Inertial Measuring Device for Construction Dimensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for structures, such as buildings or vehicles, require skilled handling and precise manual operations, which can be tedious and prone to errors due to the need for free line of sight and complex equipment setup.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device comprising two inertial measuring units with accelerometers and gyroscopes, arranged at a distance from each other, providing redundant measurements and capable of detecting faults, along with adaptable interfaces and a base station for reliable and accurate data collection, including a kit with various adaptors for different measurement scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laser-based measurement systems with free line of sight are used, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring precise manual operations and skilled handling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical/laser measurement systems with an inertial measurement unit (IMU) based system using accelerometers and gyroscopes. The IMU measures linear accelerations and angular velocities to calculate positions, orientations, and dimensions through integration, eliminating the need for manual laser alignment and free line of sight requirements while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device performs self-positioning and self-orientation using the IMU's inertial sensors. The system automatically tracks its own motion and calculates construction dimensions without requiring skilled operators to manually align equipment or perform complex setup procedures, thereby improving ease of operation
2Reliability
If redundant inertial measuring units are used, then reliability is improved through fault detection, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two inertial measuring units into a single integrated measuring device with a common housing and shared processing electronics. The IMUs are positioned at different locations on the same device body, allowing them to function as a unified system for measuring construction dimensions while enabling cross-validation and fault detection through comparison of their measurements
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 solution enables easy handling and reliable measurement of structures with improved accuracy, allowing for precise determination of dimensions and angles, even in challenging environments, by integrating inertial measurement units and adaptable interfaces, reducing operator skill requirements and measurement errors.
Implementation Method 1
Inertial measuring units, so called IMUs, are measuring units comprising motion sensing means, accelerometers and gyroscopes, that have been developed and used to track positions, inclinations and velocities of moving vehicles
Implementation Method 2
each inertial measuring unit also comprises means for sensing rotations
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring device 1 for measuring structures is provided, wherein the measuring device including two inertial measuring units 3, 4 arranged at a distance from each other. The measuring device can be provided with means for engaging the constructions that are measured. Also, an arrangement including a measuring device and a base station 21 providing a reference point for the measuring device is provided. Moreover, a kit including the measuring device and adaptors are provided, wherein the adaptors can provide an interface between the measuring device and a measured construction. A method for measuring a stationary construction is also provided, using a measuring device, preferably a measuring kit.