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that the invention lends itself to many different variations not specifically illustrated herein. By way of example only, certain possible variations will now be described.

[0054] In the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, snow stakes that are installed in a fixed location are described. However, portable snow stakes, may also be provided. A portable snow stake, for example in the form of a snow probe similar to those used to measure snow conditions or search for avalanche victims, could provide useful information about snow levels and snow pack composition to those in the field. Alternatively, the portable snow stake may comprise a ski-pole, which would reduce the amount of equipment a user had to carry. For example, someone skiing or otherwise travelling in remote backcountry conditions could check the immediate snow conditions with more accuracy than a simple probe. The snow stake may comprise a user interface, the user interface arranged to display the measurements taken by the snow stake. This may be advantageous when the snow stake is a portable snow stake, and being used to check whether there is a risk of avalanche. The user interface may be arranged to emit a visible and/or audible alarm if avalanche conditions are detected to ensure that the user is aware of the risk. A visible and/or audible alarm may be advantageous where weather conditions make reading a display screen difficult, for example in blizzard conditions. The flexible strip may be attached to the entire length of the snow probe, or only a proportion of the snow probe, for example the tip. In a yet further embodiment, a flexible strip comprising LEDs, temperature sensors, and electrical conductivity sensors, may be used without requiring additional reinforcement. For example, the flexible strip may be lowered into crevasses to detect snow conditions deep in the crevasse, and potentially deeper than a rigid probe would be able to be inserted. In such an arrangement, the flexible strip may be supplied in a reel. Different types of base may be provided as would be understood by the skilled person. For example, a snow stake according to the invention may comprise a spiked base, which may be useful if installing the snow stake on a glacier, where no “ground” exists to secure the stake to. A spiked base may also be useful when installing the snow stake in a position already covered with snow, for example in an area which always has some level of snow cover and access to bare ground is difficult. The snow stake may be provided with a set of interchangeable bases allowing for easy adaptation of the snow stake depending on the intended use and environmental conditions in the position of installation.

[0055] The snow stake may be positioned to monitor ice ablation, for example the snow stake may be positioned on a glacier to monitor glacier ablation, on an ice sheet, ice shelf, or other large body of ice. In the references above to “snow”, the skilled person will appreciate that the arrangement may equally apply to ice. When positioned on a body of ice, the skilled person will appreciate that the installation process may involve drilling into ice in order to position the snow stake.

[0056] Where in the foregoing description, integers or elements are mentioned which have known, obvious or foreseeable equivalents, then such equivalents are herein incorporated as if individually set forth. Reference should be made to the claims for determining the true scope of the present invention, which should be construed so as to encompass any such equivalents. It will also be appreciated by the reader that integers or features of the invention that are described as preferable, advantageous, convenient or the like are optional and do not limit the scope of the independent claims. Moreover, it is to be understood that such optional integers or features, whilst of possible benefit in some embodiments of the invention, may not be desirable, and may therefore be absent, in other embodiments.