Low-power consumption inclinometer based on automatic triggering of microswitch

Abstract

This utility model discloses a low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch, including a horizontal microswitch and a housing. The horizontal microswitch has a built-in first conductive lead ball and a first contact electrode. The triggering function is achieved by using horizontal and vertical microswitches, replacing the traditional MEMS long-power-supply triggering method. In the device's sleep state, only the low-power microcontroller and real-time clock module are in a low-power state, while other peripheral modules are cut off from power through an electronic load switch, thereby significantly reducing standby power consumption and extending battery life. The horizontal and vertical microswitches can quickly generate trigger signals when the device tilts or vibrates, waking up the low-power microcontroller to perform data acquisition and processing. Compared with the software triggering method, this hardware triggering method has higher response speed and reliability, and can ensure timely detection of the device's tilt or vibration at critical moments.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of low-power monitoring equipment technology, specifically a low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a micro switch. Background Technology

[0002] Inclinometers, as key equipment for monitoring the tilt changes of various engineering structures and geological bodies, play an indispensable role in many fields. Whether it is monitoring the health of building structures, controlling the tilt of buildings in real time due to factors such as foundation settlement and external forces, and preventing potential collapse risks; or early warning of geological disasters, conducting long-term monitoring of the tilt of rock and soil in areas prone to disasters such as landslides and debris flows, and providing data support for disaster prevention and mitigation decisions, the performance of inclinometers is directly related to the monitoring effect and safety assurance.

[0003] Existing inclinometers use MEMS for continuous power supply. When the MEMS detects that the threshold is exceeded, it generates an interrupt signal to wake up the MCU for data acquisition. This method is software-triggered and requires the MEMS to be powered continuously, which increases standby power consumption. Therefore, we need to propose a low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering of a microswitch. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch. By implementing the triggering function through a microswitch, the complex software programming and interrupt handling logic in the traditional MEMS long power supply method are avoided, simplifying the system design, reducing system complexity, and improving the stability and reliability of the system, thereby solving the problems mentioned in the background art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution:

[0006] A low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a micro switch includes: a horizontal micro switch and a housing. The horizontal micro switch has a first conductive lead ball and a first contact electrode built in. When the tilt angle exceeds a preset threshold, the first conductive lead ball rolls and conducts the first contact electrode, generating a trigger signal.

[0007] A vertical micro switch includes a horizontal spring, a second conductive lead ball, and a second contact electrode, wherein the second conductive lead ball is suspended inside the housing by the horizontal spring;

[0008] A low-power microcontroller is connected to the horizontal microswitch and the vertical microswitch, respectively;

[0009] An electronic load switch connects the low-power microcontroller to the peripheral module.

[0010] Preferably, the spacing between the first contact electrodes of the horizontal micro switch is adapted to a preset tilt threshold, and the spring structure of the vertical micro switch is adapted to a vibration trigger threshold.

[0011] Preferably, it also includes a real-time clock module, which is connected to the low-power microcontroller.

[0012] Preferably, the peripheral module includes a MEMS sensor, a wireless communication module, and a memory, and the electronic load switch is configured to cut off the power supply to the peripheral module in standby mode.

[0013] Preferably, the low-power microcontroller is an ultra-low-power microcontroller with a sleep current of <μA.

[0014] Preferably, both the horizontal and vertical microswitches have hardware anti-shake circuits at their trigger signal output terminals.

[0015] Preferably, it also includes a power management module, which includes a lithium battery and a low-power voltage regulator.

[0016] Preferably, a cable connector is fixedly connected to the top of the housing, two sets of high guide rollers are fixedly connected to the top of the housing, two sets of bottom guide rollers are fixedly connected to the bottom of the housing, and a buffer pad is fixedly connected to the bottom end of the housing.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0018] This invention achieves triggering functionality by employing horizontal and vertical microswitches, replacing the traditional MEMS long-power-supply triggering method. In the device's sleep state, only the low-power microcontroller and real-time clock module are in a low-power state, while other peripheral modules are powered off through electronic load switches, thereby significantly reducing standby power consumption and extending battery life. The horizontal and vertical microswitches can quickly generate trigger signals when the device tilts or vibrates, waking up the low-power microcontroller for data acquisition and processing. Compared to software triggering, this hardware triggering method has higher response speed and reliability, ensuring timely detection of device tilt or vibration at critical moments. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of this utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the vertical micro switch of this utility model;

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the horizontal micro switch of this utility model;

[0022] Figure 4 This is a system block diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 This is the trigger circuit diagram for the horizontal micro switch of this utility model;

[0024] Figure 6 This is the trigger circuit diagram for the vertical micro switch of this utility model.

[0025] In the diagram: 1. Horizontal microswitch; 101. First conductive lead ball; 102. First contact electrode; 2. Vertical microswitch; 201. Horizontal spring; 202. Second conductive lead ball; 203. Second contact electrode; 3. Housing; 4. Low-power microcontroller; 5. Electronic load switch; 6. Real-time clock module; 7. Power management module; 8. Cable connector; 9. High guide wheel; 10. Bottom guide wheel; 11. Buffer pad; 12. Microelectromechanical system (MEMS); 13. Data storage module; 14. Linear regulator. Detailed Implementation

[0026] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0027] Please see Figure 1-6 This utility model provides a technical solution:

[0028] A low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering of a microswitch includes: a horizontal microswitch 1 and a housing 3. The horizontal microswitch 1 is built into the housing 3. The horizontal microswitch 1 contains a first conductive lead ball 101 and a first contact electrode 102. When the tilt angle exceeds a preset threshold, the first conductive lead ball 101 rolls and connects the first contact electrode 102, generating a trigger signal. When the housing 3 is placed horizontally, the first conductive lead ball 101 is located between the two first contact electrodes 102 and remains in an open circuit state. When the housing 3 tilts and the tilt angle exceeds the preset threshold, the first conductive lead ball 101 starts to roll due to gravity and eventually touches the first contact electrodes 102 at both ends, making the electrodes conductive and generating a trigger signal. This design ensures that the inclinometer can respond in time when a specific tilt angle is reached, providing a signal basis for subsequent data acquisition and processing.

[0029] The vertical micro switch 2 is also built into the housing 3. It includes a horizontal spring 201, a second conductive lead ball 202, and a second contact electrode 203. The second conductive lead ball 202 is suspended in the housing 3 by the horizontal spring 201. When the housing 3 is subjected to vertical vibration, the horizontal spring 201 deforms and drives the second conductive lead ball 202 to move. When the vibration amplitude reaches or exceeds the preset vibration trigger threshold, the second conductive lead ball 202 will touch the second contact electrode 203 at both ends, making the electrode conductive and generating a trigger signal. This design enables the vertical vibration of the inclinometer to be effectively monitored.

[0030] The low-power microcontroller 4, as the core processing unit of the inclinometer, is connected to the horizontal microswitch 1 and the vertical microswitch 2 respectively. It is responsible for receiving and processing the trigger signals from these two switches. The electronic load switch 5 cuts off the power supply to the peripheral modules in the standby state to reduce system power consumption. When the low-power microcontroller 4 receives the trigger signal, it controls the electronic load switch 5 to close, supplying power to the peripheral modules and putting them into working state. It is connected between the low-power microcontroller 4 and the peripheral modules. The triggering function is realized by using the horizontal microswitch 1 and the vertical microswitch 2, which replaces the traditional MEMS long power supply triggering method. In the device sleep state, only the low-power microcontroller 4 and the real-time clock module 6 are in a low-power state. The power supply to other peripheral modules is cut off through the electronic load switch, thereby significantly reducing standby power consumption and extending battery life.

[0031] The horizontal microswitch 1 and the vertical microswitch 2 can quickly generate trigger signals when the equipment tilts or vibrates, waking up the low-power microcontroller 4 to collect and process data. Compared with the software triggering method, this hardware triggering method has higher response speed and reliability, and can ensure that the tilting or vibration of the equipment is captured in time at critical moments.

[0032] The spacing between the first contact electrodes 102 of the horizontal micro switch 1 is adapted to the preset tilt threshold, and the spring structure of the vertical micro switch 2 is adapted to the vibration trigger threshold, ensuring that it can be triggered at a specific vibration frequency and amplitude. This adaptability design allows the inclinometer to flexibly adjust the triggering conditions according to different application scenarios and monitoring needs, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of monitoring.

[0033] It also includes a real-time clock module 6, which is connected to a low-power microcontroller 4 to provide a precise time reference for the inclinometer. It can not only record the timestamp of data acquisition, but also enable the inclinometer to automatically acquire data within a preset time interval through a timed wake-up function, without the need for manual intervention, thus improving the automation level of monitoring.

[0034] The peripheral modules include MEMS sensors, wireless communication modules, and memory. The electronic load switch 5 is configured to cut off the power supply to the peripheral modules in standby mode. The MEMS sensors are used to monitor the tilt angle and attitude changes of the inclinometer in real time; the wireless communication module is responsible for remotely transmitting the collected data to the monitoring center; and the memory is used to store data locally to prevent data loss due to wireless communication interruption. In standby mode, the power supply to these peripheral modules is cut off by the electronic load switch 5 to reduce power consumption.

[0035] The low-power microcontroller 4 uses an ultra-low-power microcontroller with a sleep current of <1μA, ensuring that power consumption is minimized and battery life is extended in standby mode. At the same time, it also has powerful processing capabilities and rich peripheral interfaces to meet the various data processing and communication needs of the inclinometer.

[0036] Both the horizontal micro switch 1 and the vertical micro switch 2 are equipped with hardware anti-jitter circuits at their trigger signal output terminals to eliminate false triggering caused by mechanical vibration or electromagnetic interference. This design improves the anti-interference capability and stability of the inclinometer, ensuring accurate monitoring even in complex environments.

[0037] It also includes a power management module 7, which includes a lithium battery and a low-power voltage regulator to provide a stable and reliable power supply for the inclinometer. The lithium battery has the characteristics of high energy density and long life, making it suitable for long-term field monitoring. The low-power voltage regulator ensures that the system provides a stable voltage output under different load conditions, protecting electronic components from the effects of voltage fluctuations.

[0038] The top of the housing 3 is fixedly connected to a cable connector 8 for connecting an external power supply or data transmission line. The top of the housing 3 is fixedly connected to two sets of high guide wheels 9 for easy sliding during monitoring. The bottom of the housing 3 is fixedly connected to two sets of bottom guide wheels 10 to ensure the stability of the inclinometer in the vertical direction. The bottom of the housing 3 is fixedly connected to a buffer pad 11 to reduce impact and vibration during installation or transportation.

[0039] In standby mode, the low-power microcontroller 4 and the real-time clock module 6 are in low-power mode, and the power supply to other peripheral modules is cut off through the electronic load switch 5. When the housing 3 tilts or vibrates, the conductive lead ball in the horizontal micro switch 1 or the vertical micro switch 2 rolls and connects the contact electrode, generating a trigger signal. After receiving the trigger signal, the low-power microcontroller 4 wakes up from the low-power mode and supplies power to the peripheral modules through the electronic load switch 5 to start data acquisition, processing and transmission. After completing the data acquisition, the low-power microcontroller 4 enters the low-power mode again and waits for the next trigger signal. This design ensures that the inclinometer can still achieve efficient and accurate monitoring functions in low-power mode.

[0040] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch, characterized in that, include: A horizontal micro switch (1) and a housing (3) are provided. The horizontal micro switch (1) has a first conductive lead ball (101) and a first contact electrode (102) built in it. When the tilt angle exceeds a preset threshold, the first conductive lead ball (101) rolls and conducts the first contact electrode (102) to generate a trigger signal. The vertical micro switch (2) includes a horizontal spring (201), a second conductive lead ball (202) and a second contact electrode (203). The second conductive lead ball (202) is suspended in the housing (3) by the horizontal spring (201). A low-power microcontroller (4) is connected to the horizontal microswitch (1) and the vertical microswitch (2) respectively; An electronic load switch (5) is connected between the low-power microcontroller (4) and the peripheral module.

2. The low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spacing between the first contact electrodes (102) of the horizontal micro switch (1) is adapted to a preset tilt threshold, and the spring structure of the vertical micro switch (2) is adapted to a vibration trigger threshold.

3. The low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a real-time clock module (6), which is connected to the low-power microcontroller (4).

4. A low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The peripheral module includes a MEMS sensor, a wireless communication module and a memory, and the electronic load switch (5) is configured to cut off the power supply to the peripheral module in standby mode.

5. A low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The low-power microcontroller (4) is an ultra-low-power microcontroller with a sleep current of <1μA.

6. A low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch according to claim 1, characterized in that: Both the horizontal micro switch (1) and the vertical micro switch (2) have hardware anti-shake circuits at their trigger signal output terminals.

7. A low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a power management module (7), which includes a lithium battery and a low-power voltage regulator.

8. A low-power inclinometer based on automatic triggering by a microswitch according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of the housing (3) is fixedly connected to a cable connector (8), the top of the housing (3) is fixedly connected to two sets of high guide wheels (9), the bottom of the housing (3) is fixedly connected to two sets of bottom guide wheels (10), and the bottom end of the housing (3) is fixedly connected to a buffer pad (11).

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