Wind Detection Transformer Power Wireless Induction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wind detection apparatuses face high energy consumption and inefficient lighting due to the need to turn on all projectors simultaneously, with suboptimal light distribution and structural complexity, and are prone to maintenance issues from sliding contacts and weight, making them unreliable for weak wind detection.
Innovation Solution
A wind detection apparatus with a transformer-based power supply system that transfers power reliably between a fixed support structure and a rotatable frame, using magnetic induction to power LEDs independently, eliminating the need for sliding contacts and optimizing light distribution with lateral-emission LEDs, and a structurally simple design that reduces maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If all projectors are turned on simultaneously to illuminate the signaling body in different positions, then the signaling body is illuminated in all possible positions, but energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the illuminating device rotate together with the signaling body and rotatable arm, allowing the projector to dynamically track and illuminate the signaling body in its various positions without requiring all projectors to be on simultaneously. This dynamic tracking approach reduces energy consumption while maintaining effective illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The illuminating device is integrated with the rotatable arm structure, so that when the wind moves the signaling body, the illuminating device automatically follows and continues to illuminate it. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external control systems to manage multiple projectors, reducing both energy consumption and system complexity.
2Illumination intensity
If the signaling body is in intermediate position between two projecting arms, then the structure covers all positions, but most light does not hit the signaling body resulting in poor visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the illuminating device with the rotatable arm structure, combining the lighting function with the mechanical support structure. This integration ensures that the projector moves with the signaling body, maintaining optimal illumination angles and ensuring light always hits the signaling body effectively, eliminating the visibility problems of intermediate positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotatable arm acts as an intermediary that couples the signaling body with the projector, ensuring that as the signaling body moves to intermediate positions, the projector follows along the same arc and continues to illuminate it effectively. This intermediary mechanism solves the light distribution problem without requiring complex multi-projector arrangements.
3Illumination intensity
If a reflector is used to reflect light towards the signaling body, then illumination is improved, but only a small part of light is reflected resulting in low energy efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive reflector mechanism with an active tracking projector system. Instead of relying on reflectors to redirect light (which waste most light), the projector is mechanically coupled to rotate with the signaling body, directing light directly at the target. This substitution of mechanical tracking for optical reflection dramatically improves energy efficiency by eliminating light waste.
4Ease of operation
If sliding contacts are used to supply power to the rotatable base, then power can be transferred to rotating parts, but the sliding contact is worn over time and dirtied causing interruption of electrical contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical sliding contact system with a magnetic induction-based wireless power transfer system. The transformer allows electrical energy to be transferred from the stationary support structure to the rotating frame through magnetic coupling, eliminating physical contact. This substitution eliminates wear, dirt accumulation, and contact interruption problems while maintaining reliable power supply to the rotating projector and illuminating device.
5Measurement precision
If the support pole and projector are arranged to rotate with the wind, then the apparatus can indicate wind direction, but the high weight prevents rotation in weak winds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into a heavy stationary support structure and a lighter rotating frame assembly. The transformer is mounted on the stationary support, while the projector and illuminating device are mounted on the rotating frame. This segmentation allows the rotating parts to be lighter and more responsive to weak winds, while the heavy support structure remains stationary and provides stable mounting for the transformer.
6Reliability
If a transformer is mounted on the support rod to supply power to the rotatable frame, then power transfer is reliable without sliding contacts, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The transformer serves multiple functions: it provides wireless power transfer to the rotating frame, acts as a mounting point for the stationary support structure, and enables the rotatable frame to rotate freely without electrical contact issues. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by consolidating several requirements into a single integrated solution, reducing overall system complexity despite the added transformer.
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 achieves efficient energy transfer with high efficiency (up to 90%), reliable operation, and reduced maintenance needs, ensuring effective wind direction indication even in weak winds with improved visibility and reduced energy waste.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer mounted on the support rod and electrically connected in input to the power supply means in order to receive the first alternating current and adapted to supply in output a second alternating current
Data Source
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AI summary
Wind detection apparatus which comprises: a fixed support structure (2) provided with a support rod (3) to which a rotatable frame (4) is pivoted in an idle manner; a signaling body (8) with tubular form fixed to the rotatable frame (4) and on which the wind is susceptible of acting in order to rotate the rotatable frame (4) until the signaling body (8) is aligned with the direction of the wind; an illuminating device (17) fixed to the rotatable frame (4) and actuatable to illuminate the signaling body (8); at least one transformer (19), which comprises a primary winding (21) fixed to the support rod (3) and a secondary winding (23) fixed to the rotatable frame (4), and is adapted to transfer the electrical energy between power supply means (18) fixed to the support structure (2) and control means (20) mounted on the rotatable frame (4) and adapted to control the operation of the illuminating device (17).