Thermoelectric Wind Direction Meter for Weak Airflow Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wind direction meters face difficulties in detecting weak wind directions due to friction in mechanically movable parts, limiting their ability to measure indoor airflow and similar weak wind conditions.

Innovation Solution

A wind direction meter utilizing thermoelectric conversion elements with serially connected conductors of different metals or semiconductors, coupled with a temperature changing unit, generates electrical outputs based on temperature differences to calculate wind direction without mechanically movable parts, enabling detection of weak winds.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a vane-type wind direction meter with mechanically movable parts is used, then it can detect wind direction of high wind speed, but it generates friction in the bearing and rotary shaft, making it difficult to detect weak wind directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind direction detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection reliability for weak wind

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical vane-type rotation system with a non-mechanical sensing system using thermoelectric conversion elements. These elements detect wind direction by measuring temperature differences caused by wind flow, eliminating friction and mechanical inertia that prevented weak wind detection. The system uses electrical signals instead of mechanical movement to indicate wind direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If mechanically movable parts are used in the wind direction meter, then the structure can indicate wind direction through rotation, but the friction and mechanical inertia reduce sensitivity to weak winds

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewind direction indicationVSAvoidweak wind detection precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes mechanical rotation and indication with an electrical sensing system. Thermoelectric conversion elements generate electrical signals in response to temperature differences caused by wind flow, providing precise weak wind detection without mechanical friction. The system maintains ease of operation through electrical indication while achieving high measurement precision for weak winds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional vane-type wind direction meter is used, then it provides simple wind direction indication, but it cannot detect indoor airflow and similar weak wind conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication rangeVSAvoidweak wind detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs thermoelectric conversion elements that convert thermal energy from wind-induced temperature differences into electrical signals. This non-mechanical approach enables detection of very weak wind conditions including indoor airflow, significantly expanding the application range from outdoor strong wind measurement to indoor and weak wind environments while maintaining detection precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 allows for accurate detection of wind direction, including weak winds, by using thermoelectric conversion elements that do not rely on mechanically movable parts, enhancing sensitivity and reducing errors associated with mechanical inertia and temperature changes.

Implementation Method 1

a thermoelectric conversion element (21, 21A, 21B, 370) having a first conductor (21a, 250a) that has a first end (21aa, 250aa) and a second end (21ab, 250ab) opposite to the first end made of a metal or a semiconductor, and having a second conductor (21b, 250b) that has a first end (21ba, 250ba) and a second end (21bb, 250bb) opposite to the first end made of a metal or a semiconductor different from the first conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermoelectric conversion: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

a temperature changing unit (22, 320) for changing an ambient temperature by performing at least one of heat generation and heat absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat generation: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10345328B2Wind direction meter, wind direction/flow meter, and movement direction meter

Publication Date: 2019.07.09 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A wind direction meter has the following plurality of sensors and a control unit. Each sensor has a first surface and has first and second interlayer connection members made of different metals or semiconductors. Further, the wind direction meter includes a thermoelectric conversion element which generates an electrical output when a temperature difference occurs between first ends and second ends of the respective first and second interlayer connection members. The sensor generates an electric output when the surrounding air, whose temperature has been changed by a heater, is moved by the wind to produce a temperature difference between the first ends and the second ends of the first and second interlayer connection members. The control unit calculates the direction of the wind on the basis of the difference in output. Thus, the wind direction of a weak wind can be detected with the wind direction meter.