Power Kite Wind Sensor with Motion Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind sensors at kite locations often provide inaccurate readings due to their placement in wind shadows or low positions, leading to uncertainty for kite riders regarding wind conditions, as they do not accurately represent the real-time wind experienced by power kites.
Innovation Solution
A device integrated with at least one anemometry sensor and a processing unit, such as a microcontroller, is attached to a power kite to measure wind velocity, utilizing an ultrasonic anemometer for accurate wind speed measurement, and optionally includes inertial, magnetometric, and environmental sensors to account for kite motion and orientation, with wireless capabilities for real-time data sharing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If wind sensors are placed at ground level or in wind shadows to monitor wind conditions, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because they do not accurately represent the real-time wind experienced by power kites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the anemometry sensor, processing unit, and attachment means into an integrated device that mounts directly on the power kite. This merging allows the sensor to measure wind conditions at the actual location where the kite experiences the wind, eliminating the need for separate ground-based sensor infrastructure while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The power kite itself serves as an intermediary platform, carrying the measurement device to the optimal measurement location. By mounting the sensor on the kite, the system uses the kite's structure and motion to achieve accurate wind measurements that would be difficult to obtain from ground level.
2Measurement precision
If anemometry sensors are mounted on the power kite to measure real-time wind conditions, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The processing unit performs multiple functions: it processes data from the anemometry sensor, compensates for apparent wind effects caused by kite motion, and can integrate with other sensors (IMU, GPS, barometer). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the kite's own motion data from IMU and GPS sensors to automatically compensate for apparent wind effects. Rather than requiring external reference systems, the device leverages the kite's built-in navigation sensors to correct its wind measurements.
3Measurement precision
If additional sensors (IMU, GPS, barometer) are included to account for kite motion and orientation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and use of energy increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system selectively activates additional sensors and processing only when needed to achieve accurate measurements during dynamic kite flight. The processing unit can adjust the level of compensation based on flight conditions, using full compensation when the kite is in motion and reduced compensation when stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts measurement and processing parameters based on flight conditions. The processing unit modifies compensation algorithms based on data from IMU, GPS, and barometer sensors, changing processing intensity and sensor activation levels to optimize energy consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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 reliable, real-time wind data to kite riders, minimizing the impact of kite motion and environmental factors, allowing for precise wind condition monitoring and sharing, enhancing kite riding experiences and skills development.
Implementation Method 1
an ultrasonic anemometer as described in U.S. Pat. No. 3,693,433A is uniquely suited to this task
Implementation Method 2
further inclusion of an inertial measurement unit allows for determining the amount of measured (apparent) wind that is due to the induced wind from the kite motion
Implementation Method 3
a magnetometer allowing for the kite orientation to be determined relative to cardinal directions and thereby estimate the direction of the true wind
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a device for measuring wind conditions during power kite activities. The device comprises an electronic processing unit, an anemometer, and a means of attachment to a power kite. The data from the anemometer is processed by the processing unit and stored locally or transmitted wirelessly to a secondary device (e.g. a smart phone or smart watch). The anemometer directly measures the apparent wind at the kite. In certain embodiments inclusion of an inertial measurement unit and a GPS unit provides a means of calculating the true wind by accounting for induced wind from kite and kiter motion respectively.