Flexible Strip Flow Sensor Parallel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining the flow regime and direction around an element like a sail are intrusive, prone to malfunction due to external attacks, and unable to function in low visibility conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a flexible strip with a telltale attached to one end, which is secured to the element and extends parallel to it, allowing deformation-based electrical signal conversion for processing the flow characteristics without moving parts exposed to external aggression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flexible member extends perpendicular to the support element to measure flow characteristics, then measurement capability is provided, but the device disturbs the fluid flow and enters resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional arrangement by extending the flexible strip parallel to the support element instead of perpendicular to it. This allows the telltale to be positioned downstream without the flexible member interfering with the flow, eliminating resonance and flow disturbance while maintaining measurement capability through strain gauge detection of strip deformation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the flexible member's position in the flow and relocates it to strain gauges attached to the flexible strip. The strip serves only as a flow-following element whose deformation is measured, separating the flow disturbance function from the measurement function
2Measurement precision
If a rotating disc is used to detect turbulent flow, then flow regime detection is enabled, but the rotating connection is exposed to external aggressions causing breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating disc system with a flexible strip and strain gauge system. The strip deforms in response to turbulent flow, and strain gauges convert this deformation into electrical signals for processing, eliminating mechanical rotating connections and their vulnerability to external aggressions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces strain gauges as intermediaries that convert the physical deformation of the flexible strip into electrical signals. This intermediary mechanism allows flow regime detection without requiring direct mechanical movement or rotation, protecting the system from external aggressions
3Ease of operation
If telltales are used visually to determine flow direction, then flow visualization is achieved, but the device cannot function in dark or poor weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual observation of telltales with an electrical signal processing system. Strain gauges attached to the flexible strip convert flow-induced deformations into electrical signals that are processed to determine flow regime and direction, providing information independent of visual conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback system where strain gauge measurements are processed to provide continuous information about flow regime and direction. This feedback mechanism allows the operator to maintain optimal sail trim even in dark or poor weather conditions where visual telltales are ineffective
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 provides precise and reliable determination of flow speed and direction without disturbing the flow, resistant to external factors, and allows for visual confirmation of flow regime and direction.
Implementation Method 1
said device comprising a flexible strip, at least one zone of which is secured to the element subjected to said flow, at least one other zone of the strip being free relative to said element in order to allow the strip to bend
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for determining the speed and/or the direction of a fluid flow close to an element exposed to said flow, such as a sail, said device comprising at least one dog-vane (1). The device further includes at least one flexible strip (2), one region (5) of the strip being fastened to the element (7) exposed to said flow and another region (15) of the strip being free relative to said element, so as to enable the strip and said free region extending substantially parallel to said element to flex, said dog-vane being fixed via one of its ends to said free region of the flexible strip. The device includes conversion means (3, 3', 3A, 3B, 3'A, 3'B, 3C, 3D, 3'C, 3'D) for converting the deformations undergone by said strip into an electrical signal, relative to a reference position, and processing means (4) for processing said electrical signals.