Hydrophobic Membrane Sonic Anemometer Liquid Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sonic anemometers face accuracy issues due to liquid interference in their signal paths, particularly from precipitation, which can distort wind velocity measurements.
Innovation Solution
The sonic anemometer design incorporates a hydrophobic membrane and a reflector with pores to displace liquid from the signal path, allowing sonic signals to pass through while preventing liquid from interfering with the measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sonic anemometer operates in wet conditions without liquid displacement mechanisms, then the device structure remains simple, but liquid interference distorts wind velocity measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector is constructed with porous material that allows sonic signals to pass through while the pore structure facilitates liquid displacement through capillary action, preventing liquid accumulation that would interfere with measurements
Solution Approach 2:
A hydrophobic membrane is introduced as an intermediary component between the sonic transducer and the external environment, allowing sonic signals to pass through while blocking liquid from reaching the signal path
2Reliability
If a hydrophobic membrane is added to displace liquid from the signal path, then liquid interference is prevented, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector serves dual functions: it reflects sonic signals for wind velocity measurement and simultaneously displaces liquid from the signal path through its porous structure and capillary action, eliminating the need for separate liquid displacement components
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the reflector includes pores for liquid displacement, then liquid is wicked away from the signal path, but the reflector material requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The reflector material is selected with specific pore size parameters (40-100 micrometers) that optimize capillary action for liquid displacement while maintaining acoustic transparency for sonic signal passage, balancing liquid rejection with manufacturing feasibility
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
This design effectively prevents liquid interference, ensuring accurate wind velocity measurements by repelling and draining liquid away from the signal path, thus maintaining measurement accuracy even in wet conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a hydrophobic membrane and a reflector with pores to displace liquid from the signal path
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the reflector includes a plurality of pores extending from a first surface of the reflector and a second surface of the reflector, the plurality of pores of the reflector being configured to wick water away from the first surface of the reflector
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the reflector and the at least one member are configured to displace liquid from the signal path of the sonic signal
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein for displacing liquid away from a signal path of sonic signals in a signal anemometer. A sonic anemometer may include a membrane positioned between a sonic transducer and the open environment. The membrane may be formed of a hydrophobic material that repels the liquid. The membrane may also include a plurality of pores that impede the flow of liquid through the membrane but enables sonic signals to pass through the membrane. The sonic anemometer may also include a reflector that displaces liquid away from the signal path of the sonic anemometer. The reflector may include one or more pores that wick liquid away from the signal path.