Deformable Boom Flow Sensor with Curved Inflow and Laser Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining fluid flow parameters, such as speed and direction, have limited angular resolution, making it difficult to accurately detect transverse components of fluid flow.
Innovation Solution
A device with an elastically deformable boom featuring an oblique and/or curved inflow surface aligned relative to the main flow direction, combined with a laser measuring system, allows for higher angular resolution by enhancing the boom's response to fluid forces through improved deformation measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional boom with a flow surface perpendicular to the main flow direction is used, then the device structure is simple, but the angular resolution for determining fluid flow parameters is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The flow surface of the boom is designed with a curved cross-section instead of a flat or simple aerodynamic shape. This curvature is optimized to maximize the boom's response to transverse flow components, enabling higher angular resolution measurements by enhancing the deformation signal generated by oblique flows
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-sectional shape parameters of the boom are specifically optimized to enhance sensitivity to transverse flow components. By adjusting the curvature and geometric parameters of the flow surface, the boom generates larger deformation signals for given transverse flow angles, thereby improving angular resolution without requiring complex external structures
2Measurement precision
If the flow surface is oriented perpendicular to the main flow direction, then the device is easier to manufacture, but the transverse component of fluid flow cannot be better detected and resolved
Solution Approach 1:
The curved cross-section of the boom is designed to naturally enhance the interaction with transverse flow components. The specific curvature profile maximizes the aerodynamic or hydrodynamic forces generated by oblique flows, converting small transverse velocity components into measurable deformation signals with high precision
Solution Approach 2:
The curved flow surface creates localized pressure distribution patterns that are highly sensitive to transverse flow angles. By optimizing the curvature at specific locations along the boom, the design enhances the deformation response to transverse components while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized curvilinear profiles
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 device achieves higher angular resolution for fluid flow parameter determination, enabling precise measurement of speed and direction, particularly in two-dimensional measurements, with improved spatial and temporal resolution.
Implementation Method 1
an elastically deformable boom (23) having at least one flow surface (29) for the fluid, and with a measuring device (16) for measuring the deformation of the boom (23). wherein the deformation of the boom due to the forces of the flow acting on the flow surface (29) is measured
Implementation Method 2
the so-called laser pointer principle, known in particular from atomic force microscopy, is employed
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (10) for determining at least one parameter of a flow of a fluid, said device having an elastically deformable boom (23, 28, 33, 42, 47), which has at least one inflow area (29, 31, 32, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50) for the fluid, and having a measurement apparatus (16) for measuring the deformation of the boom (23, 28, 33, 42, 47), wherein at least one section of the inflow area (29, 31, 32, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50) is aligned askew and/or curved to a main inflow direction (25) of the fluid, the boom (23, 28, 33, 42, 47) has an inflow structure (24, 30, 34, 43, 48) on one free end, and the inflow structure (24, 30, 34, 43, 48) has the at least one inflow area (31, 32, 37, 38, 39, 40, 44, 45, 46, 49, 50) for the fluid. In order to be able to determine the at least one parameter of the fluid flow which is to be determined at high resolution, in particular a high angle resolution, the device (10) is characterized in that the boom (23, 28, 33, 42, 47) has a reflection surface (27) on a side facing away from the inflow structure (24, 30, 34, 43, 48) and the measurement apparatus (16) has a laser (17), wherein a beam axis (26) of the laser (17) is directed to the reflection surface (27) of the boom (23, 28, 33, 42, 47).