Asymmetric Pyramidal Probe Tips for Cloud Particle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current airborne instruments for measuring cloud microphysical parameters suffer from significant particle shattering and splashing effects due to the use of semi-spherical probe tips, leading to inaccurate measurements of ice cloud particle sizes and concentrations, which are crucial for weather prediction and climate modeling.
Innovation Solution
The development of modified probe tips with an asymmetric pyramidal shape and a water trap design to minimize particle shattering and water shedding, featuring a pyramidal section with flat or concave surfaces and a narrow groove to channel water away from the optical window, reducing the impact of shattered particles on measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If semi-spherical probe tips are used for particle measurement, then the instrument can detect cloud particles, but large amounts of particles are shattered, splashed and deflected into the sample volume causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by changing the probe tip geometry from a symmetric semi-spherical shape to an asymmetric design with a flat outer surface and a rounded inner surface. This asymmetric configuration reduces particle shattering by minimizing edge effects and creating a more gradual particle deflection path, thereby improving measurement precision while reducing harmful particle fragmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies curvature principles by rounding the inner surface of the probe tip while keeping the outer surface flat. This curved inner surface creates a smoother particle flow path that reduces abrupt impacts and shattering, directly addressing the harmful effects of particle fragmentation on measurement accuracy
2Measurement precision
If protruding measurement arms are used to intercept cloud particles, then particle detection is enabled, but water accumulates on the arms and enters the optical window distorting measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the problematic protruding measurement arm structure that causes water accumulation. The redesigned probe tip integrates the measurement function directly into the tip geometry itself, eliminating the separate protruding arm that collected and channeled water toward the optical window, thereby reducing optical contamination while maintaining measurement capability
3Measurement precision
If data processing corrections are applied to account for particle shattering, then measurement accuracy can be improved, but the complexity of the measurement system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing the particle shattering reduction措施 at the source (the probe tip geometry) rather than attempting to correct for shattering effects during data processing. The asymmetric tip design with flat outer and rounded inner surfaces prevents shattering before it occurs, eliminating the need for complex post-processing corrections and directly providing accurate measurements
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 modified probe tips significantly reduce particle shattering and splashing, improving the accuracy of cloud particle size and concentration measurements by deflecting particles away from the optical path and minimizing water entry into the optical window, potentially correcting overestimations by a factor of ten or more.
Implementation Method 1
The outer part of the tips consists of a pyramidal section having either flat or concave surfaces in order to minimize water shedding from the outer part of the tip towards the inner part and to prevent water from getting into the optical widows
Implementation Method 2
The water trap may comprise a narrow groove that expands towards its edges. The purpose of this expansion is to generate the air suction inside the groove to channel the shedding water away from the optical window
Implementation Method 3
The probe tip has an outer portion for deflecting particles away from an optical path of the instrument
Data Source
AI summary
An instrument for obtaining airborne measurements of cloud microphysical parameters. The instrument comprises supporting arms mounted thereon, optics and a detector for measuring the cloud microphysical parameters The supporting arms define an optical path of the instrument and comprise probe tips affixed thereto. The probe tips comprise an outer portion for deflecting particles away from the optical path of the instrument and an inner portion opposite the outer portion. The outer portion of the tips have a pyramidal section with a centre ridgeline and flat or concave surfaces effective to reduce water shedding and particle shattering during in-flight collection of data.