Configurable Flow Velocimeter with Modular Sensor and Aeroshell
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow velocity measurement instruments are bulky and optimized for controlled environments, making them less effective in diverse domains like aerospace and automotive, where compact and versatile solutions are needed.
Innovation Solution
A configurable flow velocimeter with a modular assembly, featuring a sensor module between an aeroshell and a cavity member, using absolute pressure measurements to compute fluid flow velocity and direction, and powered by inductive or harvested energy, with a flexible design to conform to non-planar surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional flow measurement instruments are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flow velocimeter is divided into distinct modular components: a sensor module containing multiple pressure sensors, a cavity member with distributed ports, and an aeroshell. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall measurement accuracy, resolving the contradiction between precision and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module serves multiple functions: it measures absolute pressure at multiple locations, determines both flow speed and direction, and can be configured for different measurement scenarios. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require multiple separate instruments into a single device, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
2Measurement precision
If instruments are optimized for controlled environments, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability to diverse domains deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The velocimeter design with its modular sensor module and cavity member configuration can be adapted to various environments including aerospace, automotive, and controlled laboratory settings. The same fundamental measurement principles apply across all domains, providing both precision and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for dynamic configuration where sensors can be arranged in different patterns on the cavity member surface, and the aeroshell can be adjusted for different flow conditions. This dynamic adaptability enables the instrument to maintain precision across diverse environments from wind tunnels to vehicle applications.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact design is used, then device size is reduced, but disruption to surrounding flow increases
Solution Approach 1:
The aeroshell component is designed with a curved, aerodynamic shape that minimizes disturbance to the surrounding flow field. This spherical or dome-like geometry allows the compact sensor module to be housed while maintaining smooth flow patterns around the device, reducing wake effects and flow separation that would occur with sharp edges or flat surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is nested within the cavity member, which is in turn enclosed by the aeroshell. This nested configuration allows the sensing elements to be positioned close to the flow-facing surface for accurate measurement while the outer aeroshell maintains a compact, flow-friendly exterior shape that minimizes disruption.
4Ease of manufacture
If modular assembly is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a sensor module, cavity member, and aeroshell that can be manufactured separately using different processes and then assembled. This segmentation improves ease of manufacture by allowing each component to be optimized for its specific manufacturing requirements, while the assembly process is simplified through standardized interfaces between modules.
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 solution provides a compact, versatile, and efficient means to measure fluid flow velocity and direction in various environments, minimizing disruption and allowing for easy adaptation and scalability.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor module with a plurality of sensors may sample the absolute pressure from ports distributed about the flow-facing surface
Implementation Method 2
solar panels disposed on a surface of the monitoring device may be used to collect solar energy, which is then converted to DC power to recharge a rechargeable battery
Implementation Method 3
a wireless charger may be placed in close proximity to the monitoring device in order to inductively charge a rechargeable battery
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring device includes a sensor module disposed between an aeroshell and a cavity assembly. A surface of the aeroshell and a surface of the cavity assembly may form a flow-facing surface of the monitoring device. A junction area on the flow-facing surface within which the aeroshell abuts the cavity assembly may be a smooth surface to minimize the disruption to the surrounding flow of fluid. The sensor module may sample the absolute pressure from ports distributed about the flow-facing surface. The absolute pressure measurements may be used to compute the velocity of the fluid flow, including speed and/or direction. The monitoring device may be powered by inductively received energy or harvested energy. In one variant of the monitoring device, the monitoring device may be constructed from an electrically coupled mosaic of flexible thin-profile tiles, each of which may be responsible for one functional aspect of the monitoring device.