Vehicle Wake Conditioner for Accurate Particulate Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particulate monitoring systems require inlet tubes behind or far behind the test vehicle, limiting their ability to accurately measure and collect suspendable materials in close proximity, and are not easily retrofittable to various vehicles.
Innovation Solution
A mobile monitoring system with a wake conditioner, such as a baffle, mounted on the vehicle to create an engineered vehicle wake, allowing for accurate measurement and collection of particulates in close proximity, using a sample inlet and analysis unit, with features like rounded edges or porosity to reduce vortex shedding and ensure consistent sampling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If inlet tubes are placed behind or far behind the test vehicle, then the system can measure particulates, but the measurement accuracy and collection efficiency of suspendable materials in close proximity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from linear sampling (inlet tubes behind the vehicle) to a three-dimensional engineered wake structure. The wake conditioner creates a controlled volumetric region where particulates are concentrated and channeled, allowing the sample inlet to capture materials in close proximity to the vehicle without requiring long inlet tubes extending behind it.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake conditioner acts as an intermediary device between the vehicle and the sample inlet. It conditions the airflow and particulate distribution in the wake region, creating an engineered environment that facilitates accurate sampling close to the vehicle. This intermediary structure resolves the contradiction by mediating the interaction between the vehicle's motion and the sampling process.
2Measurement precision
If complex inlet tube setups are used to sample close to the vehicle, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the wake conditioning function from the inlet sampling system. Instead of using complex inlet tube configurations to achieve accurate sampling, the system separates the flow conditioning task (performed by the wake conditioner) from the sampling task (performed by the simplified sample inlet), thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The wake conditioner performs preliminary action by pre-conditioning the airflow and particulate distribution before the sample inlet captures the materials. This preliminary flow conditioning eliminates the need for complex inlet tube configurations, as the airflow is already optimized for accurate sampling at the inlet location.
3Ease of manufacture
If sharp-edged wake conditioners are used, then the structure is simpler to manufacture, but vortex shedding increases causing inconsistent sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature to the wake conditioner edges, replacing sharp edges with rounded contours. This geometric modification eliminates vortex shedding while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. The curved edges guide airflow smoothly through the wake structure, ensuring consistent particulate sampling without the instability caused by sharp-edged vortex formation.
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
Enables accurate and consistent measurement of particulates in close proximity to the vehicle, independent of vehicle speed and location, allowing for a wider range of vehicles to be used and reducing the need for complex inlet setups, with high correlation coefficients and precise sampling results.
Implementation Method 1
aerodynamic modification of the test vehicle allows for accurate measurement/collection/characterization of suspendable materials
Implementation Method 2
mixed through the action of wake turbulence
Implementation Method 3
features like rounded edges or porosity to reduce vortex shedding and ensure consistent sampling
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a particulate monitoring system. The system includes a vehicle. A wake conditioner is mounted in the vehicle. A sample inlet is placed in communication with an engineered vehicle wake that will be produced by the wake conditioner when the vehicle is in motion.