Columnar Structure Deflection Measurement via Self-Weight Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring deflection amounts in columnar structures, such as utility poles, are complex and time-consuming due to the requirement of imaging apparatuses and arithmetic devices, leading to increased effort and time for measurement and performance determination.

Innovation Solution

A method involving placing a columnar structure on a rolling surface that allows it to rotate under its own weight, with a support member that is harder than the structure, and measuring the distance between a straight line and a curved line along its longitudinal direction once rotation stops, simplifying the measurement process and eliminating the need for electronic devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If imaging apparatus and arithmetic device are used for measurement, then measurement precision can be improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection amount measurement precisionVSAvoidmeasuring device configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential measurement function from complex electronic systems and implements it through a simple mechanical comparator device. The comparator mechanically compares the curved shape of the columnar structure with a straight reference line, eliminating the need for imaging apparatus and arithmetic devices while maintaining measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring device utilizes the self-weight of the columnar structure to enable automatic rotation and positioning. The structure rotates under its own weight until the deflected portion reaches a stable position, eliminating the need for external actuators or complex positioning mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If imaging apparatus and arithmetic device are used for measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but time and effort for work cannot be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection amount measurement capabilityVSAvoidtime and effort for measurement work

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electronic measurement systems with a purely mechanical measurement approach. The comparator device uses mechanical elements (straight edge, distance measuring means) to directly measure deflection, eliminating the time-consuming processes of image capture, processing, and calculation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement process is segmented into simple, independent steps: placing the structure on the rolling surface, allowing automatic rotation, positioning the comparator, and reading the measurement. Each step is straightforward and requires minimal skill or time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If complex measuring device configuration is used, then measurement precision can be maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeflection amount measurement precisionVSAvoidease of measurement operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs automatic rotation and positioning using the self-weight of the columnar structure. The structure naturally rotates on the rolling surface until the deflected portion reaches its stable position, eliminating the need for operators to manually position or align components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of actively positioning the measurement device to match the structure's orientation, the patent inverts the approach by allowing the structure to passively rotate into the correct position relative to the fixed comparator device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This approach reduces the time and effort required for measuring deflection and determining performance by simplifying the measurement device configuration and eliminating the need for electronic equipment, allowing for self-execution of the measurement process by a single worker.

Implementation Method 1

the columnar structure rotates under its own weight of the columnar structure around the axis of the columnar structure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS10215549B2Method for measuring deflection amount of columnar structure and method for determining performance of columnar structure

Publication Date: 2019.02.26 TOKYO ELECTRIC POWER CO HOLDINGS INC

AI summary

A method for measuring a deflection amount of a columnar structure includes the following steps. The method includes placing a longitudinal direction of a columnar structure in a direction parallel to a ground to place the columnar structure on a support member that supports the columnar structure such that the columnar structure is rotatable around an axis in the longitudinal direction; determining that the columnar structure placed has stopped rotating under its own weight around the axis; and measuring, after the stop of the rotation is determined, measuring a distance in a vertical direction between a straight line connecting both ends in the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure and a curved line along a shape in the longitudinal direction of the columnar structure.