Sensor System on Control Line for Atmospheric Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flying devices equipped with sensors to measure atmospheric conditions face sub-optimal performance due to increased drag and reduced lift caused by the sensor's weight and position, as well as varying drag from airflow changes at different altitudes, which hampers accurate weather forecasting and flight control.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system with a tear-drop shape and a generator that creates vortices in open air to measure airflow speed and direction without additional components, using lightweight materials like PVDF and MEMS sensors to reduce weight and drag, while communicating data along the control line for improved weather forecasting and flight control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sensor system is attached to the control line of a flying device, then atmospheric conditions can be measured, but drag increases and lift decreases due to the sensor's weight and position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the generator from any enclosing housing or structure, allowing it to rotate freely in open air. This eliminates the weight and drag of unnecessary enclosures while maintaining the measurement function. The generator becomes a standalone component that interacts directly with the airflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body of the sensor system is designed with a tear-drop shape, which is a streamlined form that minimizes drag. This aerodynamic shape allows the sensor system to move through the air with minimal resistance, reducing the negative impact of its presence on flight performance.
2Measurement precision
If a sensor system is attached to the control line of a flying device, then atmospheric conditions can be measured, but drag increases and lift decreases due to the sensor's position
Solution Approach 1:
The main body is given a tear-drop shape, which is a curved, streamlined form that reduces turbulence and drag. This curved geometry allows airflow to move smoothly around the sensor system, minimizing disruptive wake patterns and reducing the harmful aerodynamic effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the airflow that would otherwise create drag and turbulence into a useful measurement mechanism. The generator rotates in response to the airflow, and this rotation is used to measure wind speed and direction. The harmful airflow becomes the source of the measurement signal.
3Measurement precision
If additional components are added to measure airflow speed, then measurement accuracy improves, but weight and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The generator serves multiple functions: it acts as the main body structure, the airflow interaction element, and the measurement sensor. By rotating in response to airflow, it simultaneously experiences the aerodynamic forces and generates a measurable signal. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement components.
Solution Approach 2:
The generator uses its own rotation, caused by airflow, to provide the measurement information. The system measures airflow speed by detecting the rotation rate of the generator itself, without requiring external sensors or additional measurement mechanisms. The component serves its own measurement needs.
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 sensor system effectively measures airflow speed and direction at various altitudes, reducing drag and improving flight stability by adapting tension in the control line, thus enhancing weather forecasting and operational efficiency without adding weight or drag penalties.
Implementation Method 1
a generator that creates vortices in open air to measure airflow speed and direction
Implementation Method 2
The generator may form a vortex, such as a Karman vortex, from air or wind in the atmosphere without an enclosure and other additional components
Implementation Method 3
The sensor system may have a main body attached to a control line. The sensor system may use a directional sensor that determines direction of airflow according to rotation of the main body about the line.
Data Source
AI summary
System and other embodiments described herein relate to a sensor system used on a control line that measures atmospheric conditions. In one embodiment, a sensor system may have a main body attached to a line. The sensor system may use a directional sensor that determines direction of airflow according to rotation of the main body about the line. The sensor system may also have a generator coupled to the main body. The sensor system may also use a flow sensor that measures speed of the airflow according to a vortex generated from rotation of the generator in open air.