Dual Cap for Radiosonde Humidity Sensor Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional radiosonde humidity sensors are prone to errors due to direct water contact, and their protective caps hinder air circulation, resulting in decreased response speed.
Innovation Solution
A dual cap system comprising an outer cap with ventilation holes and air circulation openings, and an inner cap with fixed connections to the sensing unit, made from injection-molded plastic and 3D printed for light weight and rapid manufacturing, ensures air circulation while preventing water ingress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional cap is used to protect the humidity sensor from water, then the sensor is protected from direct water contact, but the response speed of humidity measurement decreases due to poor air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cap is divided into two separate caps: an outer cap that provides water protection and an inner cap that provides air circulation. This segmentation allows each cap to specialize in one function, resolving the contradiction between water protection and air circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner cap is placed inside the outer cap, creating a nested structure. The outer cap provides the outer protective layer against water, while the inner cap provides the inner air circulation layer, allowing both functions to coexist without interfering with each other.
2Speed
If the humidity sensor is exposed to the environment for fast response, then the response speed improves, but the sensor becomes vulnerable to water contact and measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The dual cap structure acts as an intermediary between the humidity sensor and the external environment. It allows air to circulate freely to the sensor while blocking water from reaching the sensor, thus mediating between the need for fast response and the need for protection.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the cap structure have different qualities: the outer cap has water-resistant properties, while the inner cap has air-permeable properties. This local differentiation of properties allows the system to simultaneously achieve both protection and response speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual cap for protecting a humidity sensor of a radiosonde of an aerological observation system includes an outer cap and an inner cap. The dual cap surrounds the humidity sensor. The outer cap has an outer ventilation hole formed in its top, and an outer air circulation opening formed in its side periphery. The side periphery of the outer cap also has a first wall that acts as a barrier to air flow. The inner cap is affixed to and is disposed inside of the outer cap. A ceiling of the inner cap faces the outer ventilation hole so as to impose a barrier to air flow. The inner cap further has an inner ventilation hole in its top and an inner air circulation opening formed in its side periphery. The inner air circulation opening faces the first wall of the outer cap.