Smart Measuring Wheel with Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional measuring wheels lack the capability for recording and communicating measurements, are location-agnostic, and cannot assist users with secondary calculations such as area calculations, requiring manual and time-consuming processes.
Innovation Solution
A measuring wheel equipped with a processing element, memory, and communication capabilities that records and transmits distance measurements, incorporates user-input waypoints, and performs secondary calculations like area and volume calculations, using location information to provide accurate and timely data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If conventional measuring wheels are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the capability for recording and communicating measurements is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the measuring wheel with electronic components including a microcontroller, memory element, and communications element into an integrated system. The processing element is housed within the wheel assembly, merging the mechanical measurement function with digital data handling and wireless communication capabilities, thereby eliminating the need for separate recording devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring wheel is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures ground-traverse distance mechanically, stores the measurement data in memory, processes the data through a microcontroller, and communicates the results wirelessly to external devices. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace traditional measuring wheels, data loggers, and communication tools.
2Loss of information
If conventional measuring wheels are used, then the device remains location-agnostic, but the user must manually record location information
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring wheel automatically captures location information using an integrated GPS receiver without requiring user intervention. The system self-services by autonomously recording, storing, and associating location data with measurement data, eliminating the need for manual location tracking by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical recording methods with electronic GPS-based location tracking. Instead of the user manually noting location information, the system uses satellite-based positioning technology to automatically determine and record precise location coordinates, thereby substituting human effort with automated electronic systems.
3Productivity
If conventional measuring wheels are used, then the device structure remains simple, but the capability for secondary calculations is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring wheel performs secondary calculations such as area and volume computations automatically as the measurement is being taken. The processing element continuously processes the collected data and pre-calculates derived parameters, so that when the measurement is complete, all necessary calculations are already available, saving time and effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The processing element acts as an intermediary between the raw measurement data collected by the ground-traverse element and the final results needed by the user. It performs intermediate calculations including area computation from perimeter measurements, volume estimation, and other secondary computations, transforming basic distance data into actionable information.
4Loss of time
If conventional measuring wheels are used, then the device is easy to operate, but the measurement data cannot be immediately communicated to external systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual data communication methods (such as writing down measurements and physically transporting them) with wireless electronic communication. The communications element transmits measurement data electronically to remote devices or central systems, instantly delivering information without physical intervention and dramatically reducing communication time.
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring wheel for determining a ground-traverse distance while operated by a user. The measuring wheel comprising a wheel, a ground-traverse element, a processing element, a memory element, a communications element, and a handle. The wheel has a known radius and is rotatably secured to the ground-traverse element. The ground-traverse element is configured for determining the ground-traverse distance by measuring rotation of the wheel. The processing element, the memory element, and the communications element are located within a central housing of the measuring wheel for receiving and wirelessly communicating information indicative of the ground-traverse distance to an external computing device. The handle is secured to a housing of the ground-traverse element and is configured to be grasped by the user during operation to move the wheel.