Device and Method for Determining Horizontal Displacement of Vertical Reference Cable
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional plumb line devices using photo-electronic equipment for measuring horizontal displacement in high humidity environments are prone to damage and high maintenance costs, while optic fibers are susceptible to signal drift and instability in such conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device and method utilizing fiber Bragg gratings combined with a simple mechanical structure, including intersecting rectangular guide rails and a slider, to determine horizontal displacement of a vertical reference cable, which is resistant to humid environments and provides stable, durable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If photo-electronic equipment is used for measuring horizontal displacement in high humidity environments, then measurement precision is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to damage and high maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces photo-electronic equipment with a mechanical measurement system consisting of a plumb line device, scale, and pointer. The plumb line hangs vertically and the pointer indicates displacement on the scale, providing a purely mechanical solution that is resistant to humidity and lightning damage while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical components (plumb line, scale, pointer) are simple, inexpensive, and durable objects that can withstand harsh environments without requiring complex protection or frequent replacement, unlike expensive photo-electronic equipment
2Measurement precision
If optic fibers are used for signal transmission, then measurement capability is improved, but stability deteriorates due to signal drift in humid conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates optic fiber signal transmission entirely by using direct mechanical indication. The pointer physically contacts the scale to indicate displacement, providing stable, drift-free measurements that are not affected by humidity or temperature variations that cause optic fiber signal drift
3Stability of the object's composition
If conventional plumb line devices are used with weights and buoyancy devices, then vertical reference is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex weight and buoyancy device components from the plumb line system. By using a simple hanging plumb line without additional weights or buoyancy devices, the invention maintains vertical reference capability while significantly reducing device complexity and eliminating the need for oil tanks or damping mechanisms
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
The solution offers low-cost, robust, and durable horizontal displacement sensing suitable for long-term use in harsh conditions, unaffected by humidity or lightning, ensuring stable data and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A first fiber Bragg grating and a second fiber Bragg grating are provided. The first rectangular guide rail is coupled to the inner wall of the vertical cavity via the first leaf spring and the first fiber Bragg grating
Data Source
AI summary
A device and a method for determining the horizontal displacement of a vertical reference cable are provided. The device is installed within a structure with a vertical cavity, and includes a first rectangular guide rail, a second rectangular guide rail, and a slider. A shorter side of the first rectangular guide rail is coupled to an inner wall of the vertical cavity through a first spring and a first fiber Bragg grating. A shorter side of the second rectangular guide rail is coupled to the inner wall of the vertical cavity through a second spring and a second fiber Bragg grating. The first rectangular guide rail and the second rectangular guide rail are perpendicularly intersected to form a vertical intersecting space. The slider is placed within this vertical intersecting space and is in contact with both the first rectangular guide rail and the second rectangular guide rail.