Low Profile Vehicle Pressure Sensor with Wireless Transmitter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Accurately and inexpensively measuring surface pressure distribution in external flow fields around vehicles is challenging, often requiring expensive and complex methods like wind tunnel testing.
Innovation Solution
A low-profile, disposable sensor system comprising a sensor body with a transducer and transmitter, adhered to the vehicle surface using an adhesive, which provides a smooth transition and communicates wirelessly to a data acquisition unit, allowing for local pressure sensing and transmission without affecting aerodynamics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional pressure sensors are used to measure surface pressure distribution, then measurement capability is provided, but the sensors create aerodynamic interference and require complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable pressure sensors that are inexpensive and can be easily applied to the vehicle surface. These sensors are designed to be temporary measurement devices that do not require complex installation or removal procedures, thereby minimizing aerodynamic interference while providing accurate pressure distribution data during wind tunnel testing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure sensors utilize thin-film technology with flexible diaphragms that closely conform to the vehicle surface. This thin-film construction minimizes the protrusion from the surface, reducing aerodynamic disturbance while maintaining the ability to accurately measure surface pressure distribution in the flow field.
2Measurement precision
If wind tunnel testing is used to characterize flow fields, then accurate flow field data is obtained, but the testing cost and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent, simple pressure sensors distributed across the vehicle surface. Each sensor operates independently and provides local pressure data, which is then integrated to characterize the overall flow field. This segmentation approach simplifies the overall testing system while maintaining measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical measurement systems with electronic pressure sensors that have no moving parts. The sensors use electronic transducers to convert pressure into electrical signals, eliminating the need for complex mechanical linkages, pressure taps, and wiring required by traditional systems, thereby reducing testing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are installed on the vehicle surface, then pressure measurements are enabled, but the sensor profile disrupts the boundary layer and affects flow characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensors utilize extremely thin flexible diaphragms and housing structures that minimize protrusion from the vehicle surface. This thin-profile design allows the sensors to remain within or close to the boundary layer thickness, reducing flow separation and distortion while enabling accurate local pressure measurements through the thin diaphragm.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor design transitions from a traditional protruding three-dimensional structure to a two-dimensional surface-mounted configuration. By flattening the sensor profile and making it conformal to the surface, the sensor occupies minimal space in the flow direction, thereby reducing aerodynamic interference while maintaining measurement capability through the thin active sensing element.
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
Enables accurate and cost-effective measurement of flow fields with minimal impact on vehicle aerodynamics, reducing the need for expensive testing methods like wind tunnels.
Implementation Method 1
adhered to the vehicle surface using an adhesive
Implementation Method 2
The transducer is positioned within the sensor body and is configured to obtain a sensed pressure local to the respective sensor
Implementation Method 3
the transmitter is configured to transmit the sensed pressure to the data acquisition unit
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor is configured to attach to a main body and includes a sensor body, a transducer, a transmitter, and a power source. The sensor body is configured to provide a smooth transition with a surface of the main body. The transducer is positioned within the sensor body and is configured to provide a sensed output. The transmitter is positioned within the sensor body and is configured to transmit the sensed output. The power source is positioned within the sensor body and is configured to provide electrical power to the transducer and the transmitter.