Spherical Slope Sensor Using Ball and Camera Imaging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slope sensors are limited in measuring long-term slope changes due to temperature, time, and voltage drifts, and are affected by environmental factors, making it difficult to accurately measure slope changes over time without being affected by their surroundings or having a large, easily installable, and real-time monitoring capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A slope change measurement apparatus featuring a spherical bottom body with a ball that moves due to gravitational force, imaged by a camera, which generates image information transmitted to a server, allowing for real-time slope change measurement and storage of initial values, and a control unit to derive slope change values, using a ball storing unit to limit the ball's behavior and a lighting apparatus for illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If existing slope sensors are used to measure slope changes over long periods, then measurement capability is provided, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature, time, and voltage drifts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a reference slope measurement system that captures initial slope data as a reference copy. By comparing subsequent measurements against this reference copy rather than relying on continuous absolute measurements, the system eliminates drift accumulation over time, maintaining precision across extended measurement periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary measurement and storage of reference slope data before actual monitoring begins. This preliminary action establishes a baseline that compensates for future drift, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision without requiring frequent recalibration or compensation adjustments.
2Reliability
If slope sensors are installed to measure structure stability, then measurement capability is provided, but reliability deteriorates due to environmental factors affecting the sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent measures relative slope changes by comparing current measurements against a reference copy taken under known conditions. This differential measurement approach cancels out environmental influences that affect both the reference and current measurements equally, thereby improving reliability without requiring shielded or temperature-controlled installations.
3Measurement precision
If traditional slope measuring instruments are used, then measurement function is provided, but device complexity and size increase making installation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical slope sensing mechanisms with a simple camera-based imaging system. By using optical detection and image processing to determine slope changes, the system achieves measurement capability with significantly reduced mechanical complexity and easier installation on structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a camera, which is a universal device already widely available and easily integrated, to perform slope measurement functions. This multi-functional approach allows the same device to capture both reference and current slope data, eliminating the need for specialized slope sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
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 accurate, real-time measurement of slope changes without environmental influence, with a compact design that can be easily installed and used to monitor overall slope behavior, reducing the need for frequent recalibration and improving structure stability assessment.
Implementation Method 1
a ball (200) installed on an upper surface of the bottom body (100) and moving due to a gravitational force
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an apparatus for measuring a slope change amount of a structure, the apparatus being characterized by including: a bottom body (100) formed in a spherical surface having a predetermined radius of curvature; a ball (200) installed on an upper surface of the bottom body (100) and moving due to a gravitational force; and a camera (300) for imaging the bottom body (100) on which the ball (200) is located. In accordance with the present invention, there is an effect in that a slope change amount of a structure for a certain period may accurately be measured.