Pitot tube velocimeter system
OwnerPhillip M. Adamsinventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
An apparatus and method for sensing position according to flow velocity includes at least two pitot tubes each defining a central axis is along mutually orthogonal axes. Each of at least two pressure sensors is positioned in fluid communication with a corresponding one of the at least two pitot tubes. A controller receives outputs from the at least two pressure sensors and analyzes to determine at least one of an angular and translational velocity according to the outputs. A distance traveled is then determined according to the at least one of an angular and translational velocity. Corresponding methods of use and calibration are also disclosed.
Claims20
A method for estimating movement comprising:
- moving a sensor system through a fluid, the sensor system including at least two pitot tubes having central axes thereof orthogonal to one another, the sensor system further including at least two pressure sensors each positioned in fluid communication with one of the at two pitot tubes;
- receiving pressure readings from the at least two pressure sensors;
- translating the pressure readings to velocity estimates;
- translating the velocity readings to displacement estimates.
A method for calibrating a sensor system comprising:
- selecting a sensor system including at least two pitot tubes each defining a central axis, the central axis of the at least two pitot tubes being orthogonal to one another, the sensor system further including at least two pressure sensors each positioned in fluid communication with one of the at two pitot tubes;
- and
- selecting a plurality of calibration states
- for each calibration state of the plurality of calibration states
- placing the sensor system in the calibration state;
- the sensor system including at least two pitot tubes each defining a central axis, the central axis of the at least two pitot tubes being orthogonal to one another, the sensor system further including at least two pressure sensors each positioned in fluid communication with one of the at two pitot tubes;
- and
- recording readings from the at least two pressure sensors in association with the calibration state.
A computerized method for determining position according to flow velocity of a fluid, the method comprising:
- providing at least two pitot tubes each defining a central axis, including at least one pitot tube oriented with the central axis thereof parallel to a first direction, at least one pitot tube oriented having the central axis thereof having an extent along a second direction orthogonal to the first direction;
- providing at least two pressure sensors each positioned in fluid communication with one of the at least two pitot tubes;
- providing a processor operably connected to the at least two pressure sensors
- moving the at least two pitot tubes through a fluid;
- receiving, by the processor, first signals reflecting pressure readings corresponding to the at least two pressure sensors;
- processing, by the processor the pressure readings to calculate velocity estimates;
- and
- calculating, by the processor, based on the velocity estimates, displacement estimates.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.