Mobile Tilt-Sensor RV Leveling Without Bubble Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current recreational vehicle (RV) leveling systems rely on pre-programmed zero-points set by consumers, which can be cumbersome and require physical bubble levels for calibration, limiting user convenience and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a handheld mobile device with a tilt sensor to determine the attitude of a selected surface, allowing for automatic leveling by communicating commands to electronically-controlled jacks via a platform leveling assembly, eliminating the need for physical bubble levels and enabling user-defined zero-point settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If pre-programmed zero-points are used for leveling, then the leveling system can operate automatically, but the process becomes cumbersome and requires physical bubble levels for calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical bubble level system with an electronic tilt sensor integrated into a mobile device. The tilt sensor electronically detects the attitude of the selected surface, eliminating the need for physical bubble levels and manual calibration procedures. This substitution enables automatic leveling operations while improving user convenience through wireless communication and electronic data processing.
2Extent of automation
If pre-programmed zero-points are used for leveling, then the leveling system can operate automatically, but physical bubble levels are required for calibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tilt sensor functionality directly into the consumer's mobile device, combining the calibration tool with the device already owned by the user. This integration eliminates the need for separate physical bubble levels and calibration equipment, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining automatic leveling capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves dual purposes: it acts as both the leveling instrument and the data processing unit. The device's existing sensors and processing capabilities are utilized for calibration and operation, eliminating the need for dedicated calibration equipment and reducing system complexity.
3Extent of automation
If pre-programmed zero-points are used for leveling, then the leveling system can operate automatically, but user convenience is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device universal by utilizing its existing components (tilt sensor, processor, wireless communication) for multiple functions including leveling detection, data processing, and communication with the leveling system. This multi-functionality improves user convenience by eliminating the need for specialized equipment while maintaining automatic leveling operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves as an intermediary between the user and the leveling system, facilitating wireless communication and data exchange. This intermediary role enables convenient user interaction through the mobile device's interface while automatically transmitting calibration data and leveling commands to the platform leveling assembly.
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
Enhances user convenience by simplifying the leveling process, improving accuracy, and allowing for easy recalibration of zero-points, as the mobile device can transmit leveling commands wirelessly to the platform leveling assembly, ensuring precise leveling of surfaces within RVs.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt sensor configured to sense an attitude of a selected surface on which the handheld mobile device is placed
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for leveling a selected surface of a structure. The system includes a handheld mobile device and a platform leveling assembly (PLA) supportable on a structure to be leveled. The PLA includes a PLA controller and a PLA receiver communicatively coupled with the PLA controller. The handheld mobile device includes a tilt sensor configured to sense an attitude of a selected surface on which the handheld mobile device is placed; and a mobile device controller communicatively coupled to the tilt sensor and the transmitter and configured to receive signals from the tilt sensor indicating the attitude of the selected surface on which the handheld mobile device is placed.