Methods, devices, and articles of manufacture to measure fluid pressure

Abstract

Methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are disclosed that measure fluid pressure. An example apparatus to measure total pressure of a fluid includes a probe head including a plurality of ports fluidly coupled to a measurement chamber, and a pressure sensor operably coupled to the measurement chamber to measure a total pressure within the measurement chamber, the total pressure corresponding to a flow of the fluid through one of the plurality of ports.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to pressure measurement, and more specifically to methods, apparatus and articles for measuring fluid pressure. Background Technology

[0002] Pressure measuring devices are used to measure the pressure of flowing fluids. A typical pressure measuring device includes a probe inserted into the fluid flow path, with the probe opening oriented opposite to the flow direction. As the fluid slows down upon entering the probe, the total pressure of the fluid flowing along the flow path can be measured. Attached Figure Description

[0003] Figure 1 shows a known pressure measuring device for measuring the pressure of fluid flowing through a fluid passage.

[0004] Figure 2 An example omnidirectional probe is shown in accordance with the teachings of this disclosure.

[0005] Figure 3 It shows that it can be used Figure 2 An example check valve implemented in an example omnidirectional probe.

[0006] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 An example perspective view of an omnidirectional probe.

[0007] Figure 5 This is a flowchart representing the example method that produces the examples disclosed in this article.

[0008] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method for measuring fluid pressure using the examples disclosed herein.

[0009] Generally, the same reference numerals are used throughout the accompanying drawings and written description to refer to the same or similar parts. The drawings are not drawn to scale. Instead, the thickness of layers or regions may be enlarged in the drawings. While the drawings show layers and regions with clearly defined lines and boundaries, some or all of these lines and / or boundaries may be idealized. In reality, boundaries and / or lines may be unobservable, mixed, and / or irregular. Detailed Implementation

[0010] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, the term "above" describes the relationship between two parts relative to the Earth. The first part is above the second part if at least one portion of the first part lies between the Earth and the second part. Similarly, as used herein, the first part is "below" the second part when the first part is closer to the Earth than the second part. As stated above, the first part can be above or below the second part, having one or more of the following: other parts are between them, no other parts are between them, the first and second parts are in contact, or the first and second parts are not in direct contact with each other.

[0011] As used in this patent, a statement that any part (e.g., layer, film, region, area, or plate) is in any way on (e.g., positioned, located, disposed on, or formed on, etc.) another part indicates that the referred part is in contact with the other part, or that the referred part is above the other part, with one or more intermediate parts located therebetween.

[0012] As used herein, unless otherwise stated, a connection reference (e.g., attachment, coupling, connection, and engagement) may include intermediate components between elements referred to by the connection reference and / or relative movement between those elements. Therefore, a connection reference does not necessarily imply that two elements are directly connected and / or have a fixed relationship with each other. As used herein, stating that any part is in “contact” with another part is defined as meaning that there is no intermediate part between the two parts.

[0013] Unless otherwise expressly stated, descriptors such as “first,” “second,” and “third” may be used herein without assigning or otherwise indicating any meaning of priority, physical order, arrangement in a list, and / or any sorting, but only as labels and / or arbitrary names to distinguish elements for the purpose of understanding the disclosed examples. In some examples, the descriptor “first” may be used to refer to an element in the detailed description, while different descriptors (e.g., “second” or “third”) may be used in the claims to refer to the same element. In such cases, it should be understood that such descriptors are only used to clearly identify elements that may, for example, otherwise share the same name.

[0014] As used herein, “substantially” and “approximately” refer to dimensions that may be inaccurate due to manufacturing tolerances and / or other real-world defects. As may be used herein, “substantially real-time” means occurring in a near-instantaneous manner, acknowledging the possibility of real-world delays in computation time, transmission, etc. Therefore, unless otherwise stated, “substantially real-time” means real-time + / - 1 second.

[0015] As may be used herein, the phrase “in communication”, including its variations, covers direct and / or indirect communication via one or more intermediate components, and does not require direct physical (e.g., wired) communication and / or continuous communication, but additionally includes selective communication at periodic intervals, predetermined intervals, non-periodic intervals, and / or one-off events.

[0016] In some applications, such as the design and control of aircraft, vehicles, and / or HVAC systems, it may be necessary to measure the pressure of a fluid flowing along a fluid flow path. Pressure measuring devices can be used to measure the pressure of a fluid. In some cases, pressure measuring devices (e.g., total pressure measuring devices) include a probe inserted into the fluid flow and oriented opposite to and generally parallel to the flow direction (e.g., within ±20 degrees). As the fluid enters the probe, the fluid velocity decreases at a stagnation point, where a pressure sensor can measure the total pressure of the fluid flowing towards the probe.

[0017] Typically, the direction of fluid flow must be known in order to orient the probe opposite to the flow direction. In some cases, the flow direction may vary over time (e.g., in turbulent flow) and / or may be unknown, making probe orientation difficult. In some instances, to account for varying and / or unknown flow directions in the fluid flow, multiple pressure measurement devices can be used to determine the total pressure of the fluid. In this case, multiple probes are inserted into the fluid flow and oriented in different directions. Corresponding pressure sensors measure the stagnant pressure of the fluid flowing towards the multiple probes, and the total pressure of the fluid in the flow corresponds to the highest measured pressure of the multiple pressure sensors. In this case, the multiple pressure sensors are communicatively coupled to corresponding channels of a data acquisition system (DAQ) to send measurement data to it. Therefore, when multiple pressure sensors are used to determine the total pressure in the fluid flow, the number of available channels in the DAQ is reduced, thus diminishing the DAQ's functionality.

[0018] The examples disclosed herein enable the measurement of the total pressure of a fluid flowing in a fluid flow when the flow direction changes and / or is unknown. In the examples disclosed herein, an example omnidirectional probe can be inserted into a fluid flow, wherein the omnidirectional probe includes an example probe head having a plurality of example ports (e.g., openings) spaced apart across the probe head surface. In some examples, the ports are oriented in different directions, allowing fluid to flow into the omnidirectional probe regardless of the flow direction. In some examples, each of the ports is fluidly coupled to a measuring chamber, and a check valve is implemented along the pipe connecting the port to the measuring chamber. The measuring chamber is pressurized by fluid from a first port, wherein the fluid pressure entering the first port is greater than the fluid pressure in the remaining ports. In some examples, a pressure sensor is operatively coupled to the measuring chamber to measure the fluid pressure therein. The measured pressure corresponds to the fluid pressure in the first port, and therefore corresponds to the total pressure of the fluid flowing in the fluid flow.

[0019] Advantageously, the examples disclosed herein can be used when the flow direction of the fluid in the fluid flow is unknown or changing. In particular, the example omnidirectional probes disclosed herein can be used to measure the total pressure in the fluid flow when the angle of incidence between the omnidirectional probe and the flow direction is large (e.g., greater than 60 degrees). Furthermore, by using a single pressure sensor to measure the total pressure of the fluid in the fluid flow, the examples disclosed herein reduce the need for multiple probes with multiple corresponding pressure sensors and / or transducers, thereby allowing more channels of the DAQ to be used in other applications. In addition, the examples disclosed herein reduce component costs by reducing the number of probes and / or sensors required to measure fluid pressure.

[0020] Figure 1 illustrates a known pressure measuring device 100 for measuring the total pressure of a fluid flowing through a fluid passage 102 of a pipe 104. In Figure 1, fluid flows through the fluid passage 102 in a flow direction 106, which is to the right as shown in Figure 1. A known total pressure measuring device (e.g., a known measuring probe) 108 is inserted into the fluid passage 102 via an opening 110 in the pipe 104. The known total pressure measuring device 108 is oriented in the fluid passage 102 such that the probe head 112 of the known total pressure measuring device 108 is substantially opposite to the flow direction 106. Therefore, fluid can flow into the known total pressure measuring device 108 via the probe head 112, and the total pressure of the fluid can be measured by a sensor (e.g., a transducer) 114 operatively coupled to the known total pressure measuring device 108.

[0021] In Figure 1, the known total pressure measuring device 108 is oriented relative to and / or otherwise opposite to the flow direction 106 in order to accurately measure the total fluid pressure. However, in some cases, the flow direction 106 may be unknown and / or may vary over time. In such cases, it may be difficult to properly orient the known total pressure measuring device 108 relative to the flow direction 106, resulting in incomplete and / or incorrect total pressure measurements. To account for varying and / or unknown flow directions, one or more additional total pressure measuring devices among the known total pressure measuring devices 108 may be inserted into the fluid passage 102 and oriented in a different direction than the known total pressure measuring device 108 of Figure 1. In this case, a corresponding sensor 114 is operatively coupled to each known total pressure measuring device 108 to measure the total fluid pressure therein, and the sensor 114 provides the total fluid pressure measurement to the DAQ 116 via a corresponding channel. The DAQ 116 selects a total pressure measurement from one of the known total pressure measuring devices 108, wherein the selected total pressure measurement is greater than the remaining total pressure measurements. In this case, the total pressure of the fluid in fluid passage 102 corresponds to the selected total pressure measurement and / or a combination based on the total pressure measurement.

[0022] Figure 2 An example omnidirectional probe 200 according to the teachings of this disclosure is shown. In some examples, the omnidirectional probe 200 can be used instead of the known total pressure measuring device 108 of FIG1 to measure the total pressure of a flowing fluid. Figure 2 In the example shown, the omnidirectional probe 200 includes an example probe head 202 to be inserted into a fluid flow. While the probe head 202 is spherical in this example, probe heads of different shapes can be used instead. In the example shown, the probe head 202 includes a plurality of example ports 204 spaced apart across its surface. Although seven ports 204 are shown in this example, different numbers of ports 204 (e.g., 10, 25, 50, etc.) can be used instead. In some examples, the angle between adjacent ports 204 is between 15 and 20 degrees. In other examples, the angle between adjacent ports 204 can be different (e.g., at most 15 degrees, at least 20 degrees, at least 30 degrees, etc.). In some examples, the ports 204 are uniformly spaced across the surface of the probe head 202 such that the angle between each pair of adjacent ports 204 is the same. In other examples, the angle between adjacent ports 204 can vary across the surface of the probe 202. In some examples, the spacing and / or angle between ports 204 allow ports 204 to be oriented in different directions across the surface of probe head 202.

[0023] exist Figure 2 In the illustrated example, port 204 is fluidly coupled to a corresponding example fluid channel 206 extending through an example neck portion 208 of the omnidirectional probe 200. In some examples, the fluid channels 206 are generally straight (e.g., unbent and / or kinked) and parallel to each other within the neck portion 208. In other examples, the fluid channels 206 may not be straight and / or parallel to each other, or may vary from one to the other within the neck portion 208. In some examples, the fluid channels 206 are formed within the neck portion 208 and / or probe head 202 during manufacturing. For example, the fluid channels 206 can be provided by omitting a portion of material during additive manufacturing of the neck portion 208 and / or probe head 202. In other examples, the neck portion 208 and / or probe head 202 are manufactured as solid (e.g., non-hollow) components, and the fluid channels 206 are provided by removing material from the neck portion 208 and / or probe head 202 to form openings (e.g., cavities, orifices) therein. In other examples, the neck portion 208 and / or the probe head 202 may be manufactured as hollow components, and the fluid channel 206 therein may be implemented as a tube.

[0024] In this example, fluid passage 206 is fluidly connected to example measuring chamber 210 via a corresponding example pipe (e.g., pressure pipe) 212. In some examples, pipe 212 extends into neck portion 208 to define fluid passage 206. In this example, pipe 212 is a flexible pipe that can be bent and / or folded between neck portion 208 and measuring chamber 210. Furthermore, example check valve 214 is implemented and / or otherwise disposed in pipe 212. In this example, check valve 214 allows fluid to flow from neck portion 208 to measuring chamber 210 and restricts and / or prevents fluid from flowing from measuring chamber 210 to neck portion 208. In this example, one check valve of check valve 214 is implemented along each pipe 212. In other examples, two or more check valves 214 may be implemented along each pipe 212. In some examples, check valve 214 includes at least one of diaphragm check valve or disc check valve. Alternatively or alternatively, check valve 214 may include a Tesla check valve, as described below. Figure 3 Further description of the Tesla check valve.

[0025] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, the fluid in the fluid flow flows along an example flow direction 216, which is in Figure 2 The direction is to the right. When the probe head 202 is inserted into the fluid flow, the fluid can enter the probe head 202 through one or more ports 204. In particular, because the ports 204 are oriented in different directions across the surface of the probe head 202, the fluid can enter the probe head 202 regardless of the angle of incidence between the probe head 202 and the flow direction of the fluid. Therefore, although the angle of incidence in the illustrated example is approximately 0 degrees (e.g., the omnidirectional probe 200 is substantially opposite to and parallel to the flow direction 216), the angle of incidence can be different in other examples (e.g., greater than 10 degrees, greater than 30 degrees, greater than 60 degrees, etc.).

[0026] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, fluid entering port 204 is slowed and flows through a corresponding fluid channel in fluid passage 206 to pipe 212. The fluid further flows through pipe 212 and a corresponding check valve 214 to reach measuring chamber 210. In this example, the first fluid from the first port in port 204 pressurizes measuring chamber 210, where the pressure of the first fluid is greater than the pressure of the fluid from the remaining ports in port 204. Thus, although fluid can flow from multiple ports in port 204 to measuring chamber 210, the pressure of the first fluid in measuring chamber 210 prevents and / or restricts fluid from flowing into measuring chamber 210 from the remaining ports in port 204. In other words, the total pressure in measuring chamber 210 corresponds to the pressure of the first fluid from the first port in port 204.

[0027] exist Figure 2In the example shown, example pressure sensor 218 is operatively coupled to measurement chamber 210 to measure the total pressure therein. In some examples, pressure sensor 218 is communicatively coupled to a channel (e.g., an input channel) of example DAQ 220 to provide it with the measured total pressure. In such examples, pressure sensor 218 utilizes one channel of DAQ 220, leaving the remaining channels of DAQ 220 available for use in other applications. Thus, omnidirectional probe 200 improves the efficiency of using DAQ 220 compared to the known pressure measurement device 100 of FIG. 1. In some examples, DAQ 220 can monitor and / or control one or more systems based on the measured total pressure. For example, when omnidirectional probe 200 is implemented on the outer surface of an aircraft, DAQ 220 can determine the aircraft's speed based on the measured total pressure. In other examples, omnidirectional probe 200 can be used to monitor fluid flow in HVAC systems, fluid flow in the air intake chambers of carrier engines, etc.

[0028] exist Figure 2 In the example shown, an example safety valve 222 is implemented on the measuring chamber 210. In some examples, the safety valve 222 can open to release pressure from the measuring chamber 210 when the pressure in the measuring chamber 210 exceeds a threshold pressure. For example, when the external pressure suddenly drops below the pressure in the measuring chamber 210, air may become trapped in the check valve 214, and the trapped air may block and / or otherwise reduce the flow to the measuring chamber 210. In these examples, the safety valve 222 can open (e.g., periodically) to release the trapped air and allow flow through the check valve 214, thereby restoring the functionality of the omnidirectional probe 200. In other examples, the safety valve 222 is not implemented on the measuring chamber 210. Instead, the check valve 214 is implemented as a Tesla valve to allow a small amount of fluid to flow back from the measuring chamber 210. In these examples, the fluid releases pressure from the measuring chamber 210 through the backflow of the check valve 214. In these examples, the backflow of fluid may affect the total pressure measured by the pressure sensor 218. However, the effect of backflow on the total pressure measured can be considered during the calibration of the omnidirectional probe 200.

[0029] In some examples, the probe head 202 implements a detection device, the port 204 implements a fluid inlet device, the neck portion 208 implements a support device, the fluid channel 206 implements a fluid channel device, the measuring chamber 210 implements a fluid containment device, the pressure sensor 218 implements a sensing device, the safety valve 222 implements a pressure relief device, the pipe 212 implements a fluid passage device, and the check valve 214 implements a fluid control device.

[0030] Figure 3 It shows that it can be used Figure 2 A detailed view of one of the example check valves 214 implemented in the example omnidirectional probe 200. Figure 3 In the example shown, check valve 214 is a Tesla valve (e.g., a Tesla check valve). Therefore, example check valve 214 is a passive valve that does not include moving parts. Although in Figure 3 The Tesla valve is described, but a different type of check valve 214 can be used instead. In this example, the check valve 214 includes an example valve body 302 and an example cavity (e.g., notch) 304 disposed in the valve body 302. In this example, cavity 304 allows fluid to flow along... Figure 2 The example in the diagram flows to the right in direction 306, and the fluid is confined along... Figure 2 The example flow is to the left in direction 308. Specifically, when fluid is supplied to cavity 304 at the first example inlet 310, the fluid flows through cavity 304 in a rightward direction 306, approximately along the example center path 312. In this case, the fluid experiences almost no resistance as it flows to the right in direction 306.

[0031] Optionally, when fluid is supplied to cavity 304 at the second example inlet 314, the fluid resists flow in the leftward direction 308. For example, a first portion of fluid entering the second inlet 314 is guided through cavity 304 along an example alternating path (e.g., a ring path) 316, and a second portion of fluid flows along a central path 312. As the first portion of fluid exits the alternating path 316 and interacts with and / or otherwise mixes with the second portion of fluid along the central path 312, this mixing provides resistance to fluid flow in the leftward direction 308. Further mixing occurs at each interaction between the fluid along the central path 312 and the fluid along the subsequent alternating path 316, such that the resistance to fluid flow increases as the fluid flows in the leftward direction 308. In some examples, when fluid flow in the leftward direction 308 cannot overcome the resistance caused by fluid mixing, further fluid flow in the leftward direction 308 through cavity 304 is prevented. Therefore, check valve 214 restricts and / or otherwise prevents fluid from flowing from the second inlet 314 to the first inlet 310, while allowing fluid to flow from the first inlet 310 to the second inlet 314. Although 11 alternative paths 316 are provided in cavity 304 in this example, a different number of alternative paths 316 can be used instead. In some examples, additive manufacturing can be used to fabricate... Figure 3 Check valve 214.

[0032] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A transparent view of an example omnidirectional probe 200. Figure 4In the example shown, each of the ports 204 protrudes from the hemispherical surface of the probe head 202. An example neck portion 208 connects the probe head 202 to an example probe body 402 of the omnidirectional probe 200. In this example, the probe body 402 is cylindrical and has a first cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a first cross-sectional diameter). Furthermore, the probe head 202 has a second cross-sectional dimension (e.g., a second cross-sectional diameter) smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension of the probe body 402, such that the neck portion 208 tapers gradually from the probe body 402 to the probe head 202. Although the probe body 402 is cylindrical in this example, probe bodies 402 of different shapes can be used instead.

[0033] exist Figure 4 In the example shown, the example measurement chamber 210 is disposed within the probe body 402. In this example, check valves 214 are disposed and / or arranged in an array across the example wall 404 of the measurement chamber 210. In some examples, Figure 2 Example tube 212 is used to fluidly connect the fluid passage 206 in the neck portion 208 to the corresponding check valve in the check valve 214, thereby fluidly connecting port 204 to the measuring chamber 210. In some examples, at least one of the probe head 202, neck portion 208, probe body 402, measuring chamber 210, or check valve 214 may be manufactured together or separately using additive manufacturing.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a flowchart illustrating example method 500 that produces the examples disclosed herein. For example, one could use... Figure 5 Method 500 to generate Figure 2 Example omnidirectional probe 200 and / or 4. Example method 500 begins at block 502, where example port 204 is set. Figure 2 In example probe head 202, and / or 4. For example, ports 204 are spaced apart (e.g., uniformly) across the surface of probe head 202. In some examples, ports 204 are oriented in different directions. For example, ports 204 are oriented such that the angle between adjacent ports of ports 204 is between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0035] At box 504, example port 204 is accessed. Figure 2 Example tube 212 fluid connection to Figure 2 And / or 4 example measuring chambers 210. For example, port 204 is fluidly connected to Figure 2 Example fluid channel 206 of example neck portion 208 and / or example 4, and fluid channel 206 is further fluidly connected to measuring chamber 210 via tube 212.

[0036] At box 506, Figure 2 ,3 Example check valve 214 in 4 is provided and / or otherwise provided in example pipe 212. For example, check valve 214 is provided in pipe 212 and is fluidly connected between fluid passage 206 and measuring chamber 210. In other embodiments, check valve 214 is arranged in an array and / or arranged in Figure 4 On the example wall 404 of the measuring chamber 210. In these examples, pipe 212 fluidly connects check valve 214 to fluid passage 206.

[0037] At box 508, Figure 2 Example pressure sensor 218 is operatively coupled to example measurement chamber 210. For example, pressure sensor 218 is coupled to measurement chamber 210 to measure the total pressure therein (e.g., stagnation pressure). In some examples, pressure sensor 218 is further operatively and / or communicatively coupled to a channel of example DAQ 220 to provide it with the measured total pressure.

[0038] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating an example method 600 for measuring fluid pressure using the examples disclosed herein. For example, Figure 6 Method 600 can be used to... Figure 2 Example omnidirectional probe 200 and / or 4 are used to measure fluid pressure. Example method 600 begins at box 602, at box 602, Figure 2 Example probe head 202 of 4 is placed into and / or otherwise inserted into a fluid flow. For example, probe head 202 is placed on the outer surface of an aircraft, in the air intake of a launch vehicle engine, in an HVAC system, etc. In these examples, fluid can flow into... Figure 2 In one or more of the example ports 204 and / or 4, and further through the corresponding fluid passages of fluid passage 206, pipe 212 and check valve 214 to reach measuring chamber 210.

[0039] At box 604, use Figure 2 Example pressure sensor 218 measures the total pressure of the fluid within example measuring chamber 210. For example, pressure sensor 218 measures the total pressure and provides the measured total pressure to... Figure 2 The DAQ 220's channels are used to control and / or monitor one or more systems. For example, the DAQ 220 can use measured total pressure to monitor aircraft speed, fluid flow in the HVAC system, fluid flow in the launch vehicle engine's intake chamber, etc.

[0040] "Comprising" and "including" (and all forms and tenses thereof) are used herein as open-ended terms. Therefore, whenever a claim uses any form of "comprising" or "including" (e.g., including, comprising, having, etc.) in a preamble or in any type of claim statement, it should be understood that additional elements, terms, etc., may be present without exceeding the scope of the corresponding claim or statement. As used herein, the phrase "at least" is open-ended when used as a transitional term, for example, in the preamble of a claim, as are the terms "comprising" and "including". The term "and / or" when used, for example, in the form of A, B, and / or C, refers to any combination or subset of A, B, and C, such as (1) A alone, (2) B alone, (3) C alone, (4) A and B, (5) A and C, (6) B and C, or (7) A and B and C. As used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing structures, components, items, objects, and / or things, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. As used herein in the context of describing the conduct or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B. Similarly, as used herein in the context of describing the conduct or execution of processes, instructions, actions, activities, and / or steps, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to refer to an implementation that includes any one of (1) at least one A, (2) at least one B, or (3) at least one A and at least one B.

[0041] As used herein, singular references (e.g., “a,” “an,” “first,” “second,” etc.) do not exclude plurals. As used herein, the term “a” or “an” refers to one or more of those objects. The terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more,” and “at least one” are used interchangeably herein. Furthermore, although listed separately, multiple means, elements, or method actions may be performed by, for example, the same entity or object. Additionally, while individual features may be included in different examples or claims, these may be combined, and inclusion in different examples or claims does not imply that combining features is impractical and / or disadvantageous.

[0042] As can be understood from the foregoing, example systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture for measuring fluid pressure in a fluid flow have been disclosed. The example omnidirectional probe disclosed herein includes multiple ports fluidly coupled to a measuring chamber, wherein these ports are oriented in different directions across a surface of the probe head. The measuring chamber is pressurized by fluid from one of the ports, and a pressure sensor can measure the total pressure of the fluid in the fluid flow by measuring the pressure within the measuring chamber. By enabling fluid to flow into the probe head from multiple directions, the examples disclosed herein can be used to measure fluid pressure when the flow direction of the fluid is unknown and / or changing. Furthermore, by using a single pressure sensor to measure the total pressure of the fluid in the fluid flow, the examples disclosed herein reduce the need for multiple probes with multiple corresponding pressure sensors and / or transducers. Therefore, the disclosed systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture improve the efficiency of using computing devices by reducing the number of channels for determining the total fluid pressure (DAQ), thereby increasing the number of channels available for other applications. The disclosed systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture are accordingly aimed at one or more improvements to the operation of machines such as computers or other electronic and / or mechanical devices.

[0043] This document discloses example methods, apparatuses, systems, and articles for measuring fluid pressure. Further aspects are provided through the following topics:

[0044] An apparatus for measuring the total pressure of a fluid includes a probe head having multiple ports fluidly connected to a measuring chamber; and a pressure sensor operatively connected to the measuring chamber to measure the total pressure within the measuring chamber, the total pressure corresponding to fluid flow through one of the multiple ports.

[0045] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least two of the plurality of ports are oriented in different directions.

[0046] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein a plurality of ports are spaced apart around the surface of the probe head.

[0047] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a safety valve operably coupled to the measuring chamber, the safety valve being opened periodically.

[0048] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a plurality of pipes for fluidly connecting a plurality of ports to a measuring chamber, and at least one check valve is disposed in the plurality of pipes.

[0049] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the at least one check valve enables backflow from the measuring chamber.

[0050] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the angle of incidence between the direction of the fluid flow and the probe head is greater than 60 degrees.

[0051] The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the probe head is mounted on the outer surface of the aircraft, and the total pressure indicates the speed of the aircraft.

[0052] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the probe head is spherical and a plurality of ports are evenly spaced around the surface of the probe head.

[0053] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the angle between adjacent ports of the plurality of ports is between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0054] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one check valve comprises at least one of a diaphragm check valve, a disc check valve, or a Tesla check valve.

[0055] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one check valve is arranged in an array on the wall of the measuring chamber.

[0056] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a neck portion connected to the probe head, and a plurality of fluid channels disposed in the neck portion, the plurality of fluid channels being fluidly connected between a plurality of ports and a plurality of tubes.

[0057] The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the neck portion is hollow and a plurality of fluid channels are configured as tubes within the neck portion.

[0058] The device according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the neck portion is solid and the plurality of fluid channels are configured as openings within the neck portion.

[0059] An apparatus includes a detection device comprising a fluid inlet device fluidly connected to a fluid containment device; and a sensing device operatively connected to the fluid containment device to measure a total pressure within the fluid containment device, the total pressure corresponding to a fluid flow through one of the fluid inlet devices.

[0060] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least two of the fluid inlet devices are oriented in different directions.

[0061] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid inlet means are spaced apart around the surface of the detection means.

[0062] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a pressure relief device operatively coupled to the fluid containment device, the pressure relief device being periodically opened.

[0063] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a fluid passage device for fluidly connecting the fluid inlet device to the fluid receiving device, and a fluid control device disposed in each of the fluid passage devices.

[0064] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid control device enables backflow from the fluid receiving device.

[0065] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the angle of incidence between the direction of the fluid flow and the detection device is greater than 60 degrees.

[0066] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the detection device is spherical and the fluid inlet devices are uniformly spaced around the surface of the detection device.

[0067] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the angle between adjacent fluid inlet devices is between 15 degrees and 20 degrees.

[0068] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid control device includes at least one of a diaphragm check valve, a disc check valve, or a Tesla check valve.

[0069] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluid control devices are arranged in an array on the wall of the fluid receiving device.

[0070] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes a support device connected to the detection device and a fluid channel device disposed in the support device, the fluid channel device being fluidly connected between the fluid inlet device and the fluid passage device.

[0071] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support device is hollow and the fluid channel device is configured as a tube within the support device.

[0072] The apparatus according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the support device is solid and the fluid channel device is configured as an opening within the support device.

[0073] A method of manufacturing a pressure measuring device includes providing a plurality of ports in a probe head, fluidly connecting the plurality of ports to a measuring chamber via a plurality of tubes, and operatively connecting a pressure sensor to the measuring chamber to measure a total pressure within the measuring chamber corresponding to a fluid flow through one of the plurality of ports.

[0074] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes orienting at least two of the plurality of ports in different directions.

[0075] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes multiple ports spaced apart around the surface of the probe head.

[0076] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes providing check valves in a plurality of pipes, the check valves enabling backflow from the measuring chamber.

[0077] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the probe head is spherical, further comprising a plurality of ports uniformly spaced around the surface of the probe head.

[0078] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the provision of a check valve includes providing at least one of a diaphragm check valve, a disc check valve, or a Tesla check valve in a plurality of pipes.

[0079] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes arranging check valves in an array on the wall of the measuring chamber.

[0080] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes connecting a neck portion to a probe head and providing a plurality of fluid channels in the neck portion, the plurality of fluid channels being fluidly connected between a plurality of ports and a plurality of tubes.

[0081] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the neck portion is hollow, and wherein the provision of a plurality of fluid channels includes providing a tube within the neck portion.

[0082] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the neck portion is solid, and wherein the provision of a plurality of fluid channels includes providing openings within the neck portion.

[0083] The method according to any one of the preceding clauses further includes operably connecting a safety valve to the measuring chamber.

[0084] The following claims are incorporated herein by reference in this detailed description. Although certain example systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture have been disclosed herein, the scope of this patent is not limited thereto. Rather, this patent covers all systems, methods, apparatuses, and articles of manufacture that fall fully within the scope of the claims of this patent.

Claims

1. A device for measuring the total pressure of a fluid, characterized in that, The device includes: The probe head includes multiple ports that are fluidly connected to the measurement chamber; and A pressure sensor operatively coupled to the measuring chamber to measure the total pressure within the measuring chamber, the total pressure corresponding to fluid flow through one of the plurality of ports; A plurality of tubes fluidly connect the plurality of ports to the measuring chamber, and at least one check valve is disposed in the plurality of tubes, wherein the at least one check valve allows fluid to flow from the neck portion of the plurality of tubes to the measuring chamber and allows a small amount of fluid to flow back from the measuring chamber.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, At least two of the plurality of ports are oriented in different directions.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The plurality of ports are spaced apart around the surface of the probe head.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, It further includes a safety valve operably coupled to the measuring chamber, the safety valve opening periodically.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The angle of incidence between the direction of the fluid flow and the probe head is greater than 60 degrees.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, The probe head is mounted on the outer surface of the aircraft, and the total pressure indicates the speed of the aircraft.

7. An apparatus, comprising: include: The detection device includes a fluid inlet device that is fluidly connected to a fluid receiving device; and A sensing device operatively coupled to the fluid containment device to measure the total pressure within the fluid containment device, the total pressure corresponding to the fluid flow through one of the fluid inlet devices; A fluid passage device fluidly connects the fluid inlet device to the fluid receiving device, and a fluid control device is disposed in each of the fluid passage devices, wherein the fluid control device enables fluid to flow from the neck portion of the fluid passage device to the fluid receiving device and enables a small amount of fluid to flow back from the fluid receiving device.

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fluid inlet devices wherein at least two fluid inlet devices are oriented in different directions.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The fluid inlet device is spaced apart around the surface of the detection device.

10. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, It further includes a pressure relief device operatively coupled to the fluid containment device, the pressure relief device being periodically opened.

11. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The angle of incidence between the direction of the fluid flow and the detection device is greater than 60 degrees.

12. A method for manufacturing a pressure measuring device, characterized in that, The method includes: Multiple ports are configured in the probe head; The multiple ports are fluidly connected to the measuring chamber via multiple pipes; and A pressure sensor is operatively coupled to the measuring chamber to measure the total pressure within the measuring chamber, the total pressure corresponding to the fluid flow through one of the plurality of ports; Check valves are provided in the plurality of tubes, which allow fluid to flow from the neck portion of the plurality of tubes to the measuring chamber and allow a small amount of fluid to flow back from the measuring chamber.

13. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, This further includes orienting at least two of the plurality of ports in different directions.

14. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, The plurality of ports are further spaced apart by a surface surrounding the probe head.

15. The method according to claim 12, characterized in that, This further includes operably connecting a safety valve to the measuring chamber.

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