Omnidirectional Pressure Probe for Variable Flow Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure measurement devices struggle to accurately measure total pressure in fluid streams where the flow direction is unknown or varying, requiring multiple probes and sensors that reduce the functionality of data acquisition systems.

Innovation Solution

An omnidirectional probe with multiple ports oriented in different directions and check valves allows fluid to enter from any direction, pressurizing a single measurement chamber, which is monitored by a single pressure sensor, reducing the need for multiple sensors and channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If multiple probes and sensors are used to measure total pressure in fluid streams with unknown or varying flow direction, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and data acquisition system functionality are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetotal pressure measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of probes and sensors

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The probe head is segmented into multiple ports (at least two) oriented in different directions, each capable of capturing fluid flow from its specific orientation. This segmentation allows the system to handle varying flow directions by selecting the appropriate port based on flow conditions, maintaining measurement accuracy without requiring multiple complete probe assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple ports that would traditionally require separate probes and sensors are merged into a single probe head structure. The measurement chamber integrates signals from multiple ports, and a single pressure sensor measures the combined total pressure, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining measurement capability across varying flow directions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple probes and sensors are deployed to handle varying flow directions, then total pressure measurement capability is improved, but the number of channels required in data acquisition systems increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to handle varying flow directionsVSAvoidnumber of channels in data acquisition system

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The single pressure sensor performs multiple functions by receiving input from multiple ports oriented in different directions. The measurement chamber integrates pressure signals from all ports, allowing the single sensor to adapt to varying flow directions that would traditionally require multiple dedicated sensors and channels, thereby reducing the quantity of data acquisition resources needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If multiple probes are used to ensure accurate total pressure measurement in unknown flow directions, then measurement reliability is improved, but parts costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetotal pressure measurement reliabilityVSAvoidparts costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges multiple probe functions into a single integrated probe head with multiple ports. By combining the functionality of multiple probes into one unit with a single pressure sensor, the system maintains measurement reliability across varying flow directions while reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and maintained, thereby reducing parts costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enables efficient total pressure measurement in varying flow conditions, optimizing data acquisition system usage and reducing parts costs by eliminating the need for multiple probes and sensors.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor operatively coupled to the measurement chamber to measure the total pressure inside the measurement chamber, the total pressure corresponding to fluid flow through one of the plurality of ports

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure measurement:

Implementation Method 2

An omnidirectional probe with multiple ports oriented in different directions and check valves allows fluid to enter from any direction, pressurizing a single measurement chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCheck valve mechanism: Valve

Data Source

PatentUS12553917B2Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to measure pressure of a fluid

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO POLSKA SP ZOO

AI summary

Methods, apparatus, and articles of manufacture to measure pressure of a fluid are disclosed. An example apparatus to measure a total pressure of a fluid includes a probe head including a plurality of ports, the plurality of ports fluidly coupled to a measurement chamber, and a pressure sensor operatively coupled to the measurement chamber to measure the total pressure inside the measurement chamber, the total pressure corresponding to fluid flow through one of the plurality of ports.