Wind Speed Meter Using MEMS Pressure Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind speed measurement technologies, such as pitot tubes and wind turbines, can be expensive and bulky, limiting their applicability in compact electronic devices.
Innovation Solution
A wind speed meter system utilizing MEMS pressure sensors, where one sensor measures atmospheric pressure inside a case and another measures air pressure at an opening, allowing for the calculation of wind speed based on the pressure difference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional wind speed measurement technologies (pitot tubes, wind turbines) are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical wind speed measurement systems (pitot tubes, wind turbines) with a pressure-based sensing system using MEMS pressure sensors. The system measures wind speed by detecting pressure differences at different openings of the device case, substituting mechanical aerodynamic measurement with electronic pressure sensing, thereby achieving compact size while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces atmospheric pressure as an intermediary reference measurement. By comparing the pressure at the opening (affected by wind) with the atmospheric pressure (shielded from wind), the system indirectly determines wind speed. This intermediary approach enables accurate wind measurement without direct mechanical interaction with wind flow
2Measurement precision
If traditional wind speed measurement technologies (pitot tubes, wind turbines) are used, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive mechanical wind speed measurement systems with cost-effective MEMS pressure sensors and electronic pressure measurement. This substitution leverages mature semiconductor manufacturing processes, significantly reducing device cost while maintaining measurement functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pressure sensors serve multiple functions: measuring atmospheric pressure, measuring pressure at openings, and deriving both wind speed and wind direction information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated wind speed measurement components, lowering overall device cost
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure sensors are exposed to wind at openings, then wind speed measurement capability is improved, but pressure measurement accuracy deteriorates due to wind interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pressure measurement function into two distinct sensor arrangements: one sensor (or one sensor's measurement) exposed to wind at the opening for capturing wind-induced pressure changes, and another sensor shielded from wind for capturing pure atmospheric pressure. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between atmospheric pressure and wind-induced pressure variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different quality requirements to different measurement locations: the opening-facing sensor is designed to capture dynamic pressure changes from wind, while the shielded sensor provides a stable atmospheric pressure reference. Each location is optimized for its specific measurement purpose, with the shielded sensor ensuring accurate baseline atmospheric pressure measurement unaffected by wind turbulence
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
This approach provides a compact, cost-effective, and accurate method for measuring wind speed, suitable for integration into various electronic devices, including mobile phones and smart watches, with the potential for improved accuracy with additional sensors for wind direction.
Implementation Method 1
MEMS devices may be designed to function as oscillators, resonators, accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, microphones, and/or micro-mirrors, for example. Many MEMS devices use capacitive sensing techniques for transducing the physical phenomenon into electrical signals.
Implementation Method 2
MEMS devices may be designed to function as oscillators, resonators, accelerometers, gyroscopes, pressure sensors, microphones, and/or micro-mirrors, for example. Many MEMS devices use capacitive sensing techniques for transducing the physical phenomenon into electrical signals.
Implementation Method 3
A pressure difference between the sealed volume and an external volume, such as the ambient environment in some cases, causes the membrane to deflect. Generally, the deflection of the membrane causes a change in distance between the membrane and a sensing electrode, thereby changing the capacitance.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, a method of measuring wind speed includes measuring atmospheric pressure at a first pressure sensor arranged inside a case and shielded from wind, measuring air pressure at a second pressure sensor arranged at an opening in the case, and determining wind speed at the opening in the case based on measuring the atmospheric pressure and the air pressure.