Multi-Axis Laser Velocimeter Using Segmented Transceivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laser Doppler velocimeters (LDVs) are limited in their ability to perform simultaneous multi-dimensional velocity measurements, relying on sequential measurements with moving parts, which reduces accuracy and timeliness, and often require large, bulky equipment for air-speed measurements.
Innovation Solution
A laser velocimeter system with multiple transceivers, each transmitting and receiving light simultaneously to different areas of a target region, using optical fibers for communication, and an optical mixer to determine Doppler shifts, allowing for simultaneous multi-dimensional velocity measurements without moving parts and using eye-safe radiation sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LDVs use sequential measurements with moving parts, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and timeliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into multiple independent transceivers (at least three), each responsible for measuring velocity along a specific axis simultaneously. This segmentation allows parallel measurement operations without requiring mechanical movement, thereby improving measurement precision and timeliness while distributing system complexity across multiple identical modular units
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the mechanical moving parts (motors, telescopes) with multiple stationary transceivers that simultaneously transmit and receive light beams along different axes. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity while enabling simultaneous multi-dimensional velocity measurements, directly resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
2Productivity
If conventional LDVs use sequential measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement task is segmented into multiple independent transceivers, each handling a specific spatial axis. This allows simultaneous execution of measurements along different axes without sequential switching, dramatically improving productivity and reducing time loss while the number of transceivers increases
Solution Approach 2:
By replacing mechanical scanning systems with multiple stationary transceivers operating in parallel, the system eliminates time-consuming mechanical movements and switching operations, achieving simultaneous measurements that improve productivity without requiring complex mechanical mechanisms
3Reliability
If conventional LDVs use moving parts for sequential measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention completely eliminates mechanical moving parts by using multiple stationary transceivers that simultaneously perform measurements along different axes. This substitution removes the reliability issues associated with mechanical wear, friction, and failure while distributing the measurement function across multiple redundant transceivers, improving reliability without requiring complex mechanical systems
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the measurement function into multiple independent transceiver units, the system creates redundancy where each transceiver can independently perform its measurement function. This segmentation improves reliability through functional distribution and eliminates single points of failure associated with mechanical moving parts, while the system configuration becomes a network of simple stationary units
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 enhances the accuracy and timeliness of velocity measurements while eliminating the need for moving parts and reducing equipment size, making it suitable for various applications, including wind and air-speed measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a coherent source configured to produce a coherent radiation beam
Implementation Method 2
a modulator configured to receive the coherent radiation beam as input from the source and to produce a modulated radiation beam
Implementation Method 3
The optical mixer is configured to receive the one or more reflected radiation signals from the corresponding one or more transceivers, receive one or more reference radiation beams from the coherent source, and determine, for each of the one or more transceivers, a corresponding one or more Doppler shifts based on the respective one or more reference beams and the corresponding one or more reflected radiation signals
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring wind velocities are provided. A laser wind velocimeter with a radiation source includes a fiber laser. All optical signals, transmitted and received, are conveyed by optical fibers. An amplifier amplifies a source laser, which is then transmitted to one or more transceivers. The one or more transceivers, each projecting along a different axis, and each with a single optical fiber input/output interface act as both the transmission device to focus the radiation at a target region, and as the receiving system for collecting reflected radiation. The one or more transceivers transmit radiation to the target region. A portion of the reflected radiation collected by the receiving system is analyzed to determine the Doppler shift, which can me used to measure wind velocity.