Articulated Chain Measuring Device for 3D Surface Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for determining surface profiles on humans or animals are limited in their ability to capture three-dimensional data, lack angular measurement capabilities, and are not easily reproducible, making them inaccurate and difficult to handle.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with pivotally connected chain links equipped with scales and sensors that allow for numerical evaluation of surface profiles, enabling precise and versatile adjustments to different surfaces, and facilitating the reproduction of measured data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single-dimensional measuring gauge is used to measure animal body circumference, then the device is simple to construct, but it can only measure a single cross-section and cannot determine three-dimensional surface profiles
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device is divided into multiple independent chain links that can be articulated relative to each other. Each chain link functions as an independent measurement unit that can adapt to different surface contours, enabling three-dimensional surface profiling while maintaining relative structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-dimensional circumference measurement to multi-dimensional surface profiling by adding angular measurement capability. Scales and sensors on the rotary joints enable determination of angular relationships between chain links, converting a simple linear measurement tool into a sophisticated 3D surface measurement device
2Measurement precision
If angular measurement scales are added to rotary joints, then numerical determination of surface profiles becomes possible, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement function is segmented and distributed across multiple chain links rather than concentrated in a single complex mechanism. Each chain link carries its own scale, enabling localized angular measurement and simplifying the overall device architecture while achieving comprehensive surface profiling
Solution Approach 2:
The chain link structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical articulation to follow surface contours, supports angular measurement scales, and enables numerical documentation of surface profiles. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components
3Manufacturing precision
If frequent measurements are taken to approximate three-dimensional surfaces, then measurement coverage improves, but time consumption and potential inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The articulated chain structure enables continuous surface following action as the device is placed on the animal's body. The chain links naturally conform to the surface contours through their articulation, eliminating the need for repeated discrete measurements and enabling continuous three-dimensional surface documentation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 3c
AI summary
The invention relates to a measuring device (1) for determining a surface contour (42) of a human or animal body (41), wherein the measuring device (1) comprises a main chain (43) having several main-chain links (44, 44', 44", 44"', 44lv, 44v), which are connected to each other by a swivel joint (45), characterized in that the swivel joint (45) has a scale (13, 23, 74') or sensors, by means of which the angle between the at least two main-chain links (44, 44', 44", 44"',44lv, 44v) can be read or detected.