Wireless Pressure Sensor Nodes for Airfoil Surface Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for obtaining pressure data from airfoils and other surfaces are complex, costly, and prone to failures due to the use of bulky and fragile tubing systems, and pressure-sensitive films provide only qualitative and limited quantitative data.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising pressure sensor nodes with a substrate, pressure sensors, a processing component, and a wireless communications component, which are affixed to the object to acquire and transmit pressure data wirelessly, reducing the need for bulky tubing and providing accurate quantitative data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tubing systems with pressure ports are used, then pressure data can be obtained, but the system becomes complex, heavy, and prone to failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the pressure measurement function into multiple independent wireless sensor nodes distributed across the surface. Each node operates independently without requiring physical tubing connections to a central system, eliminating the complex network of tubes and connections while improving reliability through distributed measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical tubing system with wireless electronic communication. Pressure sensors transmit data wirelessly to external systems, eliminating the need for physical pressure ports, tubing, and mechanical connections that are prone to leakage and failure.
2Measurement precision
If pressure-sensitive films are used, then qualitative pressure data can be obtained, but accurate quantitative data and permanent data acquisition are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical pressure-sensitive films with electronic pressure sensors that provide both quantitative precision and long-term operational capability. The electronic sensors can continuously transmit digital data indefinitely, unlike films that are consumed or degraded over time.
3Measurement precision
If millimeter-scale pressure sensor units are placed on airfoils, then pressure data can be acquired, but the units create significant profile deviations that affect flow characteristics at higher wind speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs extremely thin pressure sensor units with profiles on the order of micrometers rather than millimeters. These ultra-thin sensors can be applied as flexible coatings or adhesives on the airfoil surface, creating negligible disturbance to the airflow while maintaining measurement capability.
4Reliability
If pressure belts with wired connections are used, then reasonable performance can be achieved, but additional points of failure and direct modification of the airfoil are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired electrical connections with wireless communication technology. Sensor nodes transmit pressure data through wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical wire routing through the airfoil structure and removing multiple potential failure points associated with electrical connections and cable management.
Data Source
AI summary
A solution for acquiring pressure data for an object, such as an airfoil, is provided. One or more pressure sensor nodes are utilized, each of which includes a set of pressure sensors and a processing component. The pressure sensor node(s) are affixed to the object in a manner that enables the pressure sensors to acquire pressure data for a set of locations on the surface of the object. A pressure sensor node also can include a wireless communications component to provide wireless communications between the pressure sensor node and a computer system.