Horizontal Wind Tunnel Layout With Low-Compression Airflow Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal wind tunnels are either too large or compromise safety and effectiveness, failing to simulate real-life wind conditions effectively and safely for human use.
Innovation Solution
A compact horizontal wind tunnel design featuring a recirculating airflow channel with a rectangular configuration, including a horizontal simulator chamber with a low compression ratio contraction member and diffusor, multiple access points, and a unique arrangement of fans and turning members to ensure safety and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional high compression ratio contraction members are used, then wind tunnel effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by using an unconventional low compression ratio (1.25:1 to 2.5:1) instead of traditional high compression ratios (4:1 and above). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by achieving effective wind flow simulation with a simpler, more compact contraction member design, reducing device complexity while maintaining wind tunnel effectiveness through optimized airflow control in the horizontal recirculating channel.
2Volume of moving object
If compact wind tunnel design is implemented, then device size is reduced, but safety for human use deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing multiple access points (at least two) distributed along the horizontal simulator chamber - one near the inlet side and another near the outlet side. This segmentation of exit options allows users to leave the chamber at different locations, reducing safety hazards in a compact design by providing alternative escape routes without requiring a larger chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by strategically positioning access points in areas where wind speed is reduced (near inlet and outlet sides of the horizontal side member). This preliminary placement of safe exit points before hazardous high-speed wind conditions are encountered allows users to exit safely, resolving the contradiction between compact size and human safety.
3Device complexity
If single access point is provided, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and safety deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning access points with different characteristics at different locations - one access point near the inlet side where wind speed is lower, and another near the outlet side. This creates locally optimized entry/exit points with appropriate wind conditions for each location, improving ease of operation without significantly increasing overall device complexity through the use of simple door structures.
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 design allows for a compact, safe, and effective simulation of real-life wind conditions, enabling safe human entry and exit through controlled wind speed transitions, enhancing user safety and operational performance.
Implementation Method 1
The compression ratio of the contraction member is in the range of 2.5:1 (inlet cross section : outlet cross section) to 1.25:1
Implementation Method 2
The diffusor is mounted on the outlet side of the first horizontal side member
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The present invention relates to horizontal wind tunnels for simulating a wind force. The simulator comprises a recirculating airflow channel (1) comprising a first horizontal side member (2), a first airflow turning member (3), a return side member (4), and a second airflow turning member (5). The first horizontal side member (2) comprises a horizontal simulator chamber (6) capable of accommodating at least one human during normal use. The simulator comprises a fan (7) mounted in the return side member (4) for providing an air flow. The simulator further comprises a contraction member (9) fitted at the inlet side of the first horizontal side member (2). The length (A) of the horizontal simulator chamber (6) is longer than the length (B) of any of the turning members (3; 5) and the same length (A) is 0.7 to 1.0 from the length (C) of the first horizontal side member (2).