A Hydrogel-Based Tilt Sensor and the Systems and Methods in Which This Sensor is Used

Abstract

The invention relates to a tilt sensor (10) obtained by placing a conductive hydrogel (15) impregnated with carbon-based materials into a thin, cylindrical tube (13) with conductive plates at its ends, and the system and method in which this tilt sensor (10) is used.

Description

1 TARIFF A Hydrogel-Based Tilt Sensor and the Systems and Methods in Which This Sensor is Used Technical Area The invention consists of a carbon-based material placed inside a thin, cylindrical tube with conductive plates at its ends. A tilting device is created by placing a hydrogel, impregnated with materials that have acquired conductivity properties. It relates to the sensor and the system and method in which this sensor is used. 10 State of the Art Tilt sensors are used in heavy-duty applications such as electric stoves, heaters, industrial machinery, forklifts, and cranes. 15 for detecting tipping in various applications such as machinery and medical devices like wheelchairs. These are safety devices used. These sensors stop the device if it tips over or By alerting the user, it plays a critical role in enhancing security. Today, tilt sensors typically contain mechanical parts, and these parts can wear out over time. Wear and tear can cause sensors to malfunction, become unreliable, and produce inaccurate results. Also, 20 In challenging conditions such as industrial environments, tilt sensors are sensitive to environmental factors (e.g., humidity, temperature, Vibration can significantly affect and reduce the accuracy of the sensors. Current solutions also Because they involve complex structures, they can be very costly. In a patent search conducted regarding the prior art, the relevant patent is US4937518A 25. Application number [number] was encountered. In this application, a partially electrically conductive liquid was found inside the sensor housing. A structure has been identified in which the electrodes are positioned as a result of the body becoming tilted. It is positioned to detect changes in incoming electrical resistance. However, in this design, the liquid conductor... It is possible for the vehicle to experience stability problems due to excessive movement or vibrations. Another application is GB2192057A. This application describes a sensor with a housing and a mounting system for that housing. The housing contains connected electrodes. Inside the housing, the electrodes are in contact with the liquid conductor in a flat position. It is found. In the case of a bias, an air gap occurs where the contact of one of the electrodes in contact with the liquid conductor is interrupted. It has a void. However, this structure is similarly affected by external factors such as the movement and vibration of the liquid conductor. Due to the impact, the sensor's electrical transmission path does not remain mechanically stable. This situation, 35 This can negatively affect the reliability and accuracy of the sensor. 2 Therefore, one of the weaknesses of current tilt sensors is the vibration and sudden movements of liquid conductors. The result is that the sensors become mechanically unstable. This is especially true in industrial applications where sensors are inaccurate. This can hinder its operation. In addition, mechanical wear and tear and sensitivity to environmental factors also pose safety risks. This can increase. Therefore, a 5 that is more reliable, durable and less affected by environmental factors. A tilt sensor system is required. In conclusion, due to the negative aspects described above and the limitations of the current solutions regarding the issue... Due to its shortcomings, it has become necessary to make improvements in the relevant technical field. Purpose of the Invention The present invention meets the aforementioned requirements while eliminating all the disadvantages. This text relates to hydrogel-based tilt sensors and the systems and methods in which these sensors are used. The main purpose of the invention is to place carbon within a thin, cylindrical tube with conductive plates attached to its ends. hydrogel impregnated with base materials and given conductivity properties, and this structure By being used as a tilt sensor, it prevents instability situations that may occur during sudden movements of the sensor. The purpose is to prevent this. Hydrogel is a gel form that is between solid and liquid, and it forms a gel when subjected to vibration or sudden movements. Because it cannot produce droplets, the electrical conduction path remains mechanically stable. 20 Another objective of the invention is to make the hydrogel-based structure suitable for both carbon-based impregnation and salt absorption. Thanks to its soluble structure, carbon and salt ions can be homogeneously distributed within the structure, and The structure is made to behave like an electrical resistor. Also, because it is in gel form, it is resistant to movement. It behaves like a variable resistor. 25 Another aim of the invention is to create a tilt sensor that is mechanically easy to implement, inexpensive, and easy to use. to obtain. For the purposes mentioned above, the invention includes electric stoves, heaters, and industrial appliances. various machines such as heavy construction equipment like forklifts and cranes, and medical devices like wheelchairs. The invention relates to a suitable tilt sensor for detecting tilting in applications. The characteristic of the invention is: - a tube, - conductivity is achieved by partially filling the mentioned tube with impregnated carbon-based materials. It has been given this feature; as the angle of inclination of the tube with the ground axis changes during use, it becomes 35. position-changing hydrogel, 3 - the air gap located in the part of the tube outside the hydrogel mentioned, - the aforementioned carbon-based material found inside the tube in the case of use. As the surface area of ​​contact between the impregnated hydrogels changes, the electrical conduction between them also changes. it changed; thus, it is used to measure the resistance of the tilt sensor; to one end of the aforementioned tube It consists of a first conductive plate placed at one end and a second conductive plate placed at the other end. 5 The invention relates to a tilt sensor system incorporating a tilt sensor. The characteristic of the invention is; - The aforementioned tilting occurs when the tilt angle of the designed tilt sensor is exactly 45°. a voltage divider circuit created using a sensor and a resistor, - the voltage divider circuit sends the output voltage value V; the mentioned breakdown is 10 the sensor's primary conductive plate at tilt angles varying between 0° and 90° relative to the horizontal axis. and the resistance values ​​(Rö) measured from the second conductive plate and the corresponding voltage the values ​​(V) are recorded in advance so that the tilt sensor knows how many degrees It contains a data processing unit that can predict when a tipping motion occurs. The invention describes a system of tilt sensors that determines the degree of tilt movement of the tilt sensor. It relates to the method of determining what was done. The characteristic of the invention is; - Change in the specified angle value at inclination angles varying between 0° and 90° relative to the horizontal axis. Measuring the resistance value (Rö) for, R ö = ρ x L A - using the resistance value corresponding to the changing slope angle, the equivalent of each resistance value is calculated. The lookup table contains the voltage value (V) measured in the voltage divider circuit. creation, - Measured resistance (R) when the tilt angle of the designed tilt sensor is exactly 45° A voltage divider circuit is constructed using a resistor equal to its value and the tilt sensor itself. 25 establishment, - Measuring the voltage across R (V) in the established voltage divider circuit and processing the data. forwarding to the unit, V = V x ( R R ö + R ) - Data processing using a previously saved lookup table in the aforementioned data processing unit. The process involves the unit estimating how many degrees the tilt sensor has tilted. It includes the steps. 4 The structural and characteristic features and all advantages of the invention are given below in the figures and references to these figures. This will be understood more clearly thanks to the detailed explanation written by providing it, and therefore... The evaluation should also be made taking these figures and detailed explanations into account. Figure Description 5 To best understand the structure and advantages of the present invention, please refer to the explanation below. It needs to be evaluated using visuals. Figure 1: Perspective view of the tilt sensor, which is the subject of the invention. 10 Figure 2: Representative view of the tilt sensor system, which is the subject of the invention. Figure 2.1: Representative view of the tilt sensor system, including the voltage divider circuit, which is the subject of this invention. Figure 3 shows a representative view of the voltage divider circuit. References 15 10. Tilt sensor 11. First conductor terminal 11.1. First conductive plate 12. Second conductor terminal 20 12.1. Second conductive plate Tube 13 14. Air gap 15. Hydrogel 16. Angle of inclination 25 17. Power supply 18. Resistance 19. Voltage amplitude detector 19.1. Noise filter 19.2. Peak sensor 30 19.3. Converter 20. Data processing unit E: Earth axis 35 Detailed Description of the Invention In this detailed description, the preferred configurations of the tilt sensor (10) system, which is the subject of the invention, This explanation is provided solely to facilitate a better understanding of the subject. Figure 1 shows the perspective view of the tilt sensor (10) which is the subject of the invention. Accordingly, the aforementioned The tilt sensor (10) contains a thin and cylindrical tube (13). Carbon is placed inside the said tube (13). Hydrogel (15) was placed, which was impregnated with base materials and given conductivity properties. The first conductive plate (11.1) is placed at one end of the tube (13); and the second conductive plate (12.1) is placed at the other end. The first conductive plate (11.1) is connected to the first conductive terminal (11) at one end of the tube (13); the second conductive 10 The plate (12.1) is placed on the second conductive terminal (12) at the other end of the tube (13). The first conductive plate (11.1) and the second conductive plate (12.1) are carbon-based materials located inside the tube (13). A device used to measure the resistance of the tilt sensor (10) as the impregnated hydrogel (15) moves, preferably These are conductive ends made of metal. Since hydrogel (15) is a gel form between solid and liquid, the tilt sensor (10) will be activated by sudden movements. It prevents situations of instability. The gel form cannot produce droplets during vibration or sudden movements. The electrical conduction path remains mechanically stable. The advantage of its hydrological structure is that it contains... It is possible to add ionizable substances (various salts) and impregnate with carbon (coal, graphite powder, etc.). The aim is to enable the adjustment of the conductivity coefficient. 20 The hydrogel (15) based structure is suitable for impregnation of carbon-based material and is also salt-soluble. When carbon and salt ions can be distributed homogeneously within the structure, it is called a hydrogel (15). The structure is made to behave like an electrical resistor. Also, because it is in gel form, it is resistant to movement. It behaves like a variable resistor. 25 The tube (13) mentioned is not completely filled with hydrogel (15). The air gap inside the tube (13) (14) thanks to which the angle of inclination (16) that the tube (13) makes with the ground axis (E) changes as a result of the overturning movement. The position of the hydrogel (15) changes. The air gap (14) and the conductivity coefficient of the hydrogel (15) Because they are different from each other, as a result of the tipping motion, the first conductor plate (11.1) and the second conductor 30 The hydrogel surface area in contact with the plate (12.1) changes. As a result, the first conductive plate (11.1) and the resistance value measured between the second conductive plate (12.1) will change. Tube (13) tilting motion As we do this, the electrical conduction between the first conductive plate (11.1) and the second conductive plate (12.1) is achieved through these movements. It will change with. The tilt sensor (10) changes its conductivity as a result of the tilting motion. In order to determine the overturning motion and the angle of inclination at which the overturning occurred (16), 35 It is available for use. 6 The resistance formula is shown in equation (1) below. The changing surface area affects the resistance formula. As shown, this will change the resistance value of the invention. R ö = ρ x L A (1) The designed tilt sensor (10) can be used at tilt angles ranging from 0° to 90° relative to the horizontal axis (16), every 5 The resistance value (Rö) will be measured for a 0.1° change. A total of 901 measurements will be taken. The change in slope angle... (16) using the corresponding resistance value, lookup table (LUT) as shown in Table 1 will be created. Table 1 Sensor Search Table 10 Sensor Tilt Angle Corresponding to Tilt Angle Resistance Value (R ö ) Voltage Divider Circuit Measured Voltage Value (V) 0° R1 V1 0.1° R2 V2 0.2° R3 V3 0.3° R4 V4 0.4° R5 V5 ... ... ... 90° R901 V901 In addition, the 451st measured when the tilt angle (16) of the designed tilt sensor (10) is exactly 45°. voltage is measured using a resistor (18) equal to the resistance value (R) and the tilt sensor (10) itself. A voltage divider circuit will be constructed, as shown in Figure 3. In the constructed voltage divider circuit, the voltage across R is... The voltage drop will be measured. This voltage is called V. According to equation 2, the voltage V is 15. The measured voltage value V will be found and added to the lookup table. V = V x ( R R ö + R ) (2) The output value of the voltage divider circuit, V, will be sent to the voltage amplitude detector (19). The amplitude detector (19) measures this value accurately and converts it to its digital equivalent. Voltage amplitude The output of the detector (19) will be connected to the digital input of the data processing unit (20), the circuit to be set up is shown in Figure 20. This is shown in 2.1. The data processing unit uses a lookup table saved to the data processing unit (20). (20) can estimate how many degrees the tilt sensor (10) tilted. The data processing unit (20) is a microcontroller or ASIC structure. 7 The prediction process will be performed using the sliding window method. In this method: The measured voltage values ​​(V) will be matched with the window values. After matching, V Window scrolling will be adjusted so that the value is adjacent to the window's center point. This With this method, a stable estimate of the slope angle (16) will be provided. During this process, the measured 5 The voltage values ​​are divided for every 1° angle, and windows are created. Each window represents a model. It is used as input data, and the next data point is predicted. The process is carried out by scrolling the window forward. The process is repeated. The steps below are followed step-by-step in the sliding profile method. will be done.  Voltage-angle graphs are created by referencing the lookup table of the data processing unit (20). Every 10 10 An angle value of 1 degree is determined for each voltage value. A total of 90 different profiles (graphs). is created.  Using this graph, a specific data processing unit (20) can be selected in accordance with its capabilities. Continuous scanning is performed with a scanning frequency.  The slope angle (16) of the graph that coincides with the V value is given as the sensor output. 15 Very sensitive fluctuations in the sensor due to fluid dynamics are eliminated with this method. Figure 2 shows a representative view of the tilt sensor (10) system, which is the subject of the invention. Accordingly, The power supply (17) in the system provides electrical energy to the designed tilt sensor (10) circuit. A voltage divider circuit was designed using a tilt sensor (10) and a resistor (18). The tilt sensor (10) Measurements are taken between the angle of inclination (16) of 0° and 90° with respect to the ground axis and these angle of inclination (16) values Resistance values ​​of the first conductive plate (11.1) and the second conductive plate (12.1) of the tilt sensor (10) Measurements are taken and a "Sensor Lookup Table" is created. The created "Sensor Lookup Table" is used for data processing in the system. It is recorded in unit (20). 25 In the voltage divider circuit, a resistor value R corresponding to a 45° tilt angle was used. The voltage measured through the resistor R is sent to the input of the voltage amplitude detector (19). Equation 2 shows the equation for the voltage measured across R in the designed voltage divider circuit. The voltage amplitude detector (19) in the system consists of three main components. These are; noise filter (19.1), peak The main purpose of the voltage amplitude detector (19) is to be a sensor (19.2) and an analog-to-digital converter (19.3). The voltage from the voltage divider circuit formed by the tilt sensor (10) and resistor (18) is separated from the noise. The process involves purifying the data, clearly measuring the peak value, and converting that measured value into digital data. 35 8 The main purpose of the noise filter (19.1), which is a component of the voltage amplitude detector (19), is to detect the tilt sensor. The purpose is to remove noise from the voltage coming from the voltage divider circuit formed by (10) and resistor (18). The main purpose of the peak detector (19.2), which is another component of the voltage amplitude detector (19), is to detect noise. The aim is to detect the peak value of the voltage coming from the output of the filter (19.1). The voltage amplitude detector (19) The main purpose of the analog-to-digital converter (19.3), which is another component, is to detect the peak sensor (19.2) 5 Its function is to convert the analog signal coming from the output into a digital signal. Due to its unique structure, the tilt sensor (10) produces a direct analog output. Electronic components; from the sensor (10) The received analog input is used to produce a digital output. If desired, it can be directly included in the designs. The analog output from the sensor can be used without being converted to digital, which makes it 10 times better than other sensors found in the literature. Unlike other options, it provides design flexibility. In conclusion, the functions of the tilt sensor (10) system, which is the subject of the invention, are as follows: Measurement: At this stage, 15 is placed inside a thin, cylindrical tube (13) with conductive plates at its ends. Hydrogel (15) that has been impregnated with carbon-based materials and given conductivity properties is placed and this structure It is used as a tilt sensor (10). Between the first conductive plate (11.1) and the second conductive plate (12.1), The hydrogel (15) inside the tube (13) is made conductive by being impregnated with carbon-based materials; As the tube (13) performs a tilting motion, the conductor will move inside the tube (13). As a result of this movement, the conductor The surface area of ​​the conductive hydrogel (15) in contact with the surfaces of the plates will change. The changing surface area is 20 This will change the resistance value of the invention. Detection: The designed tilt sensor (10) detects tilts ranging from 0° to 90° relative to the horizontal axis. At angles (16), the resistance value will be measured for every 0.1° change. A total of 901 measurements will be taken. Using the resistance value corresponding to the slope angle (16), lookup table (LUT) 25 will be created. The measurement taken when the tilt angle (16) of the designed tilt sensor (10) is exactly 45° By using a resistor (18) equal to the 451st resistor value (R) and the tilt sensor (10) itself, the voltage A voltage divider circuit will be established. In this voltage divider circuit, the voltage across R will be measured. This The voltage is denoted as V. The voltage V will be found according to equation 2. The measured voltage V value... It will be added to the lookup table. The lookup table will be saved to the data processing unit (16). 30 Output Generation: The output value of the voltage divider circuit, V, will be sent to the voltage amplitude detector (19). The voltage amplitude detector (19) measures this value accurately and converts it to its digital equivalent. Voltage amplitude The output of the detector (19) will be connected to the digital input of the data processing unit (20). To the data processing unit (20) With the help of the saved lookup table, the data processing unit (20) determines the tilt angle of the tilt sensor (10) in degrees 35 The angle (16) can be estimated. The estimation process is done using the sliding window method. 9 This will be done using this method; the measured voltage V values ​​are compared with window values. will be matched. After matching, the V value will be adjacent to the midpoint of the window. Window scrolls will be adjusted. With this method, stable estimation of the tilt angle (16) is achieved. This will be ensured. During this process, the measured voltage values ​​V are divided for every 1° angle, and the windows are opened. is created. Each window is used as input data for a model, and the next data point is predicted. 5 The process is repeated by sliding the window forward. The process is performed step-by-step using the sliding profile method. The following steps will be taken.  Voltage-angle graphs are created by referencing the lookup table of the data processing unit (20). Every 10 An angle value of 1 degree is determined for each voltage value. A total of 90 different profiles (graphs). is created. 10  Using this graph, a specific data processing unit (20) can be selected in accordance with its capabilities. Continuous scanning is performed with a scanning frequency.  The slope angle (16) of the graph that coincides with the V value is given as the tilt sensor (10) output. Very sensitive fluctuations in the sensor due to fluid dynamics are eliminated with this method. Repetition: The entire operation can be repeated depending on the command.

Claims

REQUESTS 1. Heavy machinery such as electric stoves, heaters, industrial machines, forklifts, and cranes. Suitable for detecting tipping in various applications, such as medical devices like wheelchairs. It has a tilt sensor (10), the feature of which is; 5 - a tube (13), - by partially filling the tube (13) mentioned, by impregnating it with carbon-based materials conductivity property has been imparted; in case of use, the tube (13) makes a connection with the ground axis (E). Hydrogel (15) whose position changes as the angle of inclination (16) changes, - the air gap (14) located outside the hydrogel (15) inside the mentioned tube (13), 10 - the aforementioned carbon-based material found inside the tube (13) in case of use As the surface area of ​​contact between the impregnated hydrogel (15) changes, the electrical conduction between them it changed; thus, the tube (13) mentioned is used to measure the resistance of the tilt sensor (10). the first conductive plate placed at one end (11.1); the second conductive plate placed at the other end (12.1) includes. 15 2. A tilt sensor (10) conforming to claim 1, whose characteristic is that the tube (13) mentioned is thin and cylindrical. It is in the structure.

3. A tilt sensor (10) that complies with Claim 1, and whose characteristic is; the aforementioned carbon-based substance 20 Salt ions in the impregnated hydrogel (15) and a homogeneous mixture of the aforementioned carbon and salt ions. It is that they are distributed in this way.

4. A tilt sensor system containing a tilt sensor (10) that complies with claims 1 to 3, Feature; 25 - when the tilt angle (16) of the designed tilt sensor (10) is exactly 45° A voltage divider circuit is created using a tilt sensor (10) and a resistor (18), - the voltage drop-off mentioned is where the output voltage value V of the voltage divider circuit is sent. the sensor (10); first conductor at tilt angles (16) varying between 0° and 90° with respect to the horizontal axis The resistance values ​​(R ö) measured from plate (11.1) and the second conductive plate (12.1) and the corresponding 30 incoming voltage values ​​(V ) are recorded in advance and thus the tilt sensor (10) a data processing unit that can estimate how many degrees of tilting motion it has made (20) It includes. 35 11 5. A tilt sensor system conforming to Claim 4, characterized by its use of the aforementioned voltage divider circuit. The voltage value V, which is the output voltage, is sent before the mentioned data processing unit (20). It includes an amplitude detector (19).

6. A tilt sensor system that complies with claim 4, and its feature is; tilt sensor (10) circuit 5 It contains a power source (17) that provides electrical energy.

7. A tilt sensor system conforming to Claim 4, characterized by its voltage amplitude detector. (19) a component of the voltage divider formed with tilt sensor (10) and resistor (18) It includes a noise filter (19.1) that removes noise from the voltage coming from the circuit. 10 8. A tilt sensor system conforming to claim 7, characterized by the aforementioned voltage amplitude. the voltage from the output of the aforementioned noise filter (19.1), which is a component of the detector (19) It includes a peak detector (19.2) that detects the peak value.

9. A tilt sensor system that complies with Claim 7, and whose characteristic is; the aforementioned voltage amplitude analog from the output of the mentioned peak detector (19.2), which is a component of the detector (19). It contains a converter (19.3) that converts the signal into a digital signal.

10. A tilt sensor system that complies with claim 4, and its feature is; the aforementioned data processing unit (20) 20 It is a microcontroller or ASIC structure.

11. Using a tilt sensor system in accordance with claims 4-10, how many tilt sensors (10) are there? It is a method for detecting whether a degree of tilting motion has occurred, and its characteristic feature is; - at inclination angles varying between 0° and 90° relative to the horizontal axis (16), the determined angle value is 25 Measuring the resistance value (Rö) to detect the change, R ö = ρ x L A - using the resistance value corresponding to the changing slope angle (16), each resistance value The search term contains the voltage value (V) measured in the voltage divider circuit, which corresponds to the voltage value. Creating the table, 30 - The resistance measured when the tilt angle (16) of the designed tilt sensor (10) is exactly 45° The voltage is measured using a resistor (18) equal to (R) and the tilt sensor (10) itself. establishment of a divisive circuit, - Measuring the voltage across R (V) in the established voltage divider circuit and processing the data. transmit to unit (20), 35 12 V = V x ( R R ö + R ) - data processing using a previously saved lookup table to the mentioned data processing unit (20) Estimate how many degrees the tilt sensor (10) of the unit (20) has tilted. It includes the steps involved in the process. 5 12. A detection method in accordance with claim 11, characterized by the following feature: in the established voltage divider circuit, on R... After the step of measuring the voltage drop (V); - the output value of the mentioned voltage divider circuit, V, is sent to the voltage amplitude detector (19) sending, 10 - the digital equivalent that the voltage amplitude detector (19) measures and converts this value, data It includes the processing step of transmitting to the processing unit (20).

13. This is a method of determination in accordance with Claim 11, and its characteristic is; - at inclination angles varying between 0° and 90° relative to the horizontal axis (16), each 0.1° change is 15 Measuring the resistance value (Rö) for, - a resistance equal to the 451st resistance value (R) measured when it is exactly 45° (18) and The process step of setting up the voltage divider circuit using the tilt sensor (10) itself It includes.

14. This is a method of determination in accordance with Claim 11, and its characteristic is; With the help of the lookup table recorded in the mentioned data processing unit (20) the tilt sensor (10) The process of estimating how many degrees of slope angle (16) the data processing unit (20) makes; - voltage-angle graphs based on the lookup table of the mentioned data processing unit (20) creation, 25 - A total of 90 different angles are determined by assigning 1 degree of angle value for every 10 voltage values. Creating a profile (graph), - using the relevant graph, in accordance with the capabilities of the mentioned data processing unit (20) Continuous scanning with a selected, specific scanning frequency, - The slope angle (16) of the graph that coincides with the V value is 30 as the tilt sensor (16) output. giving The process involves performing a scrolling profile method with step-by-step instructions. 35

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