Capsule-Based Spherical Inclinometer for Three-Axis Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inclinometers for determining the orientation of objects are bulky, complex, and sensitive to gravity, temperature, vibration, and handling, requiring frequent calibration and multiple devices to measure orientation in three axes, which affects portability and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A Capsule Based Inclinometer device featuring a hollow spherical member filled with a fluid medium, equipped with sensors on its circumference and a light source, where a capsule displaces within the sphere to block light on sensors based on object tilt, allowing a single device to determine orientation in all three axes (pitch, roll, and yaw) using a computing unit to analyze input signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional gyroscopes and gimbals are used to determine pitch, roll and yaw axes, then orientation determination capability is achieved, but the system becomes bulky and complex with multiple moving parts requiring frequent calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple inclination measurement functions (pitch, roll, and yaw axes) into a single integrated device. The spherical body with multiple sensors arranged on its surface allows simultaneous measurement of orientation along all three axes, eliminating the need for separate gyroscopes and gimbals for each axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex mechanical systems (gyroscopes and gimbals) and implements it using a simplified spherical structure with sensors. By removing unnecessary mechanical components and retaining only the core sensing capability, the device achieves accurate orientation determination with minimal parts.
2Measurement precision
If multiple individual inclinometers are used to measure orientation in three axes, then complete orientation measurement is achieved, but the system complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spherical inclinometer device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - measuring pitch, roll, and yaw orientation along all three axes. The spherical geometry with sensors positioned on its surface enables universal orientation measurement capability in a single device, replacing the need for three separate inclinometers.
3Ease of operation
If conventional hand-held inclinometers are used for surveying and measurement tasks, then portability is improved, but accuracy is affected by gravity, temperature drifts, vibration, and handling sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a spherical body that can freely rotate and orient itself in response to gravitational force and external orientation changes. This dynamic spherical design allows the device to automatically adapt to any orientation, making it insensitive to handling position and reducing errors from improper mounting or vibration, while maintaining portability.
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 a compact, simple, and cost-effective solution for determining object orientation in all three axes with improved accuracy and reduced calibration needs, minimizing the impact of environmental factors like gravity and temperature.
Implementation Method 1
a capsule, which is disposed within the hollow spherical member. The capsule occupies an uppermost point within the hollow spherical member due to difference in density of the capsule and the fluid medium
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses a device (100) for determining orientation of an object. The device includes a hollow spherical member (101), which is filled with a fluid medium (109). A plurality of sensors (102) is positioned on a circumference of the hollow spherical member. Further, the device comprises a light source (104) fixed within the hollow spherical member, and a capsule (103) is disposed within the hollow spherical member. The capsule is configured to displace within the hollow spherical member and occupy uppermost point of the hollow spherical member. The capsule covers the one or more sensors at the corresponding uppermost point and, thus blocks impingement of light on to corresponding one or more sensors. The blocked one or more sensors activate or deactivate, and generate a feedback or input signal, which is received by a computing unit (107), to determine orientation of the object.