WO2005003011A1 - Method and arrangement for interconnecting radiosonde and sonde balloon - Google Patents

Method and arrangement for interconnecting radiosonde and sonde balloon Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2005003011A1
WO2005003011A1 PCT/FI2004/000419 FI2004000419W WO2005003011A1 WO 2005003011 A1 WO2005003011 A1 WO 2005003011A1 FI 2004000419 W FI2004000419 W FI 2004000419W WO 2005003011 A1 WO2005003011 A1 WO 2005003011A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
suspension
ofthe
suspension string
string
unwinding device
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/FI2004/000419
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Osmo Reittu
Original Assignee
Vaisala Oyj
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Vaisala Oyj filed Critical Vaisala Oyj
Publication of WO2005003011A1 publication Critical patent/WO2005003011A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65H—HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL, e.g. SHEETS, WEBS, CABLES
    • B65H49/00—Unwinding or paying-out filamentary material; Supporting, storing or transporting packages from which filamentary material is to be withdrawn or paid-out
    • B65H49/02—Methods or apparatus in which packages do not rotate
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01W—METEOROLOGY
    • G01W1/00—Meteorology
    • G01W1/08—Adaptations of balloons, missiles, or aircraft for meteorological purposes; Radiosondes

Definitions

  • the object of the invention is a method for interconnecting a radiosonde and a sonde balloon according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
  • the object ofthe invention is also an arrangement for interconnecting a radiosonde and a sonde balloon according to the preamble of patent claim 4.
  • Radiosondes fastened to a sonde balloon are used in measurements of climatic conditions.
  • the task of a sonde balloon inflated with lighter-than-air gas is to transport a radiosonde from the ground surface upwards through layers of air.
  • a trail forms to the tail of the sonde balloon, in which trail the climatic conditions differ from actual climatic conditions of he environment to be measured.
  • the radiosonde is fastened with a relatively long, for example, 60m long suspension string to the sonde balloon.
  • Meteorological measurements are performed with measuring devices in the radiosonde, in which case variables to be measured are temperature, humidity, pressure and location. Deterrriining the location ofthe radiosonde is based on the GPS method, and one is able to deduct the velocity and direction of wind on the basis of changes in location information.
  • the measuring data of measuring devices are communicated with a radio transmitter in the radiosonde to a radio receiver on the ground.
  • an unwinding device is used into which a suspension string is wound and from which the suspension string unwinds in a controlled manner in the initial phase of ascend.
  • US patent 4,432,502 describes an arrangement based on an unwinding bobbin in which the connecting string between a sonde balloon and a radiosonde wound to the unwinding bobbin is unwound in a controlled manner from the unwmding bobbin during ascend.
  • the unwinding bobbin has a longitudinal axis around which the suspension string is wound and a transversal dimension which increases parallel to the longitudinal axis from a narrow upper end to a wider lower end.
  • the unwinding bobbin may be round, elliptical or flat.
  • the unwinding bobbin performs periodical oscillatory motion below the sonde balloon when the sonde balloon ascends, and the suspension string unwinds from the unwinding bobbin in a controlled manner and with a suitable rate.
  • one end of a suspension string is fastened directly with a knot to an unwinding device, and another, opposite end of tire suspension string is fastened with a knot to a radiosonde or a suspension device fastened to the radiosonde so that forces affecting the suspension string are conveyed directly to knots in the suspension string.
  • the knots ofthe suspension string form the weakest point ofthe suspension string, and a knot point weakens the tensile strength ofthe suspension string to a half or even to a third.
  • suspension strings two or three times thicker than otherwise necessary. This causes material loss and extra costs.
  • special knots that is, so-called reef knots, one may decrease the weakening effect caused by the knot on the suspension string, but making special knots is laborious and time-consuming. For this reason, special knots are not suited for industrial mass production.
  • a method according to the invention for interconnecting a radiosonde and a sonde balloon is mainly characterised by the characterising part of patent claim 1.
  • An arrangement according to the invention for interconnecting a radiosonde and a sonde balloon is mainly characterised by the characterising part of patent claim 4.
  • the solution according to the invention With, the solution according to the invention, the above-mentioned disadvantage may be eliminated.
  • the solution according to the invention one may size the suspension string based solely on tensile stresses directed at it without considering the weakening caused by knot points.
  • the suspension strength of the suspension string in a solution according to the invention is almost equal to the load capacity of the suspension string itself.
  • a solution according to the invention is also simple and it is well applicable for mass production.
  • the solution according to the invention utilises a phenomenon known from mechanics as such, according to the following equation, friction of a string (cord, rope) against a round surface:
  • SI suspension force
  • S2 denotes force directed at end joint knot of string
  • e denotes Neper's number
  • ⁇ denotes friction coefficient between string and round surface
  • ⁇ denotes winding angle of string on round surface
  • the unwinding device comprises a bobbin winding element and a first binding point.
  • the friction between the suspension string and the bobbin winding element of the unwinding device is utilised so that one end of the suspension string passes at least one lap, advantageously at least two laps around the bobbin winding element, after which the suspension string is bound to a first bmding point.
  • a part of the suspension string passing to the suspension device stays between the part passing to the first binding point of the suspension string and the outer surface of the unwinding device.
  • the suspension device comprises a framepart, a guide element formed in a first end ofthe frame part, and a second binding point formed in a second end of the frame part.
  • the friction between the suspension string and the suspension device is utilised so that the other end of the suspension string passes through the guide element ofthe suspension device and passes at least one lap, advantageously at least two laps around the frame part ofthe suspension device before the suspension string is bound to the second binding point.
  • the suspension string passes spiral-like around the frame part ofthe suspension device so that the ascending spiral ofthe suspension string is determined by the distance between the guide element and the first binding point and by the number of laps of the suspension string around the frame part.
  • the radius of curvature of the suspension string becomes large although the diameter ofthe frame part ofthe suspension device is small.
  • the large radius of curvature increases, for its part, the tensile strength ofthe suspension string because the filaments of the suspension string strain evenly, in which case no tearing of single filaments occurs.
  • a thin suspension device does not disturb the measurements of the radiosonde, and with a thin suspension device, one gains, in addition, material savings and thus cost savings.
  • a thick suspension device accumulates a lot of energy from sun beams and conveys it to its environment, in which case the temperature measured by a temperature sensor in the vicinity ofthe suspension device may deviate from the actual temperature.
  • Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a connection between a sonde balloon and a radiosonde.
  • Figure 2 shows diagrammatically an unwinding device and fastening of a suspension string to the unwinding device.
  • Figure 3 shows diagrammatically a suspension device and fastening of a suspension string to the suspension device.
  • FIG 1 shows a sonde balloon 10, a radiosonde 20, a suspension string 30, an unwinding device 40 and a suspension device 50.
  • the unwinding device 40 is fastened to a neck region 11 ofthe sonde balloon 10, and a first end ofthe suspension string 30 is fastened to the unwinding device 40.
  • the suspension device 50 for its part, is fastened to the radiosonde 20, and a second end ofthe suspension string 30 is fastened to the suspension device 50.
  • the radiosonde 20 hangs substantially with a distance determined by the suspension string 30 from the sonde balloon 10.
  • the suspension string 30 is wound to the unwinding device 40, in which case the distance of the radiosonde 20 and the sonde balloon 10 is short, and the operator may hold the sonde balloon 10 in one hand and the radiosonde 20 in the other hand.
  • the suspension string 30 begins to unwind in a controlled manner with desired rate from the unwinding device 40, in which case the distance between the sonde balloon 10 and the radiosonde 20 increases until the suspension string 30 has been totally unwound from the unwinding device 40.
  • the sonde balloon 10 and the radiosonde 20 continue their ascend so that the radiosonde 20 substantially stays within the distance determined by the length of the suspension string 30 from the sonde balloon 10.
  • the unwinding device 40 moves periodically back and forth below the sonde balloon 10 in the direction shown by arrows A-A and with the radius R the centre of which is in the vicinity of the neck region 11 of the sonde balloon 10.
  • the pendulous motion receives its energy from the gravity ofthe radiosonde 20 when the suspension string 30 unwinds from the unwinding device 40.
  • the ascending rate ofthe sonde balloon 10 and the radiosonde 20 fastened to it is advantageously 5m/s, and the unwinding time of the suspension string 30 from the unwinding device 40 is advantageously lmin.
  • Figure 2 shows an unwinding device 40 which comprises a bobbin winding element 41, a first end element 43 arranged to a first end ofthe bobbin winding element 41, a second end element 42 arranged to a second end ofthe bobbin winding element 41, and a grip part 44 arranged to the second end element 42.
  • the bobbin winding element 41 has a longitudinal axis X and a transverse dimension.
  • the bobbin winding element 41 is advantageously formed of a cylinder, and the first and second end element 43, 42 are advantageously formed, for their part, of thin plates of circular shape.
  • a first binding point 43a is formed, into which the suspension string 30 may be bound, and a fastening opening 43b, which receives the suspension device 50.
  • the first binding point 43a and the fastening opening 43b may be formed in the first end element 43 by, for example, die cutting.
  • the first binding point 43 a is thus formed from a bracket in level with the first end element 43 around which bracket the suspension string 30 may be bound. As the bracket 43a in question is in level with the first end plate 43, it does not disturb the unwinding of the suspension string 30 from the bobbin winding element 41.
  • the fastening opening 43b is formed of a wider element and a narrower element.
  • the grip part 44 ofthe unwinding device 40 is formed of a bail-like piece which includes a rising region 44a fastened to the second end element 42, and a grip region 44b being substantially in 90-degree angle against the longitudinal axis X of the bobbin winding element 41. hi the outer end ofthe grip region 44b, there is a hook-like region 44c. In the outer surface of grip region 44b directed away from the sonde balloon 10, there is a toothing 44b 1.
  • the neck region 11 of the sonde balloon 10, which forms a filling tube, may be bent so that a loop forms into it (Fig.1) which loop is passed on the grip region 44b so that the hook-like region 44c in the outer end ofthe grip region 44b extends outside the loop ofthe neck region 11 ofthe sonde balloon 10.
  • the loop ofthe neck region 11 ofthe sonde balloon 10 may be tightened with, for example, iron wire around the grip region 44b.
  • the grip region 44b should be located firmly in the loop ofthe neck region 11 of the sonde balloon 10 in order to accomplish suitable oscillation resistance for the unwinding device 40.
  • the toothing 44b 1 ofthe grip region 44b assists in keeping the loop ofthe neck region 11 ofthe sonde balloon 10 in the grip region 44b.
  • the cross section of the rising region 44a ofthe grip part 44 is substantially ofthe shape ofthe letter I, and the cross section ofthe grip region 44b forms a polygon.
  • the suspension string 30 between the unwinding device 40 and the suspension device 50 is fastened to the unwinding device 40 so that at least one lap, advantageously at least two laps of the suspension string 30 are wound around the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40, after which a loop 31 is bound to tlie end ofthe suspension string 30 which loop is set to the first binding point 43 a in the first end element 43 ofthe unwinding device 40.
  • the suspension string part 32 passing to the suspension device 50 passes then between the string part 33 passing to the first binding point 43a and the first end element 43, whereas the at least one string lap wound to the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 cannot unwind when the suspension string 30 wound on the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 unwinds from the unwinding device 40.
  • the friction between the bobbin winding element 41 ofthe unwinding device 40 and the suspension string 30 may be utilised so that only a fraction of the force caused by the radiosonde 20 hanging in the suspension device 50 to the suspension string 30 is directed at the loop 31 ofthe suspension string 30.
  • the diameter D3 ofthe first end element 43 ofthe unwinding device 40, the diameter Dl of the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwmding device 40, the length L2 of the unwinding device 40, the radius R ofthe pendulous motion, the resistance of tl e pendulous motion, and the mass of the unwinding device 40 all affect the frequency with which the unwinding device 40 moves back and forth below the sonde balloon 10 and with which rate the suspension string 30 unwinds from the bobbin wmding element 41 of the unwinding device 40.
  • D3 is 65mm
  • Dl is 20mm
  • L2 is 110mm.
  • tlie longitudinal axis X of the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 is located slightly away from the centre of the first end element 43.
  • the diameter D2 ofthe second end element 42 is 27mm, and the length Ll ofthe bobbin winding element 41 is 45mm.
  • the diameter D2 of the second end element 42 and the length Ll ofthe bobbin winding element 41 are determined by the length and diameter of the suspension string 30.
  • the suspension string 30 should be accommodated in its total length on the bobbin winding element 41.
  • FIG 3 shows a suspension device 50 which comprises a frame part 51, a guide element 52 formed in a first end ofthe frame part, which is advantageously formed of a guide hole or eye, and a fastening element 53 formed in a second, opposite end of the frame part 51 with which the suspension device 50 may be fastened detachably to the fastening opening 43b in the first end element 43 of the unwinding device 40.
  • the side surfaces of the fastening element 53 have slots (not shown in the figures) which receive the edges of the fastening opening 43b when the fastening element 53 is pushed to the narrower region of the fastening opening 43b.
  • a second binding point 53 is formed between the frame part 51 and the fastening element 53 which binding point is advantageously formed of a binding loop.
  • the frame part 51 between the guide element 52 and the fastening element 53 of the suspension device 50 is advantageously formed of an elongated cylinder.
  • the suspension device 50 may be maintained fastened to the unwinding device 40 in storing situation.
  • the suspension device 50 is detached from the unwinding device 40 and fastened to the radiosonde 20 which has an fastening opening receiving the fastening element 53 of the suspension device 50.
  • the edges ofthe fastening opening of tlie radiosonde 20 receive the slots on the edges ofthe fastening element 53 ofthe suspension element when the fastening element 53 is pushed to the narrower region ofthe fastening opening ofthe radiosonde 20.
  • the suspension string 30 between the unwinding device 40 and the suspension device 50 is fastened to the suspension device 50 so that the end of the suspension string 30 is passed through the guide element 52 of he suspension device 50 to the surface ofthe frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 and at least one lap, advantageously two laps are wound around the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 after which the end ofthe suspension string 30 is bound to a binding point 54 with a knot 34. Then, the suspension string 30 passes spiral-like around the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 so that the ascending spiral of the suspension string 30 is determined by the distance between the guide element 52 and the second binding point 54 and by the number of laps of the suspension string 30 around the frame part 51.
  • the radius of curvature of the suspension string 30 becomes substantially greater than the radius of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50. Because of this, the filaments of the suspension string 30 strain evenly, and no tearing effect caused by a greater stress on single filaments occurs. By testing, it has been observed that suspension strings 30 need a bending radius of at least 3mm in order to their load capacity not to decrease by over 10%. With such rising structure, the bending radius of the suspension string 30 easily becomes 10mm, even though the radius of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 is only 1.5mm.
  • the friction between the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 and the suspension string 30 may be utilised so that only a fraction ofthe force caused by the radiosonde 20 hanging in the suspension device 50 to the suspension string 30 is directed at the knot 34 ofthe suspension string 30.
  • the diameter D4 of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 is 3mm
  • length L3 ofthe suspension device 50 is 75mm.
  • the first binding point 43 a is formed in the first end element 43 ofthe unwinding device but the first binding point 43 a may be formed also to the bobbin winding element 41. Then, the string part 32 passing to the suspension device 50 passes between the string part 33 passing to the first binding point 43 a and the outer surface of the bobbin winding element 41. Then, a first end element 43 is not always necessarily required, but the bobbin winding element 41 should be longer so that a part free of suspension string 30 remains in the lower end of the bobbin winding element 41.
  • the cross section of the bobbin winding element 41 should be expanding to the direction of unwinding of the suspension string 30 so that no race, that is, uncontrolled unwinding of the suspension string 30 from the bobbin winding element 41 occurs.
  • the free part in the lower end of the bobbin winding element 41 also assists in controllable unwinding ofthe suspension string 30 from the bobbin winding element 41.
  • the cross section of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 is of circular shape which is an advantageous shape for even load of filaments of the suspension string 30.
  • the cross section of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 may also be of different shape, for example, ellipse, flat or polygon with rounded corners.
  • the cross section ofthe bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 is of circular shape which is an advantageous shape for even load of filaments ofthe suspension string 30.
  • the cross section ofthe bobbin winding element 41 ofthe unwinding device 40 may also be of different shape, for example, ellipse, flat or polygon with rounded corners.
  • the diameter Dl ofthe bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 is identical for the total length Ll ofthe bobbin winding element
  • the diameter Dl of the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 could also be varying, for example, so that the diameter Dl increases parallel to the longitudinal axis X ofthe bobbin winding element 41 from the upper end ofthe bobbin winding element 41 to its lower end, in which case the bobbin winding element 41 being of circular cross section would form a cone.
  • the increase ofthe diameter Dl of the bobbin winding element 41 may be regular or irregular.
  • the unwinding device 40 is fastened directly to the sonde balloon 10, but if necessary, between the unwinding device 40 and the sonde balloon 10 there might be, for example, a radar reflector or a parachute. Then, the unwinding device 40 is fastened with a suitable fastening means to the above-mentioned devices so that unwinding of the suspension string 30 from the unwinding device 40 can occur in a controlled manner and with desired rate.
  • the suspension device 50 is fastened directly to the radiosonde 20, but the suspension device 50 may also be fastened indirectly througli any device to the radiosonde 20.
  • the unwinding device 40 and the suspension device 50 are advantageously manufactured from a plastic material suitable for the purpose. With plastic material, one achieves a light structure, and manufacturing may be performed with plastic processing methods in one or a couple of phases.
  • the unwinding device 40 may thus physically be formed of one and the same piece, and the suspension device 50 may also physically be formed of one and the same piece.
  • a suspension string 30 the cross- sectional area of which is 0.45mm 2 .
  • a solution according to the invention one may decrease the cross-sectional area of a suspension string 30 having corresponding features to the value of 0.15mm 2 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Environmental & Geological Engineering (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Atmospheric Sciences (AREA)
  • Biodiversity & Conservation Biology (AREA)
  • Ecology (AREA)
  • Environmental Sciences (AREA)
  • Ropes Or Cables (AREA)
  • Guides For Winding Or Rewinding, Or Guides For Filamentary Materials (AREA)

Abstract

The arrangement comprises an unwinding device (40) fastened to a sonde balloon (10), and a suspension device (50) fastened to a radiosonde (20), and a suspension string (30). The unwinding device (40) comprises a bobbin winding element (41) equipped with a longitudinal axis (X), and a first binding point (43a). A first end of the suspension string (30) winds at least one lap around the longitudinal axis (X) of the bobbin winding element (41), after which the first end of the suspension string (30) is fastened to the first binding point (43a) so that a suspension string part (32) passing to the suspension device (50) passes between a suspension string part (33) passing to the first binding point (43 a) and the outer surface of the unwinding device (40). The suspension device (50) comprises a frame part (51), a guide element (52) formed in a first end of the frame part (51), and a second binding point (54) formed in a second end of the frame part (51). A second end of the suspension string (30) passes through the guide element (52) and winds at least one lap around the frame part (51), after which the second end of the suspension string (30) is fastened to the second binding point (54).

Description

Method and arrangement for interconnecting radiosonde and sonde balloon
The object of the invention is a method for interconnecting a radiosonde and a sonde balloon according to the preamble of patent claim 1.
The object ofthe invention is also an arrangement for interconnecting a radiosonde and a sonde balloon according to the preamble of patent claim 4.
Radiosondes fastened to a sonde balloon are used in measurements of climatic conditions. The task of a sonde balloon inflated with lighter-than-air gas is to transport a radiosonde from the ground surface upwards through layers of air. In ascend, a trail forms to the tail of the sonde balloon, in which trail the climatic conditions differ from actual climatic conditions of he environment to be measured. Because of this, the radiosonde is fastened with a relatively long, for example, 60m long suspension string to the sonde balloon.
Meteorological measurements are performed with measuring devices in the radiosonde, in which case variables to be measured are temperature, humidity, pressure and location. Deterrriining the location ofthe radiosonde is based on the GPS method, and one is able to deduct the velocity and direction of wind on the basis of changes in location information. The measuring data of measuring devices are communicated with a radio transmitter in the radiosonde to a radio receiver on the ground.
As one person has to be able to perform the lai ching of a sonde balloon and a radio transmitter, an unwinding device is used into which a suspension string is wound and from which the suspension string unwinds in a controlled manner in the initial phase of ascend.
US patent 4,432,502 describes an arrangement based on an unwinding bobbin in which the connecting string between a sonde balloon and a radiosonde wound to the unwinding bobbin is unwound in a controlled manner from the unwmding bobbin during ascend. The unwinding bobbin has a longitudinal axis around which the suspension string is wound and a transversal dimension which increases parallel to the longitudinal axis from a narrow upper end to a wider lower end. The unwinding bobbin may be round, elliptical or flat. The unwinding bobbin performs periodical oscillatory motion below the sonde balloon when the sonde balloon ascends, and the suspension string unwinds from the unwinding bobbin in a controlled manner and with a suitable rate.
In known solutions, one end of a suspension string is fastened directly with a knot to an unwinding device, and another, opposite end of tire suspension string is fastened with a knot to a radiosonde or a suspension device fastened to the radiosonde so that forces affecting the suspension string are conveyed directly to knots in the suspension string. The knots ofthe suspension string form the weakest point ofthe suspension string, and a knot point weakens the tensile strength ofthe suspension string to a half or even to a third. Thus in known solutions, one has to use suspension strings two or three times thicker than otherwise necessary. This causes material loss and extra costs. With special knots, that is, so-called reef knots, one may decrease the weakening effect caused by the knot on the suspension string, but making special knots is laborious and time-consuming. For this reason, special knots are not suited for industrial mass production.
A method according to the invention for interconnecting a radiosonde and a sonde balloon is mainly characterised by the characterising part of patent claim 1.
An arrangement according to the invention for interconnecting a radiosonde and a sonde balloon is mainly characterised by the characterising part of patent claim 4.
With, the solution according to the invention, the above-mentioned disadvantage may be eliminated. With the solution according to the invention, one may size the suspension string based solely on tensile stresses directed at it without considering the weakening caused by knot points. The suspension strength of the suspension string in a solution according to the invention is almost equal to the load capacity of the suspension string itself.
A solution according to the invention is also simple and it is well applicable for mass production. The solution according to the invention utilises a phenomenon known from mechanics as such, according to the following equation, friction of a string (cord, rope) against a round surface:
S2 < Sl-e (μ- a)
in which SI denotes suspension force, S2 denotes force directed at end joint knot of string, e denotes Neper's number, μ denotes friction coefficient between string and round surface, and α denotes winding angle of string on round surface.
In the solution according to the invention, the unwinding device comprises a bobbin winding element and a first binding point. The friction between the suspension string and the bobbin winding element of the unwinding device is utilised so that one end of the suspension string passes at least one lap, advantageously at least two laps around the bobbin winding element, after which the suspension string is bound to a first bmding point. A part of the suspension string passing to the suspension device stays between the part passing to the first binding point of the suspension string and the outer surface of the unwinding device. With this arrangement, the minimum of one lap of suspension string wound around the bobbin winding element of the unwinding device cannot unwind in which case the suspension string wound on the unwinding device unwinds from the unwinding device in the ascend ofthe sonde balloon and the radiosonde.
In the solution according to the invention, the suspension device comprises a framepart, a guide element formed in a first end ofthe frame part, and a second binding point formed in a second end of the frame part. The friction between the suspension string and the suspension device is utilised so that the other end of the suspension string passes through the guide element ofthe suspension device and passes at least one lap, advantageously at least two laps around the frame part ofthe suspension device before the suspension string is bound to the second binding point. The suspension string passes spiral-like around the frame part ofthe suspension device so that the ascending spiral ofthe suspension string is determined by the distance between the guide element and the first binding point and by the number of laps of the suspension string around the frame part. Because of the spirallike spin, the radius of curvature of the suspension string becomes large although the diameter ofthe frame part ofthe suspension device is small. The large radius of curvature increases, for its part, the tensile strength ofthe suspension string because the filaments of the suspension string strain evenly, in which case no tearing of single filaments occurs. A thin suspension device does not disturb the measurements of the radiosonde, and with a thin suspension device, one gains, in addition, material savings and thus cost savings. A thick suspension device accumulates a lot of energy from sun beams and conveys it to its environment, in which case the temperature measured by a temperature sensor in the vicinity ofthe suspension device may deviate from the actual temperature.
Next, a solution according to the invention is described referring to the figures in the following drawings, the details of which do not solely limit the invention.
Figure 1 shows diagrammatically a connection between a sonde balloon and a radiosonde.
Figure 2 shows diagrammatically an unwinding device and fastening of a suspension string to the unwinding device.
Figure 3 shows diagrammatically a suspension device and fastening of a suspension string to the suspension device.
Figure 1 shows a sonde balloon 10, a radiosonde 20, a suspension string 30, an unwinding device 40 and a suspension device 50. The unwinding device 40 is fastened to a neck region 11 ofthe sonde balloon 10, and a first end ofthe suspension string 30 is fastened to the unwinding device 40. The suspension device 50, for its part, is fastened to the radiosonde 20, and a second end ofthe suspension string 30 is fastened to the suspension device 50. With this arrangement, the radiosonde 20 hangs substantially with a distance determined by the suspension string 30 from the sonde balloon 10.
In the launching situation of the radiosonde 20, the suspension string 30 is wound to the unwinding device 40, in which case the distance of the radiosonde 20 and the sonde balloon 10 is short, and the operator may hold the sonde balloon 10 in one hand and the radiosonde 20 in the other hand. When the operator releases the sonde balloon 10, the suspension string 30 begins to unwind in a controlled manner with desired rate from the unwinding device 40, in which case the distance between the sonde balloon 10 and the radiosonde 20 increases until the suspension string 30 has been totally unwound from the unwinding device 40. When the suspension string 30 has been totally unwound from the unwinding device 40, the sonde balloon 10 and the radiosonde 20 continue their ascend so that the radiosonde 20 substantially stays within the distance determined by the length of the suspension string 30 from the sonde balloon 10. When the suspension string 30 unwinds from the unwinding device 40, the unwinding device 40 moves periodically back and forth below the sonde balloon 10 in the direction shown by arrows A-A and with the radius R the centre of which is in the vicinity of the neck region 11 of the sonde balloon 10. The pendulous motion receives its energy from the gravity ofthe radiosonde 20 when the suspension string 30 unwinds from the unwinding device 40. The ascending rate ofthe sonde balloon 10 and the radiosonde 20 fastened to it is advantageously 5m/s, and the unwinding time of the suspension string 30 from the unwinding device 40 is advantageously lmin.
Figure 2 shows an unwinding device 40 which comprises a bobbin winding element 41, a first end element 43 arranged to a first end ofthe bobbin winding element 41, a second end element 42 arranged to a second end ofthe bobbin winding element 41, and a grip part 44 arranged to the second end element 42. The bobbin winding element 41 has a longitudinal axis X and a transverse dimension. The bobbin winding element 41 is advantageously formed of a cylinder, and the first and second end element 43, 42 are advantageously formed, for their part, of thin plates of circular shape.
To the first end element 43 ofthe unwinding device 40, a first binding point 43a is formed, into which the suspension string 30 may be bound, and a fastening opening 43b, which receives the suspension device 50. The first binding point 43a and the fastening opening 43b may be formed in the first end element 43 by, for example, die cutting. The first binding point 43 a is thus formed from a bracket in level with the first end element 43 around which bracket the suspension string 30 may be bound. As the bracket 43a in question is in level with the first end plate 43, it does not disturb the unwinding of the suspension string 30 from the bobbin winding element 41. The fastening opening 43b is formed of a wider element and a narrower element.
The grip part 44 ofthe unwinding device 40 is formed of a bail-like piece which includes a rising region 44a fastened to the second end element 42, and a grip region 44b being substantially in 90-degree angle against the longitudinal axis X of the bobbin winding element 41. hi the outer end ofthe grip region 44b, there is a hook-like region 44c. In the outer surface of grip region 44b directed away from the sonde balloon 10, there is a toothing 44b 1. The neck region 11 of the sonde balloon 10, which forms a filling tube, may be bent so that a loop forms into it (Fig.1) which loop is passed on the grip region 44b so that the hook-like region 44c in the outer end ofthe grip region 44b extends outside the loop ofthe neck region 11 ofthe sonde balloon 10. After this, the loop ofthe neck region 11 ofthe sonde balloon 10 may be tightened with, for example, iron wire around the grip region 44b. The grip region 44b should be located firmly in the loop ofthe neck region 11 of the sonde balloon 10 in order to accomplish suitable oscillation resistance for the unwinding device 40. The toothing 44b 1 ofthe grip region 44b assists in keeping the loop ofthe neck region 11 ofthe sonde balloon 10 in the grip region 44b. The cross section of the rising region 44a ofthe grip part 44 is substantially ofthe shape ofthe letter I, and the cross section ofthe grip region 44b forms a polygon.
The suspension string 30 between the unwinding device 40 and the suspension device 50 is fastened to the unwinding device 40 so that at least one lap, advantageously at least two laps of the suspension string 30 are wound around the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40, after which a loop 31 is bound to tlie end ofthe suspension string 30 which loop is set to the first binding point 43 a in the first end element 43 ofthe unwinding device 40. The suspension string part 32 passing to the suspension device 50 passes then between the string part 33 passing to the first binding point 43a and the first end element 43, whereas the at least one string lap wound to the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 cannot unwind when the suspension string 30 wound on the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 unwinds from the unwinding device 40. With this kind of arrangement, the friction between the bobbin winding element 41 ofthe unwinding device 40 and the suspension string 30 may be utilised so that only a fraction of the force caused by the radiosonde 20 hanging in the suspension device 50 to the suspension string 30 is directed at the loop 31 ofthe suspension string 30. The part ofthe suspension string 30, the purpose of which is to unwind from the unwmding device 40 when the sonde balloon 10 lifts the radiosonde 20 to layers of air, is wound in a normal manner around the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40.
The diameter D3 ofthe first end element 43 ofthe unwinding device 40, the diameter Dl of the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwmding device 40, the length L2 of the unwinding device 40, the radius R ofthe pendulous motion, the resistance of tl e pendulous motion, and the mass of the unwinding device 40 all affect the frequency with which the unwinding device 40 moves back and forth below the sonde balloon 10 and with which rate the suspension string 30 unwinds from the bobbin wmding element 41 of the unwinding device 40. h an advantageous embodiment, D3 is 65mm, Dl is 20mm and L2 is 110mm. In addition, tlie longitudinal axis X of the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 is located slightly away from the centre of the first end element 43. The diameter D2 ofthe second end element 42 is 27mm, and the length Ll ofthe bobbin winding element 41 is 45mm. The diameter D2 of the second end element 42 and the length Ll ofthe bobbin winding element 41 are determined by the length and diameter of the suspension string 30. The suspension string 30 should be accommodated in its total length on the bobbin winding element 41.
Figure 3 shows a suspension device 50 which comprises a frame part 51, a guide element 52 formed in a first end ofthe frame part, which is advantageously formed of a guide hole or eye, and a fastening element 53 formed in a second, opposite end of the frame part 51 with which the suspension device 50 may be fastened detachably to the fastening opening 43b in the first end element 43 of the unwinding device 40. The side surfaces of the fastening element 53 have slots (not shown in the figures) which receive the edges of the fastening opening 43b when the fastening element 53 is pushed to the narrower region of the fastening opening 43b. In addition, to the lower end of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50, a second binding point 53 is formed between the frame part 51 and the fastening element 53 which binding point is advantageously formed of a binding loop. The frame part 51 between the guide element 52 and the fastening element 53 of the suspension device 50 is advantageously formed of an elongated cylinder. The suspension device 50 may be maintained fastened to the unwinding device 40 in storing situation. When the sonde balloon 10 and the radiosonde 20 are launched to air, the suspension device 50 is detached from the unwinding device 40 and fastened to the radiosonde 20 which has an fastening opening receiving the fastening element 53 of the suspension device 50. The edges ofthe fastening opening of tlie radiosonde 20 receive the slots on the edges ofthe fastening element 53 ofthe suspension element when the fastening element 53 is pushed to the narrower region ofthe fastening opening ofthe radiosonde 20.
The suspension string 30 between the unwinding device 40 and the suspension device 50 is fastened to the suspension device 50 so that the end of the suspension string 30 is passed through the guide element 52 of he suspension device 50 to the surface ofthe frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 and at least one lap, advantageously two laps are wound around the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 after which the end ofthe suspension string 30 is bound to a binding point 54 with a knot 34. Then, the suspension string 30 passes spiral-like around the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 so that the ascending spiral of the suspension string 30 is determined by the distance between the guide element 52 and the second binding point 54 and by the number of laps of the suspension string 30 around the frame part 51. Thus, the radius of curvature of the suspension string 30 becomes substantially greater than the radius of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50. Because of this, the filaments of the suspension string 30 strain evenly, and no tearing effect caused by a greater stress on single filaments occurs. By testing, it has been observed that suspension strings 30 need a bending radius of at least 3mm in order to their load capacity not to decrease by over 10%. With such rising structure, the bending radius of the suspension string 30 easily becomes 10mm, even though the radius of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 is only 1.5mm. With this kind of arrangement, the friction between the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 and the suspension string 30 may be utilised so that only a fraction ofthe force caused by the radiosonde 20 hanging in the suspension device 50 to the suspension string 30 is directed at the knot 34 ofthe suspension string 30. In an advantageous embodiment, the diameter D4 of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 is 3mm, and length L3 ofthe suspension device 50 is 75mm.
hi the embodiment described above, the first binding point 43 a is formed in the first end element 43 ofthe unwinding device but the first binding point 43 a may be formed also to the bobbin winding element 41. Then, the string part 32 passing to the suspension device 50 passes between the string part 33 passing to the first binding point 43 a and the outer surface of the bobbin winding element 41. Then, a first end element 43 is not always necessarily required, but the bobbin winding element 41 should be longer so that a part free of suspension string 30 remains in the lower end of the bobbin winding element 41. In addition, the cross section of the bobbin winding element 41 should be expanding to the direction of unwinding of the suspension string 30 so that no race, that is, uncontrolled unwinding of the suspension string 30 from the bobbin winding element 41 occurs. The free part in the lower end of the bobbin winding element 41 also assists in controllable unwinding ofthe suspension string 30 from the bobbin winding element 41.
In the embodiment described above, the cross section of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 is of circular shape which is an advantageous shape for even load of filaments of the suspension string 30. The cross section of the frame part 51 of the suspension device 50 may also be of different shape, for example, ellipse, flat or polygon with rounded corners.
hi the embodiment described above, the cross section ofthe bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 is of circular shape which is an advantageous shape for even load of filaments ofthe suspension string 30. The cross section ofthe bobbin winding element 41 ofthe unwinding device 40 may also be of different shape, for example, ellipse, flat or polygon with rounded corners.
In the embodiment described above, the diameter Dl ofthe bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 is identical for the total length Ll ofthe bobbin winding element
41 which is, manufacturing technically, an advantageous embodiment. The diameter Dl of the bobbin winding element 41 of the unwinding device 40 could also be varying, for example, so that the diameter Dl increases parallel to the longitudinal axis X ofthe bobbin winding element 41 from the upper end ofthe bobbin winding element 41 to its lower end, in which case the bobbin winding element 41 being of circular cross section would form a cone. The increase ofthe diameter Dl of the bobbin winding element 41 may be regular or irregular.
In the embodiment described above, the unwinding device 40 is fastened directly to the sonde balloon 10, but if necessary, between the unwinding device 40 and the sonde balloon 10 there might be, for example, a radar reflector or a parachute. Then, the unwinding device 40 is fastened with a suitable fastening means to the above-mentioned devices so that unwinding of the suspension string 30 from the unwinding device 40 can occur in a controlled manner and with desired rate.
In the embodiment described above, the suspension device 50 is fastened directly to the radiosonde 20, but the suspension device 50 may also be fastened indirectly througli any device to the radiosonde 20.
The unwinding device 40 and the suspension device 50 are advantageously manufactured from a plastic material suitable for the purpose. With plastic material, one achieves a light structure, and manufacturing may be performed with plastic processing methods in one or a couple of phases. The unwinding device 40 may thus physically be formed of one and the same piece, and the suspension device 50 may also physically be formed of one and the same piece.
In a situation in which a fastening arrangement according to the invention is not apphed, one has to use, in the embodiment described above, a suspension string 30 the cross- sectional area of which is 0.45mm2. When a solution according to the invention is applied, one may decrease the cross-sectional area of a suspension string 30 having corresponding features to the value of 0.15mm2.
Next, the patent claims are presented; within the scope of their inventive idea the details of the invention may vary from the ones presented above only as examples.

Claims

Claims
1. A method for interconnecting a radiosonde (20) and a sonde balloon (10), the method comprising the steps of: - fastening an unwinding device (40) directly or indirectly to the sonde balloon (10) - fastening a suspension device (50) directly or indirectly to the radiosonde (20), and connecting the suspension device (50) with a suspension string (30) to the unwinding device (40), characterised by: - winding a first end of the suspension string (30) at least one lap around the longitudinal axis (X) of a bobbin winding element (41) formed in the unwinding device (40), after which the first end ofthe suspension string (30) is bound to a first binding point (43a) formed in the unwinding device (40) so that a suspension string part (32) passing to the suspension device (50) passes between a suspension string part (33) passing to the first binding point (43a) and the outer surface of the unwinding device (40), - directing a second end of the suspension string (30) through a guide element (52) formed in the first end of the suspension device (50) and winding at least one lap around the frame part (51) of the suspension device (50), after which the second end ofthe suspension string (30) is bound to a second binding point (54) formed in the second end ofthe suspension device (50).
2. A method according to claim 1, characterised by winding the first end of the suspension string (30) at least two laps around the longitudinal axis (X) of the bobbin winding element (41) formed in the unwinding device (40), after which the first end ofthe suspension string (30) is bound to a first binding point (43 a) formed in the unwinding device (40) so that the suspension string part (32) passing to the suspension device (50) passes between the suspension string part (33) passing to the first binding point (43a) and the outer surface ofthe unwinding device (40).
3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised by winding the second end of the suspension string (30) after tlie guide element (52) at least two laps around the frame part (51) of the suspension device (50), after which the second end of the suspension string is bound to a second binding point (54) formed in the second end of the suspension device
(50)
4. An arrangement for interconnecting a radiosonde (20) and a sonde balloon (10), which arrangement comprises an unwinding device (40) fastened to the sonde balloon (10) directly or indirectly, and a suspension device (50) fastened to the radiosonde (20) directly or indirectly, and a suspension string (30) between the unwinding device (40) and the suspension device (50), characterised by: - the unwinding device (40) having a bobbin winding element (41) equipped with a longitudinal axis (X) and a first binding point (43 a), whereas a first end of the suspension string (30) winds at least one lap around the longitudinal axis (X) ofthe bobbin winding element (41), after which the first end ofthe suspension string (30) is fastened to the first binding point (43 a) so that a suspension string part (32) passing to the suspension device (50) passes between a suspension string part (33) passing to the first binding point (43 a) and the outer surface of the unwmding device (40), - the suspension device (50) comprising a frame part (51), a guide element (52) formed in a first end ofthe frame part (51), and a second binding point (54) formed in a second end of the frame part (51), whereas a second end of the suspension string (30) passes through the guide element (52) and winds at least one lap around the frame part (51), after which the second end of the suspension string (30) is fastened to the second binding point (54).
5. An arrangement according to claim 4, characterised in that a first end ofthe suspension string (30) winds at least two laps around the longitudinal axis (X) ofthe bobbin winding element (41), after which the first end of the suspension string (30) is fastened to the first binding point (43a) so that the suspension string part (32) passing to the suspension device (50) passes between the suspension string part (33) passing to the first binding point (43a) and the outer surface ofthe unwinding device (43).
6. An arrangement according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that a second end of the suspension string (30) winds after the guide element (52) at least two laps around the frame part (51) ofthe suspension device (50), after which the second end ofthe suspension string (30) is fastened to the second binding point (54).
7. An arrangement according to any one of claims 4-6, characterised in that at a first end of the bobbin winding element (41) of the unwinding device (40) there is a first end element (43) into which the first fastening point (43 a) and a fastening opening (43b) are formed which fastening opening (43b) receives the suspension device (50).
8. An arrangement according to claim 7, characterised in that a fastening element (53) is formed in one end ofthe suspension device (50) through which the suspension device (50) is fastened to a fastening opening (43b) of a first end element (43).
9. An arrangement according to any one of claims 4-6, characterised in that the first fastening point (43a) is formed in the bobbin winding element (41).
10. An arrangement according to any one of claims 4-9, characterised in that at the second end of the bobbin winding element (41) of the unwinding device (40) there is a second end element (42).
11. An arrangement according to claim 10, characterised in that the bobbin winding element (41) is advantageously formed of a cylinder, and that the first and second end element (43, 42) are advantageously formed of thin plates of circular shape.
12. An arrangement according to claim 11, characterised in that the diameter (D2) ofthe second end element (42) is greater than the diameter (Dl) of the bobbin winding element (41), and the diameter (D3) ofthe first end element (43) is greater than the diameter (D2) ofthe second end element (42).
13. An arrangement according to claim 10, characterised in that the unwinding device (40) comprises a bail-like grip part (44) fastened to the second end element (42) which part receives a loop formed in a neck region (11) of the sonde balloon (10), for forming the connection between the unwinding device (40) and the sonde balloon (10).
PCT/FI2004/000419 2003-07-03 2004-07-02 Method and arrangement for interconnecting radiosonde and sonde balloon WO2005003011A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FI20031005 2003-07-03
FI20031005A FI115489B (en) 2003-07-03 2003-07-03 Procedure and arrangement for interconnecting a radio probe and a probe ball

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2005003011A1 true WO2005003011A1 (en) 2005-01-13

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WO (1) WO2005003011A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016009402A2 (en) 2014-07-18 2016-01-21 Altec S.P.A. Image and/or radio signals capturing platform
WO2022097323A1 (en) * 2020-11-05 2022-05-12 明星電気株式会社 Meteorological observation device, check valve, and hook unit

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB672160A (en) * 1949-07-12 1952-05-14 Leonard Peter Frieder Improvements in or relating to apparatus for retarding advance of a line under load
US3006584A (en) * 1957-01-28 1961-10-31 Gen Mills Inc Balloon load lowering mechanism
US4432502A (en) * 1980-07-02 1984-02-21 Vaisala Oy Bobbin apparatus for use in radiosondes
US4499763A (en) * 1983-06-13 1985-02-19 Vaisala Oy Means for attaching a sounding balloon
US4956646A (en) * 1988-10-17 1990-09-11 Viz Manufacturing Company Deployment apparatus and method for radiosondes
FR2830244A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-04 Jean Barat Unwinding line controller e.g. for meteorological balloon comprises balloon fitted to lower end of cylinder carrying line to deflect it

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB672160A (en) * 1949-07-12 1952-05-14 Leonard Peter Frieder Improvements in or relating to apparatus for retarding advance of a line under load
US3006584A (en) * 1957-01-28 1961-10-31 Gen Mills Inc Balloon load lowering mechanism
US4432502A (en) * 1980-07-02 1984-02-21 Vaisala Oy Bobbin apparatus for use in radiosondes
US4499763A (en) * 1983-06-13 1985-02-19 Vaisala Oy Means for attaching a sounding balloon
US4956646A (en) * 1988-10-17 1990-09-11 Viz Manufacturing Company Deployment apparatus and method for radiosondes
FR2830244A1 (en) * 2001-09-28 2003-04-04 Jean Barat Unwinding line controller e.g. for meteorological balloon comprises balloon fitted to lower end of cylinder carrying line to deflect it

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016009402A2 (en) 2014-07-18 2016-01-21 Altec S.P.A. Image and/or radio signals capturing platform
WO2016009402A3 (en) * 2014-07-18 2016-04-21 Altec S.P.A. Image and/or radio signals capturing platform
US10436941B2 (en) 2014-07-18 2019-10-08 Altec S.P.A. Image and/or radio signals capturing platform
WO2022097323A1 (en) * 2020-11-05 2022-05-12 明星電気株式会社 Meteorological observation device, check valve, and hook unit
JP7429305B2 (en) 2020-11-05 2024-02-07 明星電気株式会社 Weather observation device, check valve and hook unit

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FI115489B (en) 2005-05-13
FI20031005A0 (en) 2003-07-03

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