Patent ID: 6055869
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: G01P

Abstract:
A fluid flow sensing device for sensing the velocity of a fluid flowing past the sensing device along a flow direction, said sensing device comprising:a frame;an airfoil member formed as a Plate member having a flat surface exposed in its entirety to the fluid flow, said airfoil member having a chord dimension extending generally along the fluid flow and a span dimension extending generally transverse to the fluid flow, said chord dimension and span dimension defining a plane in the airfoil member, said airfoil member having a shape, and orientation with respect to the fluid flow direction, such that the flow of fluid past said flat surface generates lift forces on said airfoil member perpendicular to the fluid flow direction, the magnitude of the forces being related to the velocity of the fluid flow; andat least one link coupling said airfoil member to said frame, said link lying generally parallel to the plane defined in said airfoil member, said link being subjected to force as a result of the lift forces generated on said airfoil member, said link undergoing strain, as a result of the forces to which it is subjected, which strain comprises an indication of the velocity of the fluid.