Optical Accelerometer with Opaque Roller Armature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accelerometers face challenges such as complexity in construction, high cost, limited accessibility, and difficulty in coupling with generic objects for acceleration measurement, as well as the need for communication channels for data transmission.
Innovation Solution
An accelerometer design featuring a movably disposed armature with rollers and optical sensors, where the armature displaces within an enclosure in response to acceleration, blocking light from sensors to indicate acceleration levels, allowing for direct measurement without complex transmission systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If piezoelectric based accelerometer is used, then acceleration measurement capability is achieved, but construction sophistication and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex piezoelectric mechanical systems with a simple optical-mechanical system consisting of a transparent enclosure, movable armature with rollers, and light sensors. The armature displaces mechanically in response to acceleration and blocks light paths to sensors, converting mechanical motion into optical signal changes without requiring sophisticated piezoelectric materials or complex electronic transduction systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive components such as transparent plastic enclosures, simple roller elements, basic light sources (LEDs), and optical sensors that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach sacrifices the long-term durability of expensive piezoelectric materials in favor of cheaper, easily replaceable components that achieve the same measurement function.
2Measurement precision
If piezoelectric based accelerometer is used, then acceleration measurement capability is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs inexpensive components such as transparent plastic enclosures, simple roller elements, basic light sources (LEDs), and optical sensors that can be easily manufactured and replaced. This approach sacrifices the long-term durability of expensive piezoelectric materials in favor of cheaper, easily replaceable components that achieve the same measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex piezoelectric mechanical systems with a simple optical-mechanical system consisting of a transparent enclosure, movable armature with rollers, and light sensors. The armature displaces mechanically in response to acceleration and blocks light paths to sensors, converting mechanical motion into optical signal changes without requiring sophisticated piezoelectric materials or complex electronic transduction systems.
3Measurement precision
If existing accelerometers are used, then acceleration data can be generated, but communication/transmission channels are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic communication systems with a direct optical output system. The light sensors convert armature position into optical signal variations that can be directly observed or recorded without requiring electronic data transmission channels, processors, or communication protocols. The measurement output is inherently visual/optical rather than electronic.
4Measurement precision
If existing accelerometers are used, then acceleration measurement is possible, but ease of coupling with generic objects is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal accelerometer system with a standardized transparent enclosure and armature mechanism that can be coupled with any generic object through direct mechanical attachment. The simple roller-based armature and transparent housing allow the device to be mounted on various surfaces and objects without requiring object-specific customization, achieving broad adaptability across different applications.
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 design enhances sensitivity, accuracy, and ease of use, enabling cost-effective, compact, and customizable acceleration measurement on various objects with improved durability and simplified construction.
Implementation Method 1
the opaque roller is configured to block light from reaching at least one sensor of the plurality of sensors corresponding to the predefined angular position of the at least one arm of the plurality of arms
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure includes an accelerometer for determining acceleration of an object. The accelerometer includes an enclosure and an armature. The armature includes a hub and a plurality of arms, each defined with at least one roller at a free end. The roller contacts an inner surface of the enclosure, and at least one arm has an opaque roller. The armature displaces about at least one axis in response to acceleration of the object, and displaces the at least one arm to a predefined angular position between first and second positions. Sensors are embedded on an outer surface of the enclosure, and at least one light source illuminates the accelerometer such that opaque roller blocks light from reaching at least one sensor at the predefined angular position, indicative of the acceleration of the object.