Length Measuring Device Using Magnetic Coupling and Acoustic Resonance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing length measuring devices for body height, such as stadiometers, are prone to measurement inaccuracies due to ambient conditions like dust or objects on the floor, and suffer from wear-induced errors in mechanical components like potentiometers, which affect accuracy and increase production costs.
Innovation Solution
A length measuring device featuring a vernier caliper mounted on a hollow profile with a magnetically coupled inner slide, utilizing an acoustic resonator with a loudspeaker and microphone to determine the position of the inner slide via acoustic pulse response, thereby reducing external interference and wear-related errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a mechanical measuring system with contact components is used, then measurement function is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to wear of mechanical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reading unit and scale graduation marks with an optical measurement system. A light source illuminates the scale, and a sensor detects the position of the vernier caliper by measuring light reflection or interruption, eliminating mechanical contact between the reading mechanism and the scale, thus preventing wear-induced measurement errors
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium between the scale and the detection system. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the position information is transmitted through optical fields, allowing non-contact measurement and eliminating wear of mechanical components
2Ease of operation
If ultrasonic distance measuring means is used, then measurement function is achieved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to ambient conditions and interfering influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the ultrasonic distance measuring means with an optical measurement system that directly measures the position of the vernier caliper on the scale. This optical system is not affected by ambient conditions such as dust, temperature, or humidity that interfere with ultrasonic wave propagation, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the measurement function from the complex ultrasonic system and implements it through a simpler optical scale reading mechanism. By taking out the vulnerable ultrasonic components and replacing them with a robust optical system, the device achieves immunity to ambient interfering factors
3Manufacturing precision
If high-quality materials are used to reduce wear, then measurement precision is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reading unit with an optical sensor system that does not require high-quality wear-resistant materials. The optical components can be manufactured using standard, cost-effective materials and processes, significantly reducing production costs while maintaining or improving measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive optical components such as LEDs, simple photodetectors, or CMOS sensors that can be mass-produced at low cost. These components do not suffer from wear in the same way mechanical parts do, eliminating the need for expensive high-quality materials while maintaining measurement accuracy
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
This solution provides high measurement accuracy independent of changing ambient conditions and minimizes wear-induced impairments, ensuring precise length measurements without the need for high-cost materials.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet arrangement which couples the vernier caliper and inner slide magnetically, so that the inner slide follows every movement of the vernier caliper along the hollow profile
Implementation Method 2
utilizing an acoustic resonator with a loudspeaker and microphone to determine the position of the inner slide via acoustic pulse response
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a length measuring device with a vernier caliper, a hollow profile, on which the vernier caliper is displaceably mounted externally so that it is capable of being brought into contact with an object to be measured in terms of its length, an inner slide, which is displaceably mounted inside the hollow profile, a magnet arrangement, which couples the vernier caliper and inner slide magnetically, so that the inner slide follows every movement of the vernier caliper along the hollow profile, a measuring means for measuring the position of the inner slide along the hollow profile, and a display, visible in the surrounding space of the hollow profile, of the length determined by the measuring means in accordance with the measured position of the inner slide.