Flow Probe Distance Sensing for Spatially Resolved Measurements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow probes and methods for determining location-dependent measured variables in ducts are prone to errors due to manual traversal and lack of precise positioning, leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a distance sensor and an acceleration sensor at the distal end of the shaft to automatically determine the position and orientation of the measuring sensor, allowing for precise location-dependent measurements by triggering measurements at specific positions or intervals, and correcting for alignment deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual traversal is used to determine measured variables at specified positions, then the flow probe can measure location-dependent variables, but the determination is prone to errors and lacks precision
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical traversal system with an automated optical measurement system. A distance sensor (optical device) is integrated into the flow probe to automatically measure the distance to the duct wall, eliminating the need for manual position checking and triggering measurements automatically when predefined distance criteria are met, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The flow probe performs self-positioning and self-measurement by automatically detecting its own distance to the duct wall using the integrated distance sensor. The system autonomously determines when it has reached the correct measurement position and triggers the measuring sensor accordingly, eliminating manual intervention and improving positioning precision without proportionally increasing complexity
2Measurement precision
If the distal end of the shaft extends over a large portion of the shaft length, then it can reach the measuring area, but the position determination becomes less accurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical position estimation (based on shaft extension length) with an optical distance measurement system. The distance sensor directly measures the distance from the flow probe to the duct wall, providing accurate position determination regardless of how far the distal end extends, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and shaft extension length
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, automatic, and spatially resolved measurements of flow variables, reducing errors and improving measurement precision by ensuring correct positioning and alignment of the measuring sensor.
Implementation Method 1
at least one distance sensor is arranged at the distal end of the shaft... the distance between the distal end of the shaft and, for example, surrounding channel and/or pipe walls can be determined
Implementation Method 2
From CN 215 573 150 U a portable Doppler flow velocity and current measuring device is known... the measuring part comprises a laser width measuring sensor and a Doppler flow velocity and water depth sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
It is therefore proposed that, in measuring devices (1) with measuring sensors (2) at a distal end (3) of a shaft (4), at least one distance sensor (7, 8, 9) and/or an acceleration sensor (16) should also be provided at this distal end (3) in order to enable automatic distance measurement and/or determination of the position and/or orientation of the measuring sensor (2) within a measuring range (6) and thus the recording of spatially resolved measured values.