PCB Metrology for Long-Term Relative Motion Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for long-term, accurate monitoring of relative motion between objects or planes are inadequate for sustained periods, often requiring on-site periodic measurements to capture variations like seasonal changes and structural deflections.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an electrical circuit with parallel conductors, a microcontroller, RF communications, and a central control unit for data acquisition, storage, and analysis, utilizing printed circuit board metrology and low-power components for precise and long-term relative motion sensing and data logging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If traditional periodic on-site measurement methods are used, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but the monitoring duration and continuity are limited due to the need for repeated manual interventions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (motion sensing, data logging, wireless communication, and power management) into a single integrated device. The motion sensor, microcontroller, memory, transmitter, and battery are merged into one unit that can autonomously perform long-term monitoring without external intervention, resolving the contradiction between extended monitoring duration and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed to be self-sufficient with an internal battery power source and autonomous operation capability. It automatically senses motion, logs data to internal memory, and transmits results wirelessly without requiring external power or manual operation, enabling long-term unattended monitoring while maintaining manageable system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If accurate long-term motion sensing is implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs periodic sampling of motion data rather than continuous measurement. The microcontroller periodically reads the motion sensor, stores data in memory, and transmits results at intervals, which significantly reduces power consumption while maintaining measurement precision through adequate sampling frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces continuous active measurement with a dormant-active cycle. The device remains in a low-power state and only activates measurement and transmission functions when needed, substituting continuous energy consumption with periodic operation that maintains accuracy while reducing overall power usage.
3Loss of information
If continuous monitoring is performed, then data completeness is improved, but the complexity of data management and processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary data processing and filtering before storage and transmission. The microcontroller pre-processes raw motion sensor data, organizing it into structured formats and filtering out irrelevant information, which reduces the burden on external systems and simplifies data management while ensuring complete and accurate data collection.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal memory and microcontroller act as intermediaries between the motion sensor and the external receiving system. They buffer, organize, and pre-process data before transmission, reducing the complexity of data management at both the sensing and receiving ends while maintaining complete and accurate data records.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention pertains to a device and system which uses printed circuit board metrology to accurately measure relative motion between surfaces in one or more dimensions. The invention comprises a system on a chip (SOC) to periodically measure, log, and transmit relative motion data in an automated fashion either wired or wirelessly, allowing long term measurement of moving surfaces such as foundation movement, bridge movement, concrete movement, structural system movement, excavation movement, slope monitoring or tree growth monitoring.