Rotatable Rake Assembly for Wind Tunnel Flow Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional rake assemblies for fluid flow measurement in wind tunnels face challenges such as flow blockage, limited versatility in number, type, and location of measurement points, and complex maintenance processes, which hinder accurate data collection and increase testing time and costs.
Innovation Solution
A rake assembly with a rotatable housing and removable instrumentation arms that can be positioned at various angles, combined with a flow body unit designed to reduce flow blockage, allowing for more flexible and efficient measurement configurations and simplified maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the number of rakes is increased to measure more flow locations, then measurement coverage is improved, but flow blockage increases and flow characteristics are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The rake assembly is divided into multiple independent probe elements that can be selectively positioned. Each probe measures flow parameters at specific locations, and the modular structure allows optimization of probe数量和分布 to achieve adequate measurement coverage while minimizing overall blockage compared to a solid rake structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from fixed 2D rake planes to 3D spatial probe positioning. Probes can be arranged in multiple planes and at various radial positions, enabling comprehensive flow measurement throughout the intake volume without requiring dense packing of rakes that would cause blockage.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fixed rakes are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but versatility in measurement locations and functions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The rake assembly incorporates movable and adjustable probe positions rather than fixed rigid structures. Probes can be repositioned along rails or mounting structures to access different measurement locations, and the entire assembly can be rotated or reconfigured to adapt to various measurement requirements without requiring multiple dedicated rakes.
Solution Approach 2:
The rake assembly is designed as a multi-functional platform that can perform various measurement tasks (total pressure, static pressure, flow angle, distortion) using the same basic structure with interchangeable or reconfigurable probe configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized fixed rakes.
3Ease of repair
If maintenance or adjustment is performed on fixed rakes, then probe functionality can be updated, but significant dismantling and disturbance to the rake system is required
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is segmented into independently removable components. Each probe or probe cluster can be detached and replaced without disturbing the entire rake structure or other probes, allowing maintenance and adjustment to be performed on individual elements while the rest of the system remains intact.
Solution Approach 2:
The rake assembly is pre-configured with accessible mounting interfaces, quick-connect couplings, and serviceable probe positions that facilitate rapid removal and replacement of probes during maintenance operations, minimizing the time and complexity of dismantling required.
4Productivity
If single-function rakes are used, then each rake is optimized for specific measurements, but multiple rakes must be swapped to obtain complete flow maps
Solution Approach 1:
The rake assembly integrates multiple measurement capabilities (total pressure ports, static pressure ports, flow angle sensors, distortion measurement probes) into a single multi-functional platform. All measurement types can be performed simultaneously or selectively using the same rake structure, eliminating the need to swap between single-function rakes and significantly improving testing efficiency.
Data Source
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AI summary
A flow body unit (600) for a fluid flow rig (10) for simulating fluid flow patterns; the flow body unit (600) comprising: a flow body support frame (700); a core member (800) extending from the flow body support frame (700) along a flow body unit longitudinal axis (630); the core member (800) having a leading edge end (822) and a trailing edge end (824), the core member (800) mounted to the flow body support frame (700) at its trailing edge end (824) such that it extends away from the flow body support frame (700) to terminate at a free end (834) defined by the leading edge end (822).