Automated Movable Structure for Wind Tunnel Model Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wind tunnel testing methods face challenges due to lengthy downtime, increased costs, and inaccuracies caused by manual hard tooling and automated measuring devices, which require extensive setup and are difficult to fit on small-scale models, leading to inefficiencies and errors in data collection.
Innovation Solution
An automated movable structure with measuring devices is introduced, remotely controllable from outside the wind tunnel, allowing for precise positioning and measurement of wind tunnel model components without influencing airflow, using a traversing arm structure and processing device to record and process relational measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If known hard tooling and measurement devices are used for wind tunnel model measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but wind tunnel access time increases and wind tunnel downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical hard tooling and measurement devices with a laser-based optical measurement system. The laser distance meter and laser tracker enable non-contact measurement of model components, eliminating the need for physical contact tools that require wind tunnel access and setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary medium to transfer measurement information from the model to external detectors. This allows measurements to be taken through the wind tunnel wall openings without requiring internal access or disrupting the airflow environment.
2Extent of automation
If known automated measuring devices are used, then automated measurement capability is provided, but device complexity increases and fitting difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from complex automated devices and concentrates it in a single external laser distance meter. The laser tracker positioned outside the wind tunnel provides automated measurement capabilities without requiring multiple devices to be attached to the model, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses laser light to create an optical copy or representation of the model's geometry and component positions. The laser distance meter measures distances to reflective targets on model components, creating a digital representation of the model's configuration without requiring physical measurement devices on the model.
3Measurement precision
If multiple automated measuring devices are attached to the wind tunnel model, then comprehensive measurement coverage is achieved, but installation difficulty increases and model thickness constraints are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal external measurement system that can measure all model components through a single laser tracker and distance meter combination. This multi-functional setup eliminates the need for component-specific measurement devices, allowing comprehensive measurement coverage without adding weight or complexity to individual model parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical attachment of multiple measuring devices to the model with an optical measurement system that operates externally. The laser distance meter measures distances to reflective targets mounted on model components, providing comprehensive coverage without requiring thick model structures to accommodate device mounting.
4Measurement precision
If manual hard tooling is used for measurement, then measurement capability is provided, but human error increases and documentation accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-automated measurement system where the laser tracker and distance meter automatically record measurements without human intervention. The system autonomously tracks model components and captures distance data, eliminating manual reading and recording processes that are prone to human error.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates real-time feedback through the laser measurement system, which continuously monitors and records component positions and dimensions. The automated data capture provides immediate feedback on model configuration, allowing for verification and correction of measurements before final data processing.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
There is provided a wind tunnel model measuring system (11) for use with a wind tunnel (12). The system has a measuring assembly (70) with an automated movable structure (72) with at least one measuring device (86) mounted thereon and configured for placement within the wind tunnel (12), and a measuring controller device (100) located outside the wind tunnel (12) to control the automated movable structure (72) in order to remotely move the automated movable structure (72) from a storage position (96) within the wind tunnel (12) to one or more operating positions with respect to a wind tunnel model (16) within the wind tunnel (12) and to allow the at least one measuring device (86) to determine a relative position of at least one movable first component (20) with respect to a second component (22), both of the wind tunnel model (16). The system further has a processing device (110) configured for placement outside the wind tunnel (12) and coupled to the measuring controller device (100).