Inclination Sensor Self-Calibration via Suspension Reference

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users face difficulties in performing accurate calibration of three-axis acceleration sensors due to the need for specialized tools and jigs to ensure a horizontal plane aligned with gravity, making it challenging to correct deviations caused by the reflow process and environmental changes after the device is assembled and distributed.

Innovation Solution

An electronic device with a built-in inclination sensor that includes a control unit and a suspension mechanism, allowing users to perform self-calibration by suspending the device and using a display unit to guide the correction process, which calculates and adjusts the reference values based on the inclination angle relative to the vertical direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If calibration is performed using a horizontal plane, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring specialized tools and jigs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration accuracyVSAvoidcalibration tool requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs self-calibration by using its own suspension mechanism to create a vertical reference. The control unit automatically detects the vertical direction when the device is suspended and adjusts the acceleration sensor readings accordingly, eliminating the need for external calibration tools or jigs while maintaining high calibration accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension mechanism acts as an intermediary that provides a reliable vertical reference without requiring external horizontal plane tools. By suspending the device and using the suspension portion as a reference, the system converts the calibration problem from requiring external horizontal references to using an integrated vertical reference

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If calibration is performed with specialized tools, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor calibration accuracyVSAvoiduser calibration difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables users to perform calibration themselves by simply suspending the device. The control unit automatically executes the calibration process using the suspension mechanism as a reference, making the operation simple and accessible to general users without requiring specialized knowledge or tools

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to create a horizontal plane for calibration, the invention inverts the approach by having users suspend the device vertically. This inversion simplifies the operation from complex horizontal alignment to simple vertical suspension, while the control unit handles the coordinate transformation automatically

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If calibration is performed before distribution, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when environmental changes occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinitial calibration qualityVSAvoidpost-distribution recalibration capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device includes a built-in suspension mechanism and control unit that enable preliminary calibration actions to be performed by users after distribution. This preliminary capability allows users to recalibrate the device themselves when needed, adapting to environmental changes without requiring manufacturer intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension mechanism serves dual purposes: it functions as both a mechanical support for the device and as a calibration reference. This multi-functionality enables the device to be recalibrated in various environments after distribution, enhancing adaptability while maintaining reliability through consistent calibration methodology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 users to easily perform accurate calibration of the device's acceleration sensor, ensuring precise alignment with gravity, even without external tools, thereby correcting deviations and maintaining calibration over time and temperature changes.

Implementation Method 1

an inclination sensor that calculates inclination... based on a state in which the case is suspended by way of the suspension portion and has come to rest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentUS9008987B2Compact electronic device with built-in inclination sensor and correction method

Publication Date: 2015.04.14 KYOCERA CORP

AI summary

An electronic device is provided with an inclination sensor for computing inclination, a control unit which conducts predetermined control based on a value computed by the inclination sensor, a case which has the inclination sensor and the control unit therein, and a suspension portion for suspending the case, and the control unit controls correction of the reference value of the inclination sensor based on a state where the case is suspended by the suspension portion and still.