Wind Measuring System With Multi-Directional Flow Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind measuring systems, such as those described in JP 2005-249565A, are unable to measure wind direction in addition to wind speed.
Innovation Solution
A wind measuring system comprising a first flow sensor and multiple second flow sensors, each equipped with a microheater and an IC chip, where the microheaters are oriented at different angles to detect changes in wind direction by varying electrical resistance values, allowing for the calculation of wind speed and direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single flow sensor with microheater is used to measure wind speed, then the measurement is simple, but wind direction cannot be measured
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into multiple independent flow sensors, each oriented in different directions. The first flow sensor measures wind speed in the first direction while second flow sensors measure wind speed in different directions to determine wind direction. This segmentation allows each sensor to focus on a specific measurement task while collectively achieving both wind speed and direction measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-dimensional measurement (wind speed only) to a multi-dimensional measurement system by orienting flow sensors in different spatial directions. The first flow sensor is oriented in a first direction while second flow sensors are oriented in different directions, creating a dimensional expansion that enables wind direction detection in addition to wind speed measurement.
2Measurement precision
If multiple flow sensors oriented in different directions are used to measure wind direction, then wind direction measurement is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each flow sensor is locally optimized for its specific measurement direction. The first flow sensor is designed with its microheater oriented in a first direction to measure wind speed in that direction, while second flow sensors are oriented in different directions for their respective measurements. This local optimization ensures that each sensor performs its specific function efficiently while contributing to the overall measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If the microheater is oriented perpendicular to the wind flow direction, then wind speed measurement is accurate, but wind direction information is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented across multiple sensors with different orientations. While the first flow sensor measures wind speed in its specific direction, second flow sensors measure wind speed in different directions. By combining these segmented measurements, the system reconstructs both wind speed and wind direction information that would be lost in a single sensor configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds directional information as an additional dimension to the measurement. Instead of a single sensor providing only magnitude (wind speed), multiple sensors oriented in different directions provide both magnitude and directional information, transforming the measurement from one-dimensional to multi-dimensional and preventing information loss.
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 measurement of both wind speed and direction by processing signals from the flow sensors, effectively addressing the limitations of previous systems.
Implementation Method 1
If a voltage is applied between the first and second bonding pads, an electric current passes through the sensing resistor, so that the sensing resistor generates heat.
Implementation Method 2
Because an electrical resistance value of the sensing resistor is dependent on the temperature, the wind speed of the wind passing in the vicinity of the sensing resistor can be sensed by monitoring the electrical resistance value of the sensing resistor.
Implementation Method 3
If a wind passes in the vicinity of the sensing resistor, the temperature of the sensing resistor decreases according to the wind speed of the wind.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a wind measuring system including a first flow sensor and plural second flow sensors. The first flow sensor and the plural second flow sensors each include a microheater including a board, an insulating film, and a heater. The board includes a first principal surface and a second principal surface. The board has defined therein an opening portion passing through the board along a direction from the first principal surface toward the second principal surface. The insulating film includes a peripheral portion disposed on the first principal surface, a central portion having the heater disposed thereon, and a connection portion extending from the central portion to be connected to the peripheral portion to support the central portion over the opening portion. The first flow sensor and the plural second flow sensors each output a signal that varies according to a change in electrical resistance value of the heater.