Tilt Sensor Using Liquid Boundary Layer for Two-Axis Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inclination sensors can only measure inclination in one direction, limiting their ability to determine absolute inclination in two axes relative to a horizontal line, and are often complex and difficult to miniaturize for precise measurement.
Innovation Solution
An inclination sensor with a radiation source that generates an image of a liquid's boundary layer on multiple cameras, allowing for precise determination of inclination in two directions by linking signals from cameras positioned at an angle to each other, enabling absolute inclination measurement relative to the earth's gravitational field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single radiation source and liquid boundary layer sensor is used, then measurement precision in one direction is achieved, but measurement capability in two directions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional measurement (single camera) to two-dimensional measurement (multiple cameras at angles) by adding spatial dimension to the detection system. Two or more cameras are arranged at different angles relative to the liquid boundary layer, enabling simultaneous measurement of inclination in multiple directions through geometric projection relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement function is segmented across multiple cameras, with each camera responsible for detecting the liquid boundary layer from a specific angle. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each detection channel while collectively achieving multi-directional measurement capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used to achieve two-axis measurement, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple detection functions are merged into a single integrated sensor system. The radiation source, liquid boundary layer, and multiple cameras work together as one unified device, where the liquid boundary layer serves as a common reference for all cameras, reducing overall system complexity compared to using separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The liquid boundary layer serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the measurement reference for all cameras, provides geometric projection surfaces for multi-angle detection, and enables both one-dimensional and two-dimensional measurement modes within a single system.
3Device complexity
If existing inclination sensors are used, then simple structure is maintained, but miniaturization capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is nested within a compact configuration where multiple cameras and the radiation source are arranged around a central liquid boundary layer. This nested structure allows the multi-camera system to be miniaturized while maintaining the geometric relationships necessary for multi-directional measurement.
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 precise and accurate measurement of inclination in two directions with a single sensor, improving measurement range and accuracy, and facilitating integration into devices like geodetic surveying instruments and coordinate measuring machines.
Implementation Method 1
at least one radiation source with which a liquid in a vessel is irradiated and with which an image of the boundary layer of the liquid is generated on two or more cameras by this irradiation
Implementation Method 2
the liquid has the property that it is dependent on the inclination relative to the vessel and, depending on the shape and size of the vessel, forms a largely even boundary surface, in particular a horizon
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a tilt sensor (1) for a device, comprising a tank receiving a flowable medium (4), wherein the position of the medium (4) relative to the tank (3) depends on the tilt, and the tank (3) comprises a polygonal, in particular triangular, or an elliptical, in particular circular base, a source of electromagnetic radiation for generating projections of at least one part of a boundary of the medium (4), at least two detectors (5a, 5b, 5c) for detecting one of the projections, respectively, and for converting same into signals, wherein the detectors (5a, 5b, 5c) each comprise a detecting direction and the detecting directions of the detectors (5a, 5b, 5c) are disposed at angles to each other, and further comprising an analysis unit (12) for determining the tilt in two axes from the signals of the at least two detectors (5a, 5b, 5c), characterized in that the tilt is determined jointly for the two axes from a combination of the signals.