Tilt Sensor Bubble Length for Temperature Measurement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring the operating temperature of rotating lasers, especially those used in varying environmental conditions, are inefficient and do not accurately account for temperature variations within the instrument housing, which affects the accuracy of device axes orientation and calibration.
Innovation Solution
A method utilizing a leveling instrument with a tilt sensor that measures the bubble length of a gas bubble within a liquid-filled housing, correlating this measurement with stored characteristic curves to determine the operating temperature, allowing for precise temperature measurement at relevant locations within the equipment housing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate temperature sensors are installed to measure operating temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but equipment complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tilt sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it measures both the tilt angle of the device axis and the operating temperature of the equipment. The same sensor structure (housing with liquid and gas bubble) is used for both orientation measurement and temperature determination, eliminating the need for separate temperature sensors and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the temperature measurement function with the existing tilt sensor by utilizing the gas bubble's physical properties. The bubble length measurement, already performed for tilt detection, is also used to determine temperature through a characteristic curve, merging two measurement functions into a single sensor system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are installed at different locations, then temperature distribution measurement is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each tilt sensor at different locations in the device housing is equipped with the same multi-functional capability to measure both tilt and temperature. This allows temperature distribution to be measured at multiple locations using the same type of sensor, avoiding the need for additional specialized temperature sensors and maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
3Reliability
If traditional temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the measurement does not reflect the actual temperature relevant for device axis orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature is measured locally at the exact location where the tilt sensor is positioned in the device housing, which is the same location relevant for device axis orientation. This ensures that the temperature measurement reflects the actual thermal conditions affecting the orientation mechanism, providing both relevance and accuracy.
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
This approach reduces equipment expenditure for temperature measurement and enhances accuracy by using existing tilt sensors to measure operating temperatures relevant for device axis orientation, enabling precise temperature determination at different locations within the instrument housing.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt sensor with a housing that is filled with a liquid and a gas bubble
Implementation Method 2
storing a characteristic curve of temperatures of the equipment and bubble lengths of the gas bubble
Data Source
AI summary
A method for measuring an operating temperature of equipment which can be oriented in a defined state using a leveling instrument, where the leveling instrument includes at least one tilt sensor with a housing that is filled with a liquid and a gas bubble, a light source, and a photosensor. The method includes storing a characteristic curve of bubble lengths for the gas bubble and temperatures in a control device of the equipment, measuring the bubble length of the gas bubble, and determining the temperature associated with the measured bubble length of the gas bubble with the aid of the characteristic curve.