Multi-Port Measurement System for Real-Time Aerodynamic Drag
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aerodynamic measurement systems face challenges in accurately calculating real-time aerodynamic drag on vehicles without precise slope measurements, are expensive, and are not weather-resistant, particularly due to the complexity of measuring wind speed and direction effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact multi-port measurement system using differential pressure sensors, inertial measurement units, and artificial intelligence to calculate aerodynamic drag coefficients in real-time, decoupling wind speed and direction measurements and eliminating the need for precise slope calibration, while being designed for use in various weather conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional multi-probe pitot tubes are used to measure wind speed and direction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement function into separate components: a single pitot tube for wind speed measurement and ultrasonic sensors for wind direction measurement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and manufactured at lower cost, while maintaining overall measurement accuracy through computational integration of multiple sensor data streams.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a microcontroller unit that performs multiple functions: processing data from the pitot tube, processing data from ultrasonic sensors, calculating wind speed and direction, and controlling the display. This multi-functional integration reduces the need for separate dedicated components, lowering overall system cost while maintaining measurement precision.
2Reliability
If shielded pitot tubes are used for high yaw angle measurements, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ultrasonic sensors as intermediary devices that measure wind direction independently of the pitot tube's orientation. This allows the system to compensate for yaw angle effects computationally rather than requiring complex mechanical shielding, maintaining reliability while reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical shielding approach with a computational approach using ultrasonic sensors and microcontroller processing. Instead of using complex physical shields to protect the pitot tube at high yaw angles, the system uses electronic signal processing to calculate accurate wind parameters, significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
3Measurement precision
If aerodynamic sensors are exposed for environmental measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but weather resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs protective enclosures with acoustic and pressure transmission properties that allow environmental sensors to measure external conditions while being protected from direct weather exposure. The housing acts as a flexible barrier that transmits relevant physical quantities (pressure, sound) while blocking harmful elements (rain, extreme temperatures).
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the vehicle's existing aerodynamic surfaces and flow fields as intermediaries to indirectly measure environmental conditions. Rather than exposing sensors directly to harsh weather, the system measures flow parameters around the vehicle that correlate with environmental conditions, providing measurement capability while maintaining weather resistance.
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, cost-effective, and weather-independent real-time measurement of aerodynamic drag, improving the reliability and usability of aerodynamic measurement systems by integrating data from multiple sensors and using AI for predictive analysis.
Implementation Method 1
at least two differential pressure sensors electrically connected to the processor and the non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is configured to convert a first differential air pressure from a first sensor to a wind speed, and to convert a second differential air pressure from a second sensor to a wind direction
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of sensors for detecting forces, including barometric pressure, air temperature and relative humidity
Implementation Method 3
at least two Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) mounted slightly off axis to each other to reduce sensor noise by fusing data together to simultaneously measure wind speed and wind direction
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for measuring real-time aerodynamic drag of a moving vehicle, for example, a bicycle and rider. The system comprises a processor and a non-transitory computer medium for storing data. Further, it comprises a single, compact, multi-port measurement system (MPMS) comprised of at least two differential pressure sensors electrically connected to the processor and the non-transitory computer-readable medium, wherein the processor is configured to convert a first differential air pressure from a first sensor to a wind speed, and to convert a second differential air pressure from a second sensor to a wind direction. The system further comprises a plurality of sensors for detecting forces, including barometric pressure, air temperature and relative humidity, distance, and speed, surrounding the moving vehicle. The plurality of sensors are electrically connected to the processor and the non-transitory computer-readable medium, and also store data.