Handheld Slope Measurement Device Using Angled Distance Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for measuring the slope of a surface are cumbersome, require contact with the surface, are expensive, and lack portability, making them unsuitable for quick and accurate measurements in various applications.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld slope angle measurement device equipped with two or more distance sensors and a tilt sensor, such as an inclinometer or accelerometer, where the distance sensors are positioned at a wide angle relative to each other, allowing for accurate slope calculations without the need for a tripod or surface contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam mounted device with two distance sensors is used to measure surface angle, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity and portability worsen due to requiring a perfectly horizontal beam and significant horizontal distance between sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the sensor arrangement by positioning distance sensors at wide angles (30-120 degrees) relative to each other on a compact handheld device, eliminating the need for a perfectly horizontal beam and large separation distance while maintaining measurement precision through mathematical compensation algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement function into two independent parts: distance measurement (performed by individual distance sensors) and tilt measurement (performed by separate tilt sensors), allowing each component to be optimized independently and simplifying the overall device structure
2Volume of moving object
If distance sensors are positioned close together to reduce device size, then portability improves, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient horizontal distance for accurate slope calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter between sensors to wide angles (30-120 degrees), which compensates for the reduced horizontal separation distance and maintains measurement precision in a compact device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sensor types (distance sensors and tilt sensors) in a composite sensing system, where the complementary information from both sensor types enables accurate slope measurement in a compact form factor
3Measurement precision
If traditional slope measurement devices are used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but ease of operation worsens due to requiring tripod mounting and stationary positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the functions of distance measurement and tilt measurement into independent sensor modules, allowing the device to be handheld and moved freely while the processing unit combines data from both sensors to maintain measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of a perfectly horizontal beam with electronic/algorithmic compensation using tilt sensors and computational processing, enabling handheld operation while maintaining measurement precision
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device provides quick, accurate, and cost-effective slope angle measurements, enabling its use in various applications, including golf, flying vehicles, and assessing the perpendicularity of surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt sensor, such as an inclinometer or accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
two or more distance sensors... The distance sensors may be laser distance sensors, LED time-of-flight sensors, or IR distance sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring a slope of a surface includes a tilt sensor, two or more distance sensors coupled to the tilt sensor, and a processor configured for calculating the slope of the surface based on measurements provided by the tilt sensor and the distance sensors. The distance sensors are coupled to the tilt sensor at a non-parallel angle relative to each other. In one example, the angle between the distance sensors may be between 30 and 120 degrees. The tilt sensor may be an inclinometer. The distance sensors may be laser distance sensors, LED time-of-flight sensors, or IR distance sensors. The device is compact, portable, and small enough to be held in a user's hand.