Optoelectronic Bubble Level with Peripheral Optical Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bubble level systems for electronic balances are cumbersome for users to adjust, as the movement of the gas bubble when adjusting feet is diagonal, making it difficult for less experienced users to achieve precise leveling, and prior solutions either obstruct the view or complicate the manufacturing process with conductive liquids and electrodes.
Innovation Solution
A cylindrical bubble level with alternately arranged light-emitting and receiving devices around its periphery, allowing unobstructed visibility of the gas bubble and using light signals to calculate its position, enabling precise leveling without interfering with user observation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrodes and conductive liquid are used to measure bubble position, then measurement capability is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical measurement system (electrodes and conductive liquid) with an optical measurement system. Light-emitting devices and light-receiving devices are positioned around the bubble level housing to detect the bubble position optically, eliminating the need for conductive liquid and electrodes while achieving the same measurement function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about bubble position. Light-emitting devices illuminate the area around the bubble, and light-receiving devices detect the light patterns to determine bubble position, using light as a non-intrusive mediator that does not interfere with the bubble level operation or require complex internal modifications.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are inserted into the bubble level for measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but user observation of the gas bubble is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses light as an intermediary that can pass through the transparent housing and marking circle area without obstructing user view. The light-emitting devices and light-receiving devices are positioned such that their optical paths do not block the user's line of sight to the gas bubble, allowing simultaneous measurement and clear observation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the measurement function locally around the bubble level housing rather than inserting sensors into the liquid chamber. The light-emitting and light-receiving devices are positioned on or around the housing exterior, creating a localized measurement system that does not interfere with the internal bubble-liquid system or user observation through the transparent window.
3Device complexity
If manual adjustment of feet is used for leveling, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates for less experienced users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic feedback control system for leveling. The light-emitting and light-receiving devices continuously monitor bubble position, and the control system automatically adjusts the leveling feet based on real-time feedback about bubble position, eliminating the need for users to manually interpret bubble position and make adjustment decisions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the bubble level system to perform its own leveling adjustment automatically. The system self-monitors its level status through the optical detection system and self-corrects by automatically adjusting the leveling feet, making the system self-servicing and eliminating the need for user intervention in the leveling process.
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 provides clear, unobstructed visibility of the gas bubble and precise measurement of its position, facilitating easy adjustment and ensuring accurate leveling with minimal user effort and reduced manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Each receiving device receives the light that is reflected by the inner bottom surface of the bubble level and reflected and refracted by the gas bubble
Implementation Method 2
Each receiving device receives the light that is reflected by the inner bottom surface of the bubble level and reflected and refracted by the gas bubble
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(c)
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus and method for measuring the position of a gas bubble in a bubble level and a bubble level comprising the apparatus. The bubble level comprises a cylindrical sealed housing. The sealed housing is partially filled with liquid and contains the gas bubble. The apparatus comprises: at least two light-emitting devices, the light emitted from each light-emitting device illuminating the gas bubble and an inner bottom surface of the bubble level; and at least two receiving devices, each receiving device receiving the light that is reflected by the inner bottom surface of the bubble level and reflected and refracted by the gas bubble and converting it into electrical signals, the electrical signals being processed for calculating the position of the gas bubble, wherein each of the at least two light-emitting devices and each of the at least two receiving devices being alternatively disposed at the periphery of the cylindrical sealed housing.