Acoustic Fluid Velocity Sensor Using Wire Vibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining fluid velocity in fluid flows are complex and not easily applicable in simple systems or by non-technical individuals.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an acoustic structure with a radiating element, microphone, and a wire that transmits vibrations from the fluid flow to the microphone, allowing for the calculation of fluid velocity using the frequency of vortex shedding and Strouhal number, integrated into a headphone or similar device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluid velocity measurement techniques (kinematic measurements, dynamic methods, physical measurements) are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with an acoustic-based system. A simple wire exposed to fluid flow generates vibrations that are acoustically coupled to a microphone, eliminating the need for complex kinematic markers, dynamic probes, or physical process monitoring equipment while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire in the patent serves dual purposes: it is both the fluid flow sensor and the vibration source. The wire naturally vibrates when exposed to fluid flow, and this self-generated vibration is directly coupled to the acoustic system, eliminating the need for external actuation or complex measurement apparatus.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional fluid velocity measurement techniques are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but device complexity increases and manufacturing difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid flow sensing function with existing acoustic components. The wire is integrated into the acoustic structure such that its vibrations are directly coupled to the microphone through acoustic coupling, combining multiple functions into a unified simple system that is easier to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic structure acts as an intermediary that transfers vibrations from the wire to the microphone. This acoustic coupling mechanism provides a simple, manufacturable connection that translates fluid-induced wire vibrations into measurable acoustic signals without requiring complex mechanical linkages.
3Measurement precision
If simple measurement systems are used, then ease of operation improves, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes mechanical vibration of the wire when exposed to fluid flow as the measurement mechanism. The vibration frequency and characteristics are directly related to fluid velocity, providing a precise measurement method that relies on natural physical phenomena rather than complex instrumentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the microphone signal to determine fluid velocity. The acoustic coupling provides a direct feedback path where wire vibrations are converted to acoustic signals that can be processed to extract velocity information, enabling precise measurement through signal analysis rather than complex mechanical measurement.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables straightforward and accurate determination of fluid velocity with low error rates, suitable for various applications including wind estimation and audio modification.
Implementation Method 1
vibrations of the wire are transmitted to the radiating element
Implementation Method 2
resulting vibrations of the radiating element radiate corresponding vibrations into the acoustic volume
Implementation Method 3
the microphone is sensitive to said vibrations radiated into the acoustic volume
Implementation Method 4
f is a frequency of vortex shedding of the fluid flow and is derived from the sensed vibrations
Data Source
AI summary
A system for determining fluid velocity of a fluid flow to which the system is exposed, the system comprising: an acoustic structure including a radiating element and an acoustic volume acoustically coupled to the radiating element, a microphone located inside the acoustic volume, and a wire coupled to the radiating element such that, when the wire is subject to the fluid flow, vibrations of the wire are transmitted to the radiating element, and resulting vibrations of the radiating element radiate corresponding vibrations into the acoustic volume, wherein the microphone is sensitive to said vibrations radiated into the acoustic volume, and the output of the microphone in response to said vibrations is related to the fluid velocity of the fluid flow to which the wire is subject.