Low Cost Position Sensor Using Rollable Object and Non-Planar Container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current position sensors are costly, have high calculation loads, and insufficient accuracy, particularly when stationary, with triaxial accelerometers struggling to provide accurate positions, ball sensors limited in determining tilt degrees, and level sensors having complex structures.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost position sensor comprising a rollable object and a container with a non-planar inner bottom, equipped with sensors that detect the object's coordinates and send them to a control circuit to determine tilt angles, using electroconductive strips or capacitive sensors for precise position detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If triaxial accelerometer is used for position detection, then the sensor can detect position, but the accuracy is insufficient when stationary
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a ball sensor as an intermediary element between the accelerometer and the position detection function. The ball sensor physically contacts the electroconductive sheet at a specific position, creating a direct electrical connection that provides accurate position information without relying on accelerometer calculations during stationary states.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the purely mechanical/inertial measurement approach of the accelerometer with an electrical contact method. By using the ball sensor to establish direct electrical contact with the electroconductive sheet, the system substitutes complex mechanical position calculation with a simpler electrical position detection mechanism.
2Device complexity
If ball sensor is used for tilt detection, then the structure is simple, but the accuracy is limited and cannot determine tilt degree
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from binary tilt detection (tilt present/absent) to continuous position detection by mapping the ball sensor's contact position on the electroconductive sheet to specific tilt angles. The two-dimensional electroconductive sheet allows the ball sensor to indicate position in multiple dimensions, enabling precise determination of tilt degree rather than just tilt presence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection parameter from simple tilt presence to continuous position coordinates. By measuring the exact position where the ball sensor contacts the electroconductive sheet, the system can determine the degree of tilt as a continuous parameter rather than a binary state, significantly improving measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If level sensor is used for position detection, then the detection accuracy is high, but the structure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential position detection function from complex level sensors by using a simple ball sensor in contact with an electroconductive sheet. This extraction approach removes unnecessary structural complexity while retaining the core functionality of accurate position detection through the ball's contact position on the sheet.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive components (ball sensor, electroconductive sheet, simple container) to replace expensive level sensors. The system achieves accurate position detection through a combination of low-cost elements rather than relying on a single expensive sensor, reducing overall device complexity and cost.
4Measurement precision
If conventional position sensors are used, then position detection is available, but the cost is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the detection parameter from requiring expensive specialized sensors to using simple electrical contact principles. By measuring the position coordinates through voltage division or capacitive sensing at the ball contact point on the electroconductive sheet, the system achieves accurate position detection using low-cost electrical measurement techniques instead of expensive dedicated position sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The electroconductive sheet serves multiple functions: it acts as the sensing surface, the electrical connection medium, and the position reference frame. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate components in conventional sensors, reducing overall system cost while maintaining position detection capability.
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 a cost-effective and accurate position detection system with a simple structure, enabling precise tilt angle determination and dynamic stabilization in mobility devices like unmanned aerial vehicles and electric personal assistive mobility devices.
Implementation Method 1
the rollable object comprises a specific material, the sensor can detect the specific material
Implementation Method 2
using electroconductive strips or capacitive sensors for precise position detection
Implementation Method 3
the control circuit determines a tilt angle of the container according to the coordinate position of the rollable object
Data Source
AI summary
A low cost position sensor and a mobility device using the same are provided. The low cost position sensor comprises a rollable object, a container and a control circuit. The rollable object comprises a specific material. The container has a non-planar inner bottom portion. At least one sensor for detecting coordinates is disposed inside the container. The rollable object is disposed in the container. The sensor can detect the specific material. The control circuit is coupled to the sensor. The sensor detects the specific material to determine a coordinate position of the rollable object, and sends the coordinate position of the rollable object back to the control circuit. The control circuit determines a tilt angle of the container according to the coordinate position of the rollable object.