Inclined Support Elements for Wind Sensor Flow Independence
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind speed and direction measuring devices require cumbersome adaptation of compensation algorithms due to geometrical modifications in the support structure, which affects the accuracy of wind measurements.
Innovation Solution
Inclined support elements between the base and cover, arranged at an angle between 30° and 60°, preferably 45°, to minimize the impact of support structure geometry on wind flow, using a helicoidally wound or slotted cylindrical structure to maintain consistent fluid-dynamic flow patterns independent of wind direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bar-like support elements are used to support the cover on the base, then the sensor is protected against rain, dirt, and mechanical impact, but the support elements create disturbance in the wind flow and cause difference in cooling effect depending on wind direction
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed with curved or rounded profiles instead of sharp edges, and the cover is given a dome-shaped or rounded configuration. This curvature allows wind to flow more smoothly around the support elements, reducing turbulence and minimizing the disturbance to the thermal field around the sensor, thereby reducing directional measurement errors while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The geometry parameters of the support elements are optimized - specifically reducing their cross-sectional area, using hollow cylindrical shapes with thin walls, and positioning them at optimal distances from the sensor. These parameter changes minimize the blockage effect and wind flow disturbance while maintaining sufficient mechanical protection for the sensor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the geometry of the base, cover, ceramic cylinder, or support bars is modified, then the device can be adapted to different requirements, but the compensation algorithm must be adapted each time, which is extremely cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal geometric configuration where the support elements have specific standardized dimensions and arrangements that work with various sensor types and housing designs. The compensation algorithm is calibrated once for this universal geometry, allowing the same algorithm to be used across different device iterations without requiring recalibration, thus achieving versatility without increasing algorithmic complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The design fixes certain geometric parameters of the support elements (such as their diameter, length, and spacing) within optimal ranges that minimize wind flow disturbance. By maintaining these parameters within standardized ranges, the fluid-dynamic characteristics remain consistent, allowing a single compensation algorithm to remain valid across different configurations and eliminating the need for frequent algorithm adaptation.
3Device complexity
If the support elements are arranged perpendicular between base and cover, then the structure is simple and stable, but they are in the way of the wind and create disturbance or difference in cooling effect
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are given curved profiles and the cover is designed with a rounded, dome-like shape. This curvature enables wind to flow smoothly around the vertical support elements, reducing flow separation and turbulence. The rounded geometry minimizes the disturbance to the thermal boundary layer around the sensor, maintaining more consistent cooling effects across different wind directions while preserving the simple vertical support structure.
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 configuration reduces the disturbance on wind flow, allowing for accurate wind speed and direction measurements without the need for frequent recalibration of compensation algorithms, as the cooling effect becomes largely independent of wind orientation.
Implementation Method 1
The outer surface of the ceramic cylinder is cooled by the wind, and the cooling effect is different on each of the temperature sensors, so that the direction and also the speed of the wind can be calculated
Implementation Method 2
said support elements are arranged between said base and said cover in a direction different from perpendicular between base and cover, preferably in inclined manner
Data Source
Figure 1~3b
Figure 4a~4b
Figure 5a
AI summary
The fluid-dynamic pattern around the sensor (2) of a wind speed and direction raeasuring apparatus, which comprises support bars (10) around the sensor (2) is disturbed by these support bars, so that the measured speed of a given wind is dependent on its direction. In the past, this phenomenon was compensated electronically, but the compensation needed to be adapted to any different geometry that was actually used in a particular wind meter. The present invention proposes to arrange the support bars (10) in inclined manner with respect to the orientation of the sensor (2). Thus, the flow pattern of the wind between the support bars (10) and the sensor (2) becomes largely independent from the direction of the wind.