Suspended Sensor Measurement Device Aerodynamic Architecture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices attached to aircraft surfaces for airflow measurement are complex in architecture, adding unnecessary layers that disturb the aerodynamic flow and require additional fixation methods to ensure sensor stability.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with a support having housings for sensors, where the cavity for the printed circuit is at the free face and the circuit is upside down, reducing the number of layers and using a micro-breathable film for aerodynamic shape and electrostatic charge drainage, with sensors suspended in housings to minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a film is added to cover the sensor housing, then the aerodynamic shape is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional layers requiring fixation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the film covering function with the electrostatic charge drainage function into a single integrated component. The micro-breathable film serves dual purposes: maintaining aerodynamic shape and draining electrostatic charges through conductive adhesive tape, thereby reducing overall device complexity while preserving aerodynamic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The film is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as an aerodynamic cover and as an electrostatic charge drainage pathway. By making the film conductive through adhesive tape, it simultaneously performs protection and charge management, eliminating the need for separate components.
2Reliability
If sensors are mounted in traditional housings, then sensor stability is ensured, but the aerodynamic flow is disturbed by additional layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensors from traditional enclosed housings and suspends them directly within cavities in the support structure. This eliminates unnecessary intermediate layers that would disturb airflow, while the micro-breathable film maintains sensor protection and stability without creating flow disturbance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a thin micro-breathable film instead of rigid sensor housings. This flexible film maintains sensor stability while being aerodynamically compatible with the airflow, eliminating the flow disturbance caused by traditional solid housings.
3Device complexity
If the cavity is made at the contact face, then the architecture is simplified, but the electrostatic charges accumulate on the surface
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces conductive adhesive tape as an intermediary between the micro-breathable film and the support structure. This intermediary component provides a conductive pathway for electrostatic charges to drain from the film surface to the grounded support, preventing charge accumulation while maintaining the simplified cavity architecture at the contact face.
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 solution simplifies the device architecture, maintains a smooth aerodynamic surface, and effectively drains electrostatic charges while minimizing flow disturbance, allowing for accurate airflow measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a micro-breathable film that allows air to pass through and is waterproof and capable of draining electrostatic charges towards the said object
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention aims to simplify the architecture of a measuring device intended to be attached to the wall of a moving object or a fixed object located in a flow. The device comprises a support (20) having housings (34) provided with an opening leading outwards from the support at the level of the free face (24b) in which sensors (22) are housed. The support has a free face and a face (24a) intended to come into contact with said wall, the free face being opposite face (24a). The device comprises a cavity (36) in which a printed circuit board (28) is located, the housings (34) being provided with an opening leading outwards from the support in the cavity (36).The cavity (36) is formed at the level of the free face (24b), meaning that it opens into it, and that the circuit (28) is arranged upside down in the cavity, i.e., with the printed side facing the inside of the support, the sensors (22) attached to the circuit (28) being suspended in the housings (34). In this way, the unprinted face offers a smooth and flat aerodynamic surface.