Tilt Sensor Zero Position Compensation for Rotating Laser Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for orienting device axes in rotating lasers do not adequately account for operating temperature, leading to inaccuracies due to temperature-dependent zero positions of tilt sensors, especially in outdoor use where temperature variations occur.
Innovation Solution
A method that stores a characteristic curve of zero positions of tilt sensors as a function of operating temperature, allowing for accurate orientation of device axes by determining the associated zero position based on measured operating temperatures, using existing tilt sensors to measure temperature-dependent bubble lengths without additional sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tilt sensors are used to orient device axes in rotating lasers, then the orientation can be adjusted, but the zero positions of the tilt sensors shift with operating temperature causing orientation inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent stores characteristic curves of zero positions as a function of operating temperature in advance, before actual operation. When the device operates at a given temperature, the system retrieves the pre-stored zero position data corresponding to that temperature, eliminating the need for real-time calibration and ensuring accurate orientation without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent compensates for temperature-induced zero position shifts by changing the reference parameter (zero position) based on the operating temperature. The system selects different zero position values from stored characteristic curves corresponding to different temperature ranges, thereby adapting the orientation reference to the current thermal conditions and maintaining measurement precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If calibration is performed at fixed environmental conditions, then initial accuracy can be achieved, but accuracy deteriorates when operating temperature varies from calibration conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary calibration at multiple fixed environmental conditions and stores the resulting characteristic curves in advance. This preliminary action captures the temperature-dependent zero position variations, allowing the system to maintain calibration accuracy across different operating temperatures without requiring recalibration during actual use.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses operating temperature as feedback to select the appropriate zero position from stored characteristic curves. The temperature measurement feeds back into the orientation calculation process, allowing the system to automatically adjust for thermal effects and maintain reliability across varying environmental conditions.
3Measurement precision
If frequent recalibration is performed to maintain accuracy, then orientation precision can be maintained, but operational time is lost and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs comprehensive calibration in advance at multiple temperature points and stores the characteristic curves. This preliminary calibration eliminates the need for frequent recalibration during operation, as the system can automatically compensate for temperature variations using the pre-stored data, thereby maintaining precision without sacrificing productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own operating temperature as input to automatically select the appropriate zero position from stored characteristic curves. This self-service mechanism allows the device to maintain accurate orientation autonomously without external intervention or manual recalibration, preserving both precision and operational continuity.
4Measurement precision
If additional temperature sensors are added to measure operating temperature for compensation, then temperature-dependent orientation can be corrected, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing tilt sensors perform multiple functions: both orientation measurement and temperature-dependent zero position detection. By analyzing the tilt sensor output at different orientations, the system extracts temperature information without requiring separate temperature sensors, thereby achieving temperature compensation while maintaining simple device architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The tilt sensors serve themselves by providing both their primary function (orientation measurement) and secondary function (temperature indication). The system derives temperature information from the tilt sensor readings themselves, eliminating the need for additional temperature sensing components and keeping the device complexity low.
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 ensures accurate orientation of device axes by accounting for operating temperature, increasing the accuracy and reducing the need for frequent recalibrations, especially in varying environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A tilt sensor formed as a spirit level comprises a housing filled with a liquid and a gas bubble
Implementation Method 2
the gas bubble moves along the cover layer when the tilt sensor is tilted with respect to a horizontal or vertical reference plane
Data Source
AI summary
A method for orienting a device axis of equipment in a defined state by a leveling unit includes storing, in a control device, a characteristic curve of zero positions of a tilt sensor of the leveling unit according to an operating temperature of the equipment, measuring the operating temperature, determining the zero position of the tilt sensor associated with the measured temperature with the aid of the characteristic curve, and using the leveling unit to orient the device axis in the defined state which has been established by the zero position determined with the aid of the characteristic curve.