Radiosonde Light Sensing for Solar Radiation Temperature Correction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Radiosonde temperature sensors are prone to solar radiation errors due to angle-dependent sensitivity, which affects accuracy in atmospheric temperature measurements at different altitudes.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a radiosonde with a temperature sensor, a light sensing assembly, and control electronics that calculates solar radiation corrections based on signals from a light collector and sensor, ensuring identical sensitivity patterns for incoming solar radiation, using a light guide to direct collected light to the sensor within a housing, and transmitting data for accurate temperature readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor with non-omnidirectional sensitivity pattern is used, then the sensor can detect temperature effectively, but solar radiation error occurs that is angle dependent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful solar radiation heating effect into a beneficial measurement signal by using a light sensor to detect the same solar radiation that heats the temperature sensor. The light sensor measures solar radiation intensity, and this information is used to calculate and correct the temperature measurement error caused by solar radiation heating.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring solar radiation intensity with the light sensor and using this information to dynamically correct the temperature sensor readings. The control unit calculates the solar radiation error based on light sensor signals and adjusts the temperature measurement accordingly, creating a closed-loop correction system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the radiosonde orientation varies during ascent, then the sensor boom can be positioned for structural stability, but the solar radiation angle becomes unpredictable and affects measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to maintain a fixed orientation to avoid solar radiation errors, the patent accepts the varying orientation as inevitable and converts the resulting variable solar radiation exposure into a measurable signal. The light sensor detects the actual solar radiation intensity at each moment, and this information is used to correct the temperature readings regardless of orientation changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adapts to changing orientation parameters by continuously measuring solar radiation intensity with the light sensor and adjusting the temperature correction dynamically. Rather than fixing the physical orientation, the system changes the correction parameter based on real-time solar radiation measurements, allowing accurate readings despite orientation variations.
3Measurement precision
If a light sensing assembly with identical sensitivity pattern to the temperature sensor is used, then solar radiation correction can be calculated accurately, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light sensor and light collector assembly serves multiple functions: it measures solar radiation intensity for temperature correction, and can potentially be used for other radiative measurements. By designing the light sensing assembly with identical sensitivity characteristics to the temperature sensor, the same structural components serve dual purposes, reducing overall system complexity despite the added measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a simplified copy of the temperature sensor's sensitivity pattern in the light sensing assembly. Rather than designing a complex directional sensitivity model and calculating corrections for each angle, the system physically copies the sensitivity pattern using identical sensor geometry and orientation, allowing direct proportional measurement of solar radiation heating effect.
4Ease of operation
If the light sensor is placed outside the housing, then it can collect light directly from the light collector, but the sensor is exposed to environmental conditions that may affect its operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an optical fiber as an intermediary to transfer light from the external light collector to the internal light sensor. The light collector is positioned outside the housing where it can efficiently collect solar radiation, while the light sensor remains inside the protected housing environment. The optical fiber acts as a mediator, transmitting the collected light signal through the housing wall without exposing the sensor to harsh external conditions.
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 system provides accurate, altitude-specific solar radiation corrections, minimizing temperature measurement errors and offering data for improved numerical weather prediction and research.
Implementation Method 1
a light collector configured to collect light from different solar radiation angles at the different altitudes
Implementation Method 2
the at least one light sensing assembly further comprises a light guide configured to guide light from the light collector to the light sensor
Implementation Method 3
a light sensing assembly comprising a light sensor... calculate for each altitude a solar radiation correction based on the signal received by the light sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system (1) for solar radiation correction in radiosonde temperature measurements, the system comprising a radiosonde (2) having a temperature sensor (4) configured to determine a temperature of the atmosphere at different altitudes, at least one light sensing assembly (5) comprising a light sensor (6), and a light collector (7) configured to collect light from different solar radiation angles at the different altitudes, and the system further comprising control electronics (8) or a computing device (14) configured to calculate for each altitude a solar radiation correction based on the signal received by the light sensor (6) in order to obtain a corrected temperature reading for each altitude.