Bend Angle Sensor with Modular Touch Disk and Sliding Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bending angle sensors face challenges in achieving a compact design and accurately measuring angles between 0° and 180°, often requiring multiple touch disks and neglecting tilting effects, which leads to measurement inaccuracies.
Innovation Solution
A bending angle sensor with a sliding block mechanism that allows for easy exchange of touch disks, incorporates a beam splitter for simultaneous optical position detection, and accommodates a battery for independent operation, enabling precise angle measurement and tilting detection within a compact housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a compact design is pursued by integrating all components into a single housing, then device size is reduced, but it becomes difficult to accommodate multiple touch disks for different angular ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into modular components: a permanent housing containing the measurement electronics, and separate interchangeable touch disks for different angular ranges. This segmentation allows the main housing to remain compact while versatility is achieved through component interchangeability rather than integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent housing is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of touch disks. The housing structure itself serves multiple functions: housing electronics, providing mounting interfaces, and enabling angular measurement across different ranges when combined with various touch disks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple touch disks are provided for different angular ranges, then measurement versatility is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the touch disks from the permanent housing, the system achieves versatility without increasing the complexity of the main housing. Each touch disk is a simple, standalone component that can be easily exchanged, avoiding the need for complex integrated mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
Touch disks are designed as disposable or easily replaceable components. When a touch disk becomes worn or when measuring a different angular range is required, the touch disk is discarded (or replaced) rather than requiring complex adjustment mechanisms or recovery processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If touch disks are made interchangeable for different angular ranges, then adaptability is improved, but the time required for changing touch disks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The permanent housing is pre-configured with mounting interfaces and alignment features that prepare the system for quick touch disk exchange. The interface geometry is designed in advance to guide the touch disk into the correct position, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures during exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The touch disk exchange mechanism replaces complex mechanical mounting systems with simpler interfaces such as snap-fits, magnetic attachments, or tool-free clamps. This substitution reduces the time and effort required for exchange while maintaining secure attachment during measurement.
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 solution provides a compact, space-saving design that allows for high-resolution angle measurement across the entire range, accounts for tilting, and operates independently, reducing measurement errors and increasing application flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a sliding block (12) which is guided in a spring-mounted manner in an elongated recess (11)
Implementation Method 2
at least one position detector (16, 16') for detecting a displacement of the sliding block (12)
Data Source
Figure 1A~2
Figure 3A~3D
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The bending angle sensor (100) has housing (10) with elongate recess (11) in which sliding block is guided in resiliently mounted manner. A limitation portion (14) is provided at one end of housing, for sensing disc to be received in housing. The sliding block is designed to act on one end of to-be-received sensing disc. A position detector (16) is provided in housing, for detecting displacement of sliding block. An independent claim is included for method for measuring bending angle.