Design study and embodiment for a monitoring system against flood damage in urban underground facilities

2022 Fiscal Year Research-status Report

• Project/Area Number: 21K12548
• Research Institution: Takushoku University
• Principal Investigator: アルバレス ハイメ 拓殖大学, 工学部, 教授 (00802258)
• Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha): 森 豊史 地方独立行政法人東京都立産業技術研究センター, 事業化支援本部多摩テクノプラザ総合支援課, 研究員 (10600637) [Withdrawn]
• Project Period (FY): 2021-04-01 – 2025-03-31
• Keywords: Prototype test / Styling design / System design / Embodiment design

Outline of Annual Research Achievements

In the second year of this research project, we continued the test of the prototype installed on a concrete cover of an intersection of a drainage channel within university campus. The test allowed us to validate some physical features of the prototype, as well as detecting some issues that need to be improved of the system and software for transmitting data, since the system had to be rebooted few times after it stopped monitoring properly on real time.
The design of the device was refined, making adjustments in structure, architecture and dimensions of the water level monitoring device based were adjusted in order to fit with the dimensions of underpass drainage facilities. Improvements of the system were specified and ways of installation were analyzed.

Current Status of Research Progress

4: Progress in research has been delayed.

Reason

Unfortunately, the prototype installed in the university disappeared. Extensive search was performed in the area it was installed, as well as in campus drainage, but could not be recovered. This unexpected problem delayed the progress of the research. This situation also raised serious concerns regarding the protection of intellectual property, since the representative person of the company that built the prototype checked the cables that were attached to the prototype and concluded that cabes were cut and prototype was stolen, probably by someone that thought that the prototype contained new technology.

Strategy for Future Research Activity

For this final year of the project, the final prototype of the water level monitoring device will be built. Despite the absence of physical prototipe and interrupted in-site test, based on gained experience, collected data and design requirements that were clarified, the design of the final prototype will be performed. This design will include safety features for the prototype body and test area in order to prevent unauthorized access. Prototype enclosure will be built by a third party and assembly of the components will be performed by the company that build sensor system. due to the delay of the project, limited validation tests will be performed, and research final report will be preparated.

Causes of Carryover

Due to the lost of test prototype, progress of the research project was delayed and hence no expenses incurred. It is planned to use remaining amount for the research 3rd year.