Optical Surface Drag Analysis Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Surfaces subject to aerodynamic or hydrodynamic drag are often contaminated or rough, leading to increased drag, which affects the performance of high-speed vehicles and wind turbines, making it difficult and expensive to maintain these surfaces effectively.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus that analyzes surface roughness and contamination using a light source and detector system capable of producing data on spot size, intensity profiles, and speckle patterns, allowing for quick and simple assessment of surface conditions from close proximity or at a distance, with features like movable light source and detector holders and a patterned light source for improved resolution and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If washing or polishing surfaces is performed to remove contamination and roughness, then drag reduction and performance improvement are achieved, but maintenance cost and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing surface condition assessment before maintenance is critically needed. The optical detection system continuously or periodically evaluates surface roughness and contamination levels, allowing maintenance to be scheduled at optimal times rather than causing unexpected downtime. By detecting surface degradation early, the system enables planned maintenance during scheduled downtime rather than unscheduled interruptions.
2Loss of energy
If frequent maintenance is performed to keep surfaces clean and smooth, then drag is reduced, but operational downtime and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using the optical detection system to continuously monitor surface conditions and provide data about roughness and contamination levels. This feedback loop allows maintenance schedules to be adjusted based on actual surface degradation rates rather than fixed intervals. The system compares current surface conditions against thresholds and triggers maintenance alerts only when necessary, optimizing the balance between drag reduction and operational availability.
3Productivity
If surface conditions are not monitored, then operational downtime is minimized, but drag increases due to undetected contamination and roughness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by implementing autonomous optical detection systems that automatically monitor surface conditions without requiring manual inspection. The system independently evaluates surface roughness and contamination, generates maintenance alerts, and provides data for drag assessment. This automation eliminates the need for frequent manual surface inspections while ensuring continuous monitoring, thereby maintaining operational availability without sacrificing drag management.
4Device complexity
If manual inspection methods are used to assess surface conditions, then equipment complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and detection capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical inspection methods with optical detection systems. Instead of using physical contact probes or manual visual inspection, the system employs optical fields to detect surface roughness and contamination. The optical detection method uses light scattering, reflection, or absorption characteristics to measure surface properties non-contactingly, providing high measurement precision without the complexity of mechanical measurement apparatus.
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 determination of surface roughness and contamination, indicating the need for maintenance and potential drag reduction, thereby improving fuel efficiency and performance of vehicles and wind turbines by identifying areas that require cleaning or polishing.
Implementation Method 1
detects scattered light from a contaminant particle or a defect on a surface
Implementation Method 2
analysis of a light spot and/or diffuse illumination on the surface
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 1(c)~3
Figure 2
AI summary
Apparatus for analysing a surface which, in use, is subject to drag, the apparatus comprising, a light source for generating light of at least one predetermined wavelength, a light source holder for holding and positioning the light source so as to direct it at the surface, a light detector for detecting reflected light from the surface and generating a signal in response thereto, a light detector holder for holding the light detector and positioning it so as to detect the reflected light, and a connector for connecting the light detector to a microprocessor to analyse the signal. Also disclosed is a method of analysing a surface which, in use, is subject to drag.