Spring-Loaded Girth Measurement Frame With Magnetic Angle Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing girth measurement devices face issues with accuracy, reliability, and high maintenance costs due to reliance on potentiometers, manual approximations, and mechanical weaknesses, leading to labor-intensive and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A girth measurement device utilizing a retractable arm with a spring and magnetic rotary encoder to detect angular deflections, converting them into precise linear measurements through an IoT gateway and edge network for real-time processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If potentiometer-based measurement systems are used, then girth measurement capability is provided, but noise levels increase and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces potentiometer-based mechanical measurement systems with a magnetic encoder system that uses magnetic fields and optical detection. The magnetic encoder disk with radial magnets and optical sensor provides contactless measurement, eliminating the mechanical wear and noise issues inherent in potentiometer systems while maintaining measurement capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual measurement methods are used, then equipment cost is reduced, but labor intensity increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement device is designed to automatically encircle the subject and perform measurements without requiring manual intervention for each measurement. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically adjusts to fit different sizes, and the magnetic encoder automatically records and transmits data, enabling the system to serve itself and eliminating the need for continuous manual operation.
3Device complexity
If collapsible tape devices are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement accuracy decreases and durability worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple mechanical tape devices with a magnetic field-based measurement system. The magnetic encoder disk with radially arranged magnets creates a precise magnetic field pattern that is detected by optical sensors, providing accurate digital measurements without the mechanical wear and tearing issues of collapsible tape devices.
4Quantity of substance
If RFID tags are used for tree data management, then information storage capability is provided, but girth measurement functionality is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated device: the measurement frame encircles the subject, the magnetic encoder measures girth dimensions, and the RFID reader/writer captures and stores measurement data along with tree information. This merging eliminates the need for separate manual measurement and data recording processes.
5Measurement precision
If heavy machines with integrated equipment are used, then measurement capability is provided, but device portability worsens and operational efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into separate functional components: a lightweight frame structure, a magnetic encoder assembly, and a data processing unit. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and enables portable operation while maintaining measurement precision, avoiding the need for heavy integrated machines.
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 accurate, reliable, and cost-effective girth measurements with reduced maintenance needs, ensuring precise and real-time data processing without complex electronics.
Implementation Method 1
The spring is adapted to exert force on the frame, thereby applying force on the retractable arm to maintain firm attachment to the subject by static friction
Implementation Method 2
A magnetic rotary encoder associated with the spring detects angle of deflections occurring in the retractable arm
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device for measuring the girth of a subject. The device contains a retractable arm with a proximal (P) end and a distal (D) end. The distal (D) end of the retractable arm is pivotally connected to a spring enabling angle adjustments. A frame with a proximal (P) end and a distal (D) end connected to the spring at its proximal (P) end, the frame is configured with two arms with a fixed right-angled structure. The spring is adapted to exert force on the frame resulting in applying pressure on the retractable arm to maintain firm attachment of the device to the subject. A magnetic rotary encoder is associated with the spring to detect angle of deflections of the retractable arm, wherein the angle of deflection changes proportionally with changes in the girth of the subject.