Omni-directional Anemometer Using Pressure Sensors for Harsh Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing anemometers are vulnerable to harsh environments and limited in accessibility, particularly in elevated or hazardous locations, making it difficult to accurately measure wind speed and direction, especially on construction sites or near heavy equipment.
Innovation Solution
An omni-directional anemometer system with a rugged housing and multiple air pressure sensors, connected to a controller and communication module, which calculates and communicates the highest wind speed and direction, using a plurality of ports and sensors to measure air pressure from multiple points, and includes a diagnostic system for error detection and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional rotational anemometer is used, then wind speed and direction can be measured, but the device is vulnerable to harsh environments and incidental contact with structures or obstacles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical rotational cup system with electronic pressure sensors that measure wind pressure directly. This eliminates vulnerable moving mechanical parts while maintaining the wind measurement function, thereby improving reliability and resistance to harsh conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the mechanical rotating cups and transfers it to electronic pressure sensors housed in a protected enclosure. This separation allows the sensing elements to be shielded from environmental damage while still capturing wind data.
2Ease of operation
If a hand-held anemometer is used, then wind measurements can be taken, but accessibility to elevated and hazardous locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a remote mounting capability where the anemometer can be installed on structures or equipment at elevated locations, acting as an intermediary between the measurement need and the operator. This allows safe remote measurement without requiring operators to physically access hazardous locations.
3Measurement precision
If multiple air pressure sensors are used to improve measurement accuracy, then wind speed and direction can be determined more accurately, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each pressure sensor serve multiple functions: they collectively contribute to determining both wind speed and wind direction through coordinated measurement. This multi-functionality approach allows accurate two-dimensional wind vector measurement without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
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
The system provides accurate, reliable, and robust wind speed and direction measurements in harsh environments, improving accessibility and communication of critical wind data to operators and managers, enhancing safety and decision-making.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor may be configured to measure air pressure and send air pressure measurement signals
Data Source
AI summary
An omni-directional anemometer may include a housing, a cavity, and a plurality of ports in fluid communication with the atmosphere. The ports may include at least one sensor configured to measure air pressure. The robust housing may be formed by additive manufacturing, casting, machining, or molding. The anemometer may include a controller configured to determine wind speed and direction using the air pressure measurement signals from the at least one sensor. The anemometer may include a communication module configured to send and/or receive signals from the at least one sensor and the controller using wired and/or wireless communication. The communication module may send or receive signals to or from a network, a server, a vehicle, a structure, and/or a user interface. The anemometer may include a power supply connected to the at least one sensor, controller and/or communication module.