Digital Level with Dual Accelerometers and Power Sleep Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional levels using liquid-filled vials for orientation measurement are prone to inaccuracies and require bulky, expensive batteries due to high power consumption.
Innovation Solution
A digital level utilizing accelerometers in a complimentary arrangement, with features that rotate relative to gravity, and a controller that adjusts power modes to conserve battery life, providing accurate orientation readings and efficient power usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If accelerometers are arranged in a complimentary configuration, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The accelerometer system is segmented into multiple independent sensors arranged in a complimentary configuration. Each accelerometer measures orientation in a specific direction, and the results are combined through signal processing to achieve accurate 3D orientation measurement. This segmentation allows each sensor to be simple while the system achieves high precision through coordinated measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple accelerometer measurements are merged and processed by a controller to determine comprehensive orientation data. The system combines data from accelerometers oriented in different directions to calculate roll, pitch, and yaw angles, achieving measurement precision that would be impossible with a single sensor while maintaining manageable device complexity through integrated processing.
2Ease of operation
If display features rotate to remain perpendicular to gravity, then ease of operation is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The display features dynamically rotate to remain perpendicular to the direction of gravity regardless of the level's physical orientation. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal readability for the user by continuously adapting the display orientation to match the gravitational reference frame. The system uses sensor data to detect gravity direction and automatically rotates display elements accordingly, maintaining ease of operation throughout various positioning scenarios.
3Duration of action of moving object
If power consumption is reduced through sleep modes, then duration of action is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic wake cycles where the controller periodically checks orientation data from the accelerometers even during low-power states. Rather than completely disabling measurement functionality, the system uses periodic sampling to maintain sufficient measurement precision while dramatically reducing overall power consumption. This allows the level to remain responsive and accurate during brief wake periods while entering deep sleep modes between measurements, extending battery runtime without significantly compromising measurement quality.
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 digital level achieves enhanced accuracy and extended runtime by minimizing resolution errors and optimizing power consumption, allowing for lower-cost components and improved user interface feedback.
Implementation Method 1
The accelerometers generate input signals that are processed by a processor to determine an orientation of the level housing
Implementation Method 2
an orientation sensor, such as an accelerometer
Data Source
AI summary
A tool, such as a digital level, having multiple methods of indicating the orientation of the level. One embodiment of the level includes two or more accelerometers arranged in complimenting orientations, such as 90 degrees with respect to each other. The complimenting orientation allows for more precise measurements from less expensive accelerometers compared to a level with a single more expensive accelerometer. A power supply module, and an associated control module in charge of the power supply, selectively provides power to the accelerometers and displays based in part on user input, movement of the level, and the disposition of the level.