Handheld Ground-Slope Measurement With Angled Distance Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slope measurement devices are cumbersome, expensive, require contact with the surface, or need to be stationary, making them impractical for portable and accurate slope measurements.
Innovation Solution
A compact, handheld device with two or more distance sensors positioned at a wide angle relative to each other, coupled with a tilt sensor, such as an inclinometer, allowing for accurate slope calculations without needing to be mounted to a tripod or contacting the surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a beam mounted device with two distance sensors is used to measure surface angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and portability are worsened due to requiring a perfectly horizontal beam and significant horizontal distance between sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the sensor arrangement by positioning distance sensors at wide angles (at least 30 degrees) relative to each other on a compact handheld device, eliminating the need for a perfectly horizontal beam and large horizontal separation while maintaining measurement accuracy through mathematical compensation algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of a perfectly horizontal beam with electronic/algorithmic compensation using tilt sensors and computational methods to calculate slope angles, substituting mechanical precision requirements with software-based solutions
2Volume of moving object
If distance sensors are positioned close together to reduce device size, then portability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to insufficient horizontal distance for accurate slope calculation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular parameter between sensors to wide angles (at least 30 degrees), which compensates for the reduced horizontal separation distance and maintains measurement precision in a compact device configuration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from relying solely on horizontal distance separation to using angular separation in three-dimensional space, allowing precise measurements with sensors positioned closer together by utilizing vertical and angular dimensions
3Measurement precision
If traditional slope measurement devices are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation is worsened due to requiring tripod mounting and stationary positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (distance sensing, tilt sensing, slope calculation) into a single integrated handheld device, eliminating the need for separate tripods and mounting equipment while maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic operation by allowing the device to be held and operated in various positions and orientations, using tilt sensors to compensate for device orientation changes and maintain accurate slope measurements during movement
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 quick, accurate, and cost-effective slope measurements, suitable for use during golf games or by drones, and can be held in a user's hand or mounted to a structure, offering flexibility and precision.
Implementation Method 1
The tilt sensor may be an inclinometer or accelerometer
Implementation Method 2
The distance sensors may be laser distance sensors, LED time-of-flight sensors, or IR distance sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A device for measuring a slope of a surface includes a tilt sensor, two or more distance sensors coupled to the tilt sensor, and a processor configured for calculating the slope of the surface based on measurements provided by the tilt sensor and the distance sensors. The distance sensors are coupled to the tilt sensor at a non-parallel angle relative to each other. In one example, the angle between the distance sensors may be between 30 and 120 degrees. The tilt sensor may be an inclinometer. The distance sensors may be laser distance sensors, LED time-of-flight sensors, or IR distance sensors. The device is compact, portable, and small enough to be held in a user's hand.