Compact Pressure Scanner With Integrated A/D Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pressure measurement systems for wind tunnel and flight testing are limited by the size of pneumatic tubes and scanning modules, which restrict the number of measurement locations and can interfere with aerodynamic testing due to their large size and the need for external pneumatic lines.
Innovation Solution
A compact scanner with a manifold and electronic module that includes analog-to-digital converters and pressure sensors, allowing for pressure measurement at multiple locations on a test member, including small spaces, with a nonlinear channel configuration and integrated amplifiers and multiplexers for digital signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional pneumatic tubes and scanning modules are used for pressure measurement, then pressure detection capability is provided, but the device size becomes large and restricts the number of measurement locations
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is divided into multiple channels, each with its own pressure sensor element and A/D converter. This segmentation allows multiple pressure measurements to be performed simultaneously within a compact structure, resolving the contradiction between measurement capability and device size.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (pressure sensor elements, A/D converters, multiplexer, and scanning module) are merged into a single integrated scanner unit. This consolidation reduces the overall device size while maintaining full pressure detection capability across multiple channels.
2Measurement precision
If conventional scanning modules are used, then pressure measurement is enabled, but the module size restricts placement locations and requires remote positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor elements, A/D converters, and scanning module are merged into a single compact scanner that can be placed directly at the measurement location on the test member, eliminating the need for remote positioning and improving placement flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner design transitions from a remote, externally-mounted configuration to an integrated, on-surface placement capability by reducing the device dimensions in all three spatial dimensions, enabling placement in previously inaccessible locations.
3Measurement precision
If pneumatic tubes extend to remote scanning modules, then pressure signals are transmitted, but the tubes may extend outside the test member and interfere with aerodynamic testing
Solution Approach 1:
The A/D converters and signal processing electronics are extracted from the remote scanning module and integrated directly with the pressure sensor elements at the measurement location. This eliminates the need for external pneumatic tubes to extend outside the test member, removing the source of aerodynamic interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electronic signal transmission as an intermediary replacement for pneumatic tube transmission. By converting pressure signals to digital signals at the source and transmitting them electronically, the system eliminates the need for physical pneumatic connections that would interfere with aerodynamic flow.
4Measurement precision
If multiple pneumatic tubes are disposed on a test member, then pressure measurement at multiple locations is achieved, but the number of devices is limited by device size
Solution Approach 1:
The scanner is segmented into multiple independent channels, each capable of measuring pressure at a different location. This allows a single scanner device to perform the function of multiple separate devices, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multi-location measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanner is designed as a universal device that can measure pressure at multiple locations simultaneously through its multi-channel architecture. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for multiple single-function devices, simplifying the overall system.
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 accurate pressure detection at various locations on a test member, including small and hard-to-reach areas, without the interference issues of conventional systems, by providing a compact and sealed solution that maintains measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
pressure sensor elements associated with various locations on the test member. Each pressure sensor provides an analog signal that is representative of the pressure
Implementation Method 2
The scanner includes a manifold defining a plurality of channels... analog-to-digital (A/D) converters associated with each channel of the scanner and configured to provide digital signals representative of the pressures detected
Data Source
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AI summary
A scanner and associated method for detecting pressures on a test member are provided. The scanner can be provided with an electronic module that includes an analog-digital (A/D) converter associated with each channel of the scanner and configured to provide digital signals representative of the pressures detected by pressure sensor elements associated with various locations on the test member. The electronic module can also include amplifiers and/or a multiplexer so that the output of the scanner provides an amplified and/or multiplexed digital output signal representative of the detected pressures. In some cases, the A/D converters and amplifiers can be provided in a single, mixed-signal chip of the scanner. The scanner can be small enough to be disposed in various locations in the test member, including small spaces that are generally incapable of accommodating conventional test equipment.