Laser Doppler Velocimetry for Non-Contact Water Speed Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring water current speeds and object speeds in water bodies are often inaccurate and difficult to use, particularly in certain situations, as they require contact methods like flow meters with propellers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a laser emission source to emit light into water, with a detector receiving the reflected light to determine speed based on the Doppler-shifted frequency, allowing for non-contact measurement of water current or object speeds in water bodies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contact methods such as flow meters with propellers are used to measure water current speed, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision and ease of operation deteriorate due to limited accuracy and difficulty in certain situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based flow meters with propellers with an optical measurement system using laser emission and Doppler frequency shift detection. This substitution eliminates the mechanical components that limited accuracy and created operational difficulties, allowing non-contact measurement of water current speed through optical Doppler velocimetry
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about water current speed without direct contact. The laser light interacts with particles or waves in the water, and the Doppler-shifted reflection carries velocity information back to the detector, serving as a non-intrusive mediator for measurement
2Measurement precision
If contact methods are used to measure object speed in water, then measurement can be performed, but measurement precision deteriorates due to limited accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement devices with propellers and contact sensors with a simplified optical system. The laser Doppler velocimetry system measures object speed by detecting frequency shifts in reflected light, eliminating the need for mechanical components while improving measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy or representation of the object's motion through Doppler-shifted light frequencies. Instead of physically contacting the object, the system captures velocity information through the frequency modulation of reflected light, providing an accurate non-contact measurement copy of the object's speed
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 approach provides accurate and efficient measurement of water current and object speeds without the limitations of contact methods, enabling precise velocity determination in various aquatic environments.
Implementation Method 1
determining, based on a Doppler-shifted frequency of the reflection of the light, one of: a speed of a current in the body of water; or a speed of an object in a body of water
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes the step of emitting light from a laser emission source into a body of water. A reflection of the light can be received at a detector. A speed of a current in the body of water can be determined based on a Doppler-shifted frequency of the reflection of the light.