Wireless Airflow Measurement System to Reduce Repositioning Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional airflow measurement systems require frequent repositioning and setup, making them complex and inefficient for measuring airflow.

Innovation Solution

An airflow measurement system comprising a plurality of communication modules with airflow sensors and a body portion equipped with wireless communication capabilities, allowing data collection and transmission, and an information processing apparatus that collects and analyzes data from these modules to easily measure airflow.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional airflow measuring apparatus is used, then airflow measurement can be performed, but the measurer must move and set up the apparatus repeatedly which increases operation complexity and time consumption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of airflow measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the measurement space into multiple regions, each equipped with a stationary communication module containing an airflow sensor. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement across multiple locations without requiring a single apparatus to be moved repeatedly, directly resolving the operational complexity issue.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically moving a single measurement apparatus with a wireless communication-based system. Multiple sensor nodes transmit data automatically through wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual repositioning and setup operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Loss of information

If multiple measurement points are monitored, then comprehensive airflow data is obtained, but frequent repositioning of the apparatus is required which reduces productivity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompleteness of airflow dataVSAvoidefficiency of measurement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The measurement system is segmented into multiple independent communication modules distributed at different locations. Each module continuously monitors airflow at its specific position, enabling comprehensive spatial coverage and complete airflow data collection simultaneously across all measurement points without sequential repositioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple stationary communication modules perform continuous airflow measurement simultaneously at their respective locations. This parallel continuous monitoring eliminates the interruptions caused by repositioning operations, maintaining uninterrupted data collection across all measurement points and significantly improving measurement productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Ease of operation

If stationary measurement points are used, then frequent repositioning is eliminated improving ease of operation, but wireless communication infrastructure is required increasing system complexity

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of airflow measurementVSAvoidcomplexity of communication infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each communication module integrates multiple functions including airflow sensing, data processing, and wireless communication capabilities into a single unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate infrastructure components and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the use of wireless communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication modules are designed to autonomously perform measurement, data processing, and wireless transmission without requiring external control or complex infrastructure support. Each module independently manages its operations, reducing the burden on the overall system infrastructure and simplifying deployment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 easy and efficient airflow measurement across multiple points without the need for frequent repositioning, reducing complexity and cost, especially in large or shielded environments.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor element for detecting a flow direction and a flow velocity of a fluid, such as air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlow sensing:

Implementation Method 2

a communication unit configured to acquire data output from the airflow sensor and transmit the data to outside by wireless communication

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWireless communication:

Data Source

PatentUS12135229B2Airflow measurement system including a communication module group

Publication Date: 2024.11.05 MINEBEAMITSUMI INC

AI summary

An airflow measurement system includes a plurality of communication modules and an information processing apparatus. The communication module includes an airflow sensor, and a body portion including a communication unit configured to acquire data output from the airflow sensor and transmit the data to outside by wireless communication. The information processing apparatus includes a data collection unit configured to collect the data output from the airflow sensor of the plurality of communication modules, and an output unit configured to output the collected data.