Optical Flow Angle Sensor for Friction-Free Attack Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional flow angle sensors, such as angle of attack sensors, face challenges in measuring accuracy due to temperature variations, mechanical friction, electromagnetic interference, and limited measurement capabilities, particularly when exposed to external airflow.
Innovation Solution
An optical-based flow angle sensor utilizing a rotatable vane with a marker on a disk, a lens, an image sensor, and an image processing system to determine angular displacement without contact, reducing friction and electromagnetic interference, and enhancing measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional contact-based sensing elements are used to measure angle of attack, then mechanical friction and electromagnetic interference affect measurement accuracy, but the结构简单 (structure is simple)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact-based sensing elements with a non-contact optical sensing system. An image sensor captures images of a marker on a rotating vane, and image processing algorithms determine the angle of attack from the marker position. This substitution eliminates mechanical friction and electromagnetic interference affecting the sensing element, while being less sensitive to temperature variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a marker as an intermediary element on the rotating vane. Instead of directly sensing the vane's angular position with a mechanical sensor, the system uses a visual marker that can be captured by an image sensor. This intermediary enables non-contact measurement and isolates the sensing system from harmful environmental factors.
2Reliability
If optical-based non-contact sensing is used to reduce friction and electromagnetic interference, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an image sensor to capture a visual copy (image) of the marker on the rotating vane. Instead of directly measuring physical quantities with complex sensors, the system creates an optical copy that can be processed digitally. This approach simplifies the sensing mechanism while maintaining high reliability, as the image processing can be performed with standard algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If high-resolution image sensing is used to improve measurement precision, then angle of attack accuracy increases, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs image processing algorithms that can automatically identify and locate the marker within the captured image, even with some variation in positioning. The system self-adjusts for minor alignment variations through digital image analysis, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements for the optical components while maintaining high measurement precision.
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
The optical-based system provides high-resolution, accurate angle of attack measurements that are less affected by temperature and electromagnetic interference, offering improved reliability and accuracy compared to traditional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a light source positioned to illuminate the disk
Implementation Method 2
a lens adjacent the disk, an image sensor axially aligned with the lens
Data Source
AI summary
A flow angle sensor includes a sensing element, a background component connected to and movable with the sensing element, the background component having a marker, a lens adjacent the disk, an image sensor axially aligned with the lens, a light source positioned to illuminate the disk, and an image processing system connected to the image sensor. The image processing system provides an angle of attack output based on a location of the marker sensed by the image sensor.