CA2793050A1 - Precision level, slope and differential-elevation meter - Google Patents
Precision level, slope and differential-elevation meter Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2793050A1 CA2793050A1 CA 2793050 CA2793050A CA2793050A1 CA 2793050 A1 CA2793050 A1 CA 2793050A1 CA 2793050 CA2793050 CA 2793050 CA 2793050 A CA2793050 A CA 2793050A CA 2793050 A1 CA2793050 A1 CA 2793050A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- slope
- cylinders
- level
- elevation
- differential
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01C—MEASURING DISTANCES, LEVELS OR BEARINGS; SURVEYING; NAVIGATION; GYROSCOPIC INSTRUMENTS; PHOTOGRAMMETRY OR VIDEOGRAMMETRY
- G01C5/00—Measuring height; Measuring distances transverse to line of sight; Levelling between separated points; Surveyors' levels
- G01C5/04—Hydrostatic levelling, i.e. by flexibly interconnected liquid containers at separated points
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
- Remote Sensing (AREA)
- Measurement Of Levels Of Liquids Or Fluent Solid Materials (AREA)
Abstract
A highly precise level, slope and differential-elevation meter, for very precise measuring of differences in elevation ("rise"), while having no limitations of distance ("run"). By placing two graduated cylinders, partially filled with water, connected to each other by a hose, on either end of a subject, fluid pressures will equalize in the cylinders. The height difference of the water level of the two cylinders is proportional to the "rise" of the subject's slope. The addition of an electronic-sensor in each cylinder, such as a fluid level sensor or fluid pressure sensor, shall allow for precise digital readings to the operator.
Description
Description of Drawings Figure 1. Differential Volume - (Basic Principle One) This drawing illustrates the basis of how the Invention works. If two cylinders were placed on a level surface, then the base of one cylinder was elevated exactly two units (2y) higher than the base of the other cylinder, the water level in higher cylinder would lower by exactly one unit (-1y), while the water level in the lower cylinder would raise by exactly one unit (+1y). This experiment can yield the exact same result regardless of the distance between the two cylinders, provided an adequate length of hose was used between the two.
This is because the measurement is not measuring an angle between the two points, but rather only the difference in gravity between the two points.
Figure 2. Differential Pressure - (Basic Principle Two) This drawing illustrates a continuation of Principle One to outline how the Invention can be improved for greater use. If two pressure vessels were placed on a level surface, then the base of one vessel was elevated exactly two units (2y) higher than the base of other vessel, the pressure in higher vessel would decrease by the exact amount of pressure increase in the lower vessel . This experiment can yield the exact same result regardless of the distance between the two vessels, provided an adequate length of hose was used between the two.
This is because the measurement is not measuring an angle between the two points, but rather only the difference in gravity between the two points. With this improvement, we can now measure greater differences in elevation without needing taller cylinders.
In addition, by having the fluids contained within the vessels, the Invention is easier to transport and deploy.
Figure 3. Hose has no effect This drawing illustrates that the use of the hose (other than an obstruction to its flow) has no effect on the accuracy or precision of the measurement. As per the siphon principle, liquid will flow through a hose through any elevation along said hose, so long as the downstream end of the hose is at a lower elevation than the upstream end. This is an important point because ease-of-use is not compromised by the hose arrangement between the two measuring points.
Not shown in this drawing, is the fact that the diameter and length of the hose also have no effect on accuracy or precision. While the diameter of the hose will reduce the flow rate, this only effects the,amount of time for the measurement to be taken.
Page 1 of 4 õ
Precision Level, Slope and Differential-Elevation Meter Figure 4. Tilt Considerations This drawing illustrates that the tilt of the measurement cylinders/vessels also has no effect on the measurement, provided that liquid depth "B" is measured and not depth "A", and also that neither of the two cylinders/vessels is tilted beyond 90 degrees from its level upright state. Neither measuring via differential pressure nor measuring via liquid depth is affected in accuracy or precision by tilt. This is an important point because ease-of-use is not compromised by the orientation of two measuring cylinders/vessels.
Background Presently, there are three methods for measuring slope: measuring angle relative to gravity, measuring angle relative to line of sight, and measuring altitude relative to a global reference.
The most commonly known slope measuring instruments are Spirit levels or "site glass levels"
which utilize a gas bubble floating in a liquid-filled cylinder, and Digital inclinometers which utilize accelerometers to measure the direction of gravity. The essential difference is that these devices only measure the angle of gravity relative to the body of the device;
thus, any percent error in that angle will amplify over distance. These instruments can have two applications. The first, is the utilisation of a flex-resistant beam to span the subject(s) being measured; this is typical for a "builder's level". Such beam is either too short, resulting in inconsistent measurements, or the beam is as long as the necessary measurement; typically bulky, heavy, and not easy to setup. The second, is a precision machined contact-face to place on subject being measured. This type of device can only measure flat, continuous surfaces, and cannot measure relative slope between multiple subjects. Any impurities or imperfections on the surface of subject will result in measurable differences over long spans.
Theodolites utilize a telescope mounted on a two-axis pivot for measuring angles from line-of-site. While these instruments are very accurate, they are also very expensive and require special training to operate.
GPS-based altimeters utilize triangulation of orbiting satellites to measure altitude. While these instruments are very quick and easy to use, they are not highly accurate due to great distances between the relative orbiting satellites and the instrument.
The three above-stated methods for measuring slope are: measuring angle relative to gravity, measuring angle relative to line of sight, and measuring altitude relative to a global reference.
The Invention introduces a fourth method; measuring differential-elevation at two or more points, relative to the sum of gravitational force at all points. In contrast to measuring a slope's angle, the Invention measures only the differential-elevation at either end; thus, there is absolutely no error proportional to horizontal distance. The Invention could be useful in, but not limited to, the following applications:
- Calibration of precision machining equipment - Calibration of precision measurement equipment - Level Measurement of Building foundation - Slope Measurement of Railways or Roadways - Level Measurement of Pool tables Page 2 of 4 Precision Level, Slope and Differential-Elevation Meter Specification The Invention is a highly precise level, slope and differential-elevation meter, for very precise measuring of differences in elevation ("rise"), while having no limitations of distance ("run"). By placing two graduated cylinders, partially filled with liquid, connected to each other by a hose, on either end of a subject, fluid pressures will equalize in the cylinders as per Figure 1. The height difference of the water level of the two cylinders is proportional to the "rise" of the subject's slope.
Similarly, by using two pressure vessels, either partially or completely filled with liquid, the same measurement can be performed, only since the vessels are sealed, measurements of greater "rise" can be performed without needing taller cylinders. Without sealed vessels, cylinders must be taller than the "rise" being measured. The sealed vessels also make the Invention easier to transport and deploy without spilling.
The addition of an electronic-sensor in each cylinder such as a fluid level sensor or an electronic-sensor in each vessel such as a fluid pressure sensor, shall allow for precise digital measurements.
The utilisation of a cylinder or vessel, with or without an electronic sensor, shall henceforth be referred to as a "Measurement Block".
The Invention may provide readings to the operator in any of the following ways, but not limited to:
- An analog gauge or digital screen on each Measurement Block displaying only its relative "rise", and having the operator calculate the total "rise" or slope.
- A digital screen on one or both Measurement Block(s) and having the Invention calculate the total "rise" or slope via electronic processing.
The operator may use the Invention to measure "rise" by simply placing a Measurement Block at either end of a subject and viewing the readings. If the operator wishes to determine the slope of the subject, they must enter the "run" manually and the Invention will calculate via on-board computer processing.
To re-calibrate the Invention, the operator must find a smooth and nearly level test surface to place both Measurement Blocks on (as shown in Figure 4). The operator must note the recorded "rise" of the test surface as measurement "A". Then, the operator shall exchange the positions of the Measurement Blocks such that each is in the position of the other Measurement Block from measurement "A". The operator must note the recorded "rise" of the test surface again as measurement "B". The actual "rise" of the test surface is equal to the average between measurements "A" and "B". Now that the exact "rise" of the test surface is known, the Invention can simply be offset so that it now displays the correct value. Once offset, the Invention is calibrated and can be used on other subjects/surfaces.
Page 3 of 4
This is because the measurement is not measuring an angle between the two points, but rather only the difference in gravity between the two points.
Figure 2. Differential Pressure - (Basic Principle Two) This drawing illustrates a continuation of Principle One to outline how the Invention can be improved for greater use. If two pressure vessels were placed on a level surface, then the base of one vessel was elevated exactly two units (2y) higher than the base of other vessel, the pressure in higher vessel would decrease by the exact amount of pressure increase in the lower vessel . This experiment can yield the exact same result regardless of the distance between the two vessels, provided an adequate length of hose was used between the two.
This is because the measurement is not measuring an angle between the two points, but rather only the difference in gravity between the two points. With this improvement, we can now measure greater differences in elevation without needing taller cylinders.
In addition, by having the fluids contained within the vessels, the Invention is easier to transport and deploy.
Figure 3. Hose has no effect This drawing illustrates that the use of the hose (other than an obstruction to its flow) has no effect on the accuracy or precision of the measurement. As per the siphon principle, liquid will flow through a hose through any elevation along said hose, so long as the downstream end of the hose is at a lower elevation than the upstream end. This is an important point because ease-of-use is not compromised by the hose arrangement between the two measuring points.
Not shown in this drawing, is the fact that the diameter and length of the hose also have no effect on accuracy or precision. While the diameter of the hose will reduce the flow rate, this only effects the,amount of time for the measurement to be taken.
Page 1 of 4 õ
Precision Level, Slope and Differential-Elevation Meter Figure 4. Tilt Considerations This drawing illustrates that the tilt of the measurement cylinders/vessels also has no effect on the measurement, provided that liquid depth "B" is measured and not depth "A", and also that neither of the two cylinders/vessels is tilted beyond 90 degrees from its level upright state. Neither measuring via differential pressure nor measuring via liquid depth is affected in accuracy or precision by tilt. This is an important point because ease-of-use is not compromised by the orientation of two measuring cylinders/vessels.
Background Presently, there are three methods for measuring slope: measuring angle relative to gravity, measuring angle relative to line of sight, and measuring altitude relative to a global reference.
The most commonly known slope measuring instruments are Spirit levels or "site glass levels"
which utilize a gas bubble floating in a liquid-filled cylinder, and Digital inclinometers which utilize accelerometers to measure the direction of gravity. The essential difference is that these devices only measure the angle of gravity relative to the body of the device;
thus, any percent error in that angle will amplify over distance. These instruments can have two applications. The first, is the utilisation of a flex-resistant beam to span the subject(s) being measured; this is typical for a "builder's level". Such beam is either too short, resulting in inconsistent measurements, or the beam is as long as the necessary measurement; typically bulky, heavy, and not easy to setup. The second, is a precision machined contact-face to place on subject being measured. This type of device can only measure flat, continuous surfaces, and cannot measure relative slope between multiple subjects. Any impurities or imperfections on the surface of subject will result in measurable differences over long spans.
Theodolites utilize a telescope mounted on a two-axis pivot for measuring angles from line-of-site. While these instruments are very accurate, they are also very expensive and require special training to operate.
GPS-based altimeters utilize triangulation of orbiting satellites to measure altitude. While these instruments are very quick and easy to use, they are not highly accurate due to great distances between the relative orbiting satellites and the instrument.
The three above-stated methods for measuring slope are: measuring angle relative to gravity, measuring angle relative to line of sight, and measuring altitude relative to a global reference.
The Invention introduces a fourth method; measuring differential-elevation at two or more points, relative to the sum of gravitational force at all points. In contrast to measuring a slope's angle, the Invention measures only the differential-elevation at either end; thus, there is absolutely no error proportional to horizontal distance. The Invention could be useful in, but not limited to, the following applications:
- Calibration of precision machining equipment - Calibration of precision measurement equipment - Level Measurement of Building foundation - Slope Measurement of Railways or Roadways - Level Measurement of Pool tables Page 2 of 4 Precision Level, Slope and Differential-Elevation Meter Specification The Invention is a highly precise level, slope and differential-elevation meter, for very precise measuring of differences in elevation ("rise"), while having no limitations of distance ("run"). By placing two graduated cylinders, partially filled with liquid, connected to each other by a hose, on either end of a subject, fluid pressures will equalize in the cylinders as per Figure 1. The height difference of the water level of the two cylinders is proportional to the "rise" of the subject's slope.
Similarly, by using two pressure vessels, either partially or completely filled with liquid, the same measurement can be performed, only since the vessels are sealed, measurements of greater "rise" can be performed without needing taller cylinders. Without sealed vessels, cylinders must be taller than the "rise" being measured. The sealed vessels also make the Invention easier to transport and deploy without spilling.
The addition of an electronic-sensor in each cylinder such as a fluid level sensor or an electronic-sensor in each vessel such as a fluid pressure sensor, shall allow for precise digital measurements.
The utilisation of a cylinder or vessel, with or without an electronic sensor, shall henceforth be referred to as a "Measurement Block".
The Invention may provide readings to the operator in any of the following ways, but not limited to:
- An analog gauge or digital screen on each Measurement Block displaying only its relative "rise", and having the operator calculate the total "rise" or slope.
- A digital screen on one or both Measurement Block(s) and having the Invention calculate the total "rise" or slope via electronic processing.
The operator may use the Invention to measure "rise" by simply placing a Measurement Block at either end of a subject and viewing the readings. If the operator wishes to determine the slope of the subject, they must enter the "run" manually and the Invention will calculate via on-board computer processing.
To re-calibrate the Invention, the operator must find a smooth and nearly level test surface to place both Measurement Blocks on (as shown in Figure 4). The operator must note the recorded "rise" of the test surface as measurement "A". Then, the operator shall exchange the positions of the Measurement Blocks such that each is in the position of the other Measurement Block from measurement "A". The operator must note the recorded "rise" of the test surface again as measurement "B". The actual "rise" of the test surface is equal to the average between measurements "A" and "B". Now that the exact "rise" of the test surface is known, the Invention can simply be offset so that it now displays the correct value. Once offset, the Invention is calibrated and can be used on other subjects/surfaces.
Page 3 of 4
Claims (6)
1. The Invention is a highly precise level and differential-elevation gauge, for very accurately measuring differences of elevation ("rise"), while having no limitations of distance ("run").
2. Utilisation of cylinders connected to each other by a hose, acted on by gravity, resulting in a measurable fluid level difference in the cylinders.
3. Utilisation of vessels connected to each other by a hose, acted on by gravity, resulting in a measurable fluid pressure difference in the vessels.
4. Utilisation of a fluid level sensor in each cylinder of claim 2 and an on-board computer processor shall provide readings to the operator via electronic display.
5. Utilisation of a fluid pressure sensor in each vessel of claim 3 and an on-board computer processor shall provide readings to the operator via electronic display.
6. Ability for operator to calibrate the Invention on any smooth and nearly level surface, with no additional measurement devices.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2793050 CA2793050A1 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2012-10-15 | Precision level, slope and differential-elevation meter |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2793050 CA2793050A1 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2012-10-15 | Precision level, slope and differential-elevation meter |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2793050A1 true CA2793050A1 (en) | 2014-04-15 |
Family
ID=50483772
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2793050 Abandoned CA2793050A1 (en) | 2012-10-15 | 2012-10-15 | Precision level, slope and differential-elevation meter |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2793050A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104006792A (en) * | 2014-06-12 | 2014-08-27 | 鞍钢股份有限公司 | Method and device for quickly leveling roller way elevation |
| CN105203079A (en) * | 2015-10-24 | 2015-12-30 | 湖南北斗星空检测科技有限公司 | Settlement monitoring system based on piezoresistive level gauge and control method of settlement monitoring system |
| CN109540072A (en) * | 2018-11-01 | 2019-03-29 | 中国船舶重工集团公司第七〇九研究所 | It is applicable in the safety injection tank swing angle measurement method of Yu Haiyang's nuclear power platform |
-
2012
- 2012-10-15 CA CA 2793050 patent/CA2793050A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN104006792A (en) * | 2014-06-12 | 2014-08-27 | 鞍钢股份有限公司 | Method and device for quickly leveling roller way elevation |
| CN104006792B (en) * | 2014-06-12 | 2017-09-26 | 鞍钢股份有限公司 | Method and device for quickly leveling roller way elevation |
| CN105203079A (en) * | 2015-10-24 | 2015-12-30 | 湖南北斗星空检测科技有限公司 | Settlement monitoring system based on piezoresistive level gauge and control method of settlement monitoring system |
| CN109540072A (en) * | 2018-11-01 | 2019-03-29 | 中国船舶重工集团公司第七〇九研究所 | It is applicable in the safety injection tank swing angle measurement method of Yu Haiyang's nuclear power platform |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |
Effective date: 20150929 |