Optical strain gauge and methods of use including a wind measurement device,申请号US20030458464-传众专利搜索

Optical strain gauge and methods of use including a wind measurement device

申请公布号：US2004252290(A1)

申请号：US20030458464

申请日期：2003.06.10

申请公布日期：2004.12.16

申请人：

FERGUSON GARY W.;GILLIS GERALD PHILIP;PALCIC BRANKO

发明人：FERGUSON GARY W.;GILLIS GERALD PHILIP;PALCIC BRANKO

分类号：G01P5/02;G01P13/00;(IPC1-7):G01B11/16

主分类号：G01P5/02

摘要：The present invention is a device to measure wind velocity and/or direction. These measurements may be useful for various outdoor activities including hunting, golfing, sailing, fishing, photography, kite-flying, parachuting, fireworks displays or other activities that are influenced by wind conditions. In broader context, sensitive detection of pressure (force) is important in everything from aeronautics to the design of biological sensors. In general, the majority of existing devices to measure wind depend on wind's interaction with a relatively large mass, thus limiting sensitivity. Although various types of sensors including optical strain gauges with the desired sensitivity exist, they are too large, complex or expensive to be broadly exploited. The present invention provides a relatively simple, inexpensive and sensitive pressure sensor (optical strain gauge) for incorporation in a wind-measuring device. In some embodiments wind speed is determined and wind direction is provided in relative terms, for example, towards the user or away from a fixed point. In other embodiments a compass may be integrated into the device or a reference direction may be input into the device to provide absolute directional indication. In other embodiments the device may be relatively small and portable.