Extensible Cable Measuring Device with Nested Carriages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measuring devices are slow, labor-intensive, and lack accuracy, especially when measuring corners and curved surfaces, with modern methods like laser measuring devices being expensive and inaccurate in these areas.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device with an extensible cable and a base unit that includes rotatable carriages and angular displacement sensors to accurately measure the length and orientation of the cable, allowing for precise determination of point locations and surface reconstruction using a computer and wireless connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional tape measures and protractors are used for measuring, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision and productivity are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested carriage system where a first carriage is rotatably mounted on a base, and a second carriage is rotatably mounted on the first carriage. This nested structure allows multiple degrees of freedom (azimuth and elevation angles) to be integrated in a compact configuration, achieving high measurement precision without excessive device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical measurement methods (tape measures and protractors) with an automated optical-electronic system. The system uses angular displacement sensors to detect cable position, servoed motors for automated positioning, and a computer for coordinate calculation, substituting manual mechanical operations with automated electro-optical measurement.
2Productivity
If laser measuring devices are used, then the measurement speed is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates on corners and curved surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cable instead of a rigid laser beam, allowing the measurement probe to conform to local surface geometries such as corners and curved surfaces. The cable can be positioned exactly at the target point regardless of surface curvature, providing locally adapted measurement capability that maintains precision on complex geometries while preserving measurement speed through automated positioning.
3Productivity
If two persons are used for conventional measurements, then the measurement coverage is adequate, but the productivity and operational complexity are reduced when using automated devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service automation where the system automatically positions the cable using servoed motors controlled by angular displacement sensors, automatically calculates three-dimensional coordinates from measured angles and cable length, and automatically stores measurement data in computer memory. This automation eliminates the need for multiple operators while maintaining comprehensive measurement coverage through systematic automated point-by-point measurement.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device generally comprises a base unit housing an extensible cable; the cable including a free end for placement by a user at a point being measured. The base unit, placed in line of sight of the point, includes: a base; a first carriage rotationally attached to the base about a turn axis; and a second carriage rotationally attached to the first carriage about a pitch axis. Servoed motors rotate the carriages to align them with cable path to the point. The turn angle, the pitch angle and the cable length are measured to determine the point's location. A plurality of points determines a surface. The user uses a programmed PDA with a radio to communicate with the base unit.