Rotating Sensor Test Platform for Constant Acceleration Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for testing accelerometers are limited by the need for expensive and complex shaker-based systems that can only apply sinusoidal accelerations, restrict motion due to wired connections, and are inefficient for testing multiple sensors simultaneously, making them unsuitable for non-industrial settings and unable to apply constant accelerations.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a rotating platform with a microcontroller and mounts that applies a constant centripetal force to sensors, allowing for simultaneous testing of multiple devices without wires, using inductive charging and wireless data transmission, and enabling scalable and cost-effective testing across various settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional shaker-based systems are used for accelerometer testing, then high frequency vibration testing capability is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential testing function from complex industrial shaker systems by using a simple rotating platform that applies centrifugal force. Instead of using elaborate vibration mechanisms, the invention isolates the core requirement of applying controlled acceleration to sensors, achieving this through basic rotational mechanics with a motor-driven platform and mounted sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, complex industrial shaker equipment with a simple, inexpensive rotating platform system. The design uses readily available components like a motor, platform, and mounting structure, eliminating the need for costly specialized testing equipment while maintaining adequate testing capability for characterizing sensor response across acceleration ranges.
2Loss of information
If wired connections are used to connect sensors to acquisition systems, then data acquisition is achieved, but range of motion is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with wireless communication technology. Sensors mounted on the rotating platform communicate test data and operational status wirelessly to external systems, eliminating physical cable constraints that would limit the platform's rotational range and speed, thereby enabling full utilization of the mechanical testing system's capabilities.
3Measurement precision
If industrial shaker systems are used for sensor testing, then accurate sensitivity measurement is achieved, but multiple sensors cannot be tested simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the testing capability by providing multiple independent mounting positions on the rotating platform, each capable of holding a sensor. This segmentation allows multiple sensors to be tested simultaneously under identical acceleration conditions, significantly increasing productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy through controlled rotational motion and precise speed regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotating platform is designed as a universal testing system that can accommodate multiple different sensor types and configurations simultaneously. Each mounting position can be independently configured, allowing the system to test various sensors under the same controlled acceleration environment, thereby achieving both high throughput and versatile testing capability.
4Speed
If conventional shaker systems are used, then sinusoidal acceleration testing is achieved, but constant acceleration cannot be applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the fundamental relationship between rotational speed and centrifugal acceleration (a = ω²r) to generate different acceleration profiles. By precisely controlling the motor's rotational speed parameter, the system can produce constant acceleration at steady state, or vary acceleration dynamically by changing speed, thereby achieving both constant and time-varying acceleration testing capabilities that are not easily obtainable with conventional shaker systems.
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
Enables efficient, cost-effective, and scalable testing of acceleration and force-responsive sensors by applying a controlled constant acceleration, supporting simultaneous testing of multiple devices and reducing operational complexity, making it suitable for both laboratory and industrial use.
Implementation Method 1
the microcontroller is configured to receive a measurement from the sensor that is output by the sensor in response to the platform being rotated about the axis of rotation at the target speed while the sensor is held by the mount at a radial distance from the axis of rotation such that the mount is subjected to a constant centripetal force
Implementation Method 2
an inductive charging receiver coupled to the platform and communicatively coupled to the microcontroller. The system may include a wireless charging coil communicatively coupled to a power source and located proximate the platform such that power may be transferred between the wireless charging coil and the inductive charging receiver while the platform is rotating
Implementation Method 3
the microcontroller is configured to wirelessly transmit the measurement to an external device
Data Source
AI summary
A system for testing sensors is disclosed. The system includes a platform having a plurality of mounting holes and a microcontroller, the microcontroller having a wireless network interface. The system also includes a mount releasably coupled to the platform through a mounting hole, the mount configured to hold a sensor. The system includes a motor operatively coupled to the platform, and a motor controller communicatively coupled to the motor and configured to drive the motor to rotate the platform about an axis of rotation at a target speed. The microcontroller is communicatively coupled to a sensor releasably coupled to the mount. The microcontroller is configured to receive a measurement from the sensor that is output by the sensor in response to the platform being rotated such that the mount is subjected to a constant centripetal force. The microcontroller is configured to wirelessly transmit the measurement to an external device.