Hand-Held Probe Orientation Sensors for Tip Position Accuracy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing apparatuses for pointing spatial coordinates are limited in accuracy as they determine the position of the hand-held probe rather than the actual position of the pointing tip, which is crucial for precise measurements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating orientation means into the hand-held probe to determine the orientation data, which is then interfaced with computer-controlled processing means to adjust and provide accurate spatial coordinates based on the pointing tip's position, using sensors like inclinosensors and communication means for data transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the apparatus determines the position of the hand-held probe body, then the measurement process is simplified, but the measurement precision of the pointing tip position deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement process simplicityVSAvoidpointing tip position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the measurement task into two independent components: (1) measuring the position of the probe body using the cord/wire and arm sensors, and (2) measuring the orientation of the probe body using separate orientation sensors. These segmented measurements are then combined through computer processing to calculate the precise pointing tip position, thereby maintaining operational simplicity while achieving high measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces orientation sensors as an intermediary element between the probe body position measurement and the final pointing tip position calculation. These sensors measure the orientation data that serves as a mediator to bridge the gap between probe body position and pointing tip position, enabling accurate determination of the pointing tip coordinates without complicating the basic measurement process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If orientation sensors are added to the hand-held probe, then the measurement precision of the pointing tip is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepointing tip position accuracyVSAvoidprobe structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The orientation sensors incorporated into the hand-held probe serve multiple functions: they measure the orientation of the probe body, provide data for calculating pointing tip position, and can potentially be used for other spatial measurements. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering enhanced measurement capabilities across various measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The hand-held probe becomes self-sufficient by integrating both position measurement (through cord/wire connection to base unit) and orientation measurement (through built-in orientation sensors) capabilities. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external辅助设备 to measure probe orientation, thereby achieving high pointing tip accuracy while maintaining a relatively compact and integrated device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enhances the accuracy of spatial coordinate determination by accounting for the orientation of the hand-held probe, allowing for precise measurement of the pointing tip's position, even when the shape or type of the pointing tip differs from standard forms, and provides user guidance for correct positioning.

Implementation Method 1

sensors for measuring length or a change in length of the cord or the wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLength measurement:

Implementation Method 2

rotation of the arm in at least one degree of freedom

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation measurement:

Implementation Method 3

orientation means for determining data relating to orientation of said hand-held probe

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInclination sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS9212889B2Apparatus for pointing spatial coordinates, comprising a movable hand-held probe and a portable base unit, and a related method

Publication Date: 2015.12.15 HLDG PRODIM SYST BV

AI summary

An apparatus for pointing spatial coordinates, comprising a movable hand-held probe, having a pointing tip, and a portable base unit provided with a rotatably supported elongated arm, wherein the hand-held probe connects to the portable base unit by means of a cord or a wire via the elongated arm and wherein the base unit is provided with sensors for measuring length or a change in length of the cord or the wire and rotation of the arm in at least one degree of freedom, and computer-controlled processing means for processing measuring signals delivered by the sensors into position data of the hand-held probe.