Aerodynamic Probe Using Single Receiver for Air Flow Incidence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ultrasonic aerodynamic measurement systems for air flow along a wall face challenges in accurately measuring propagation times due to receiver characteristics and calibration complexities, leading to errors and difficulties in detecting sensor malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A probe system with multiple transmitters and a single receiver, where the error in measurement remains constant, allowing for simplified calibration and easy detection of transmitter or receiver failures, using the difference in travel times between transmitters to calculate the incidence of air flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple receivers are used to measure propagation times, then measurement accuracy may improve, but device complexity and calibration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmitter measurements with a single receiver to achieve accurate flow direction measurement. Instead of using multiple receivers, the system uses multiple transmitters (at least two) that sequentially emit acoustic waves, with a single receiver measuring the propagation times. This merging approach maintains measurement accuracy while reducing device complexity and calibration requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The single receiver serves multiple functions by measuring propagation times from multiple different transmitters. This multi-functionality allows the system to determine flow direction and speed without requiring separate dedicated receivers for each transmitter, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If multiple receivers are used, then measurement reliability may improve, but calibration complexity and error detection difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple measurement opportunities (from multiple transmitters) into a single receiver system. This approach maintains reliability through redundant measurement paths while simplifying calibration, as only one receiver needs to be calibrated rather than multiple receivers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-diagnosis and error detection by comparing propagation time measurements from different transmitter-receiver paths. If one transmitter or the receiver fails, the system can detect the anomaly by analyzing the consistency of measurements across the remaining functional paths, allowing the system to self-identify faults without complex external calibration procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If appendages are used outside the skin, then flow measurement capability is improved, but aerodynamic drag and fragility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the acoustic measurement system within the aircraft skin structure itself. The transmitters and receiver are integrated into the skin, allowing the skin to serve as both the structural component and the measurement platform. This eliminates the need for external appendages while maintaining flow measurement capability through acoustic wave propagation along the skin surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical flow measurement appendages (such as flags or vane systems) with an acoustic field-based measurement system. Acoustic waves are used to sense flow characteristics without requiring physical protrusions into the airflow, thereby eliminating aerodynamic drag while preserving measurement versatility.
4Device complexity
If passive acoustic sensors are used, then device simplicity is improved, but signal detection reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having transmitters actively emit acoustic waves before the measurement process begins. This active excitation creates known signal patterns that are easier to detect and distinguish from background noise compared to passive listening. The transmitters prepare the acoustic field in advance, enabling more reliable detection by the receiver while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic emission of acoustic waves by the transmitters, allowing the receiver to expect and detect signals at known intervals. This periodic action creates a predictable measurement rhythm that enhances detection reliability through timing-based signal identification, while keeping the device structure relatively simple compared to continuous active sensing systems.
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
This approach provides a more reliable and accurate method for measuring air flow incidence by eliminating errors associated with receiver characteristics and simplifying calibration, while allowing for easy detection of system failures.
Implementation Method 1
several transmitters each able to emit a sound wave and a receiver sensitive to the different sound waves
Implementation Method 2
measuring the propagation times of acoustic waves between emitting elements and fixed receivers
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2e
AI summary
The probe has multiple transmitters (E1-E4) distributed around a receiver (R) i.e. resonant receiver, that is sensitive to different sound waves, where each transmitter is able to emit a sound wave. A travel time measurement unit is arranged between each transmitter and the receiver. The transmitters are located at equal distance from the receiver with a step angle of 90 degree around the receiver. A determination unit determines an incidence angle (alpha) of an air flow with respect to an axis passing by the first and third transmitters.