Portable Sensor-Bar Leveling System for Automated Table Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Leveling a table to within ±0.01 degrees using traditional mechanical adjustments can be time-consuming and is typically table-specific, lacking portability and ease of use across different surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A portable leveling system comprising sensor bars connected to a controller system that uses a leveling algorithm to adjust leg height, employing accelerometers, microcontrollers, and a leg movement system to achieve precise leveling, allowing for automatic adjustment and compatibility with various tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional mechanical adjustments are used to level a table, then the table can be leveled to within ±0.01 degrees, but the process takes up to an hour or more and is difficult to perform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical leveling adjustments with an automated electronic system that uses accelerometers to detect table inclination and motors to automatically adjust leg heights. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming manual adjustment process while maintaining high precision leveling capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling system performs self-leveling by automatically detecting its own inclination state through accelerometers and correcting it through motor-driven leg adjustments. The system monitors and adjusts itself without requiring external intervention, significantly reducing the time and effort needed for leveling.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical adjustment systems are built into the table, then leveling can be achieved, but the system becomes complicated and expensive and cannot be used with another table
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs universal interface adapters that can be attached to different table types, allowing the same electronic leveling system to work with multiple tables. This modular approach with standardized interfaces eliminates the need for custom-built-in systems for each table, reducing complexity while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The leveling system is divided into separate modular components: sensor bars with accelerometers, controller units, and motor assemblies that can be independently attached to table legs. This segmentation allows the system to be configured for different table types without redesigning the entire system, reducing overall complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If manual leveling with hand levels is used, then the process can be performed with simple tools, but it takes up to an hour or more to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple manual hand level tools with electronic accelerometers and automated motor systems. While this increases the technological complexity of the tools, it dramatically increases productivity by automating the repetitive measurement and adjustment cycles that previously required manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors table inclination through accelerometers and provides real-time feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts leg heights accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism eliminates the iterative manual checking and adjusting process, significantly speeding up the leveling operation.
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 system significantly reduces leveling time and enhances precision, achieving consistent accuracy comparable to precision machinist levels, while being adaptable to different tables and surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor bar includes an indicator light and an accelerometer for sensing movement of the sensor bar
Implementation Method 2
The sensor bar includes an indicator light and an accelerometer for sensing movement of the sensor bar
Data Source
AI summary
A method of leveling a table using a leveling system that includes placing at least three sensor bars on a top surface of the table. Each sensor bar includes a (+) end and a (−) end which correspond to lines on a manual level. Each sensor bar is connected to a controller system and acts as an electronic level. Activating a leveling algorithm of the controller system to adjust leg height of the table using a leg movement system connected to the controller system to level the table. Leveling the table using the leveling algorithm to monitor data readings of the sensor bars, changing the height of any of the legs using the leg movement system and continuing to monitor data readings of the sensor bars during leg movement until the table is level.