Ball Based Orientation Indication Device Using Gravity-Displaced Sphere
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional orientation determination systems for objects, such as airborne vehicles, are bulky and complex due to multiple moving parts, requiring frequent calibration and are not efficient in determining pitch, roll, and yaw axes accurately.
Innovation Solution
A Ball Based Orientation Indication Device (BBOID) comprising a hollow spherical member with sensors and a light source, where a solid sphere displaces within the member to block light on sensors based on orientation, generating signals processed by a computing unit to indicate object orientation in pitch, roll, and yaw axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gyroscope and gimbal systems are used to determine pitch, roll, and yaw axes, then orientation determination can be achieved, but the system becomes bulky and complex with multiple moving parts requiring frequent calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of orientation determination by using a simple solid sphere and light source system, eliminating the need for complex gyroscope and gimbal mechanisms. The solid sphere's position relative to light sources directly indicates orientation, achieving the measurement function with minimal components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical gyroscope and gimbal system with an optical-mechanical system using light sources and a solid sphere. Instead of using rotating mechanical components to determine orientation, the system uses the position of a solid sphere relative to light sources, substituting complex mechanical motion sensing with a simpler geometric-optical arrangement.
2Reliability
If multiple moving parts are included in gyroscope and gimbal systems, then orientation can be determined, but the system requires frequent calibration and becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the moving parts from the system entirely, using a solid sphere that remains stationary relative to the housing. This eliminates the need for calibration that would be required for moving mechanical components, while still providing reliable orientation determination through the sphere's position relative to fixed light sources.
3Loss of information
If conventional systems with multiple parts are used, then orientation information can be obtained, but the system is not compact and has complex operational features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the orientation determination function into three independent light sources positioned at specific locations, with each light source contributing to determining one aspect of orientation (pitch, roll, or yaw). This segmentation allows the system to obtain complete orientation information while keeping each individual component simple and the overall operation straightforward.
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 BBOID provides a compact, efficient, and accurate method for determining object orientation by simplifying the system and reducing the need for frequent calibration, while effectively indicating orientation in three mutually perpendicular axes.
Implementation Method 1
The solid sphere is configured to displace within the hollow spherical member pointing towards gravity
Implementation Method 2
The light source is configured to illuminate the hollow spherical member, and impingement of light on to each of the plurality of sensors
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a device for determining orientation of an object. The device comprises a hollow spherical member. A plurality of sensors are positioned within a cavity defined by an inner surface and an outer surface of the hollow spherical member. Further, the device comprises a light source fixed within the hollow spherical member, and a solid sphere provided within the hollow spherical member. The solid spherical member is configured to displace within the hollow spherical member, pointing towards gravity and occupies lowermost position of the hollow spherical member, and thus blocks impingement of light on to corresponding one or more sensors at the lowermost position of the hollow spherical member. The blocked one or more sensors activate or deactivate, and generate a signal, which is received by a computing unit, to determine orientation of the object.