FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to a Motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data
recording during its movement. It can sense very fine movements on any kind
of flat surface and curved or linear tracks. The device is packaged in the form
of a toy car/cart for comprehensive experimental studies involving laws of
motion under real time environments and easy to use set ups.
I3A-CKGROUNDI PRIOR ART
For motion based physics experiments, the motion devices available are called
as dynamic cars/trolleys/carts etc. which run on linear tracks having low
friction. The devices as such do not have any in-built recording of data and
rcquire external sensors like photo-gates or external motion detectors generally
mounted on tracks to gather the device movement data. This imposes several
iimitations on acquiring motion data for comprehensive studies particularly
with motion on curved tracks, setup of the experiment and data resolutions.
Thus, a number of educational experiments at school level are available which
deals with mechanics and motion studies. Popular among them are linear air
track and low friction dynamic cars and trolleys which usually run on linear
tracks. The motion devices themselves do not sense or record motion data and
time-distance data is usually gathered by external sensing devices which are
mounted with the track. Prominent among them are digital timer with photogates
and motion sensors with data logging interfaces.
'!'t-:c timer and photo-gates can record point data for distance, velocity and
acceleration calculations at the points that they are placed on the track setup.
Usually there are two photo-gates provided with each setup.
b
'rhc photo-gate is based on optical sensing of pulse events which are recorded
on a digital timer. A mask or picket fence is mounted on the trolley or cart to
interrupt the photo-gate beam. The photo-gate based setups are severely
limited, as motion data is gathered only at the points the photo-gates are
placed. The linear air track setup has very low friction but it is very noisy due
to a blower which blows air at high speed to the air-track. Further air-track
requires proper horizontal placement and skill to set it up particularly in
studies involving collision of two bodies to prove laws of conservation of
momentum. Another method uses low friction tracks and dynamic
carts/ trolleys.
'I'hus, the above prior art comprises external sensor with photo gates mounted
on track. There is also an electronic unit (Digital Timer), with circuitry to record
I details regarding motion at two points on the track. All the major components
in the setup require separate mounting. After passing through the photogate,
rccording of motion can't be done at other points. Therefore, limited data can
bc analyzed with the help of the electronic device.
For comprehensive studies, an advanced version uses motion sensor based
setups and can record more number of points when attached to a computer via
an interface. These dcvices are more expensive, but they can record and plot
fine motion data using a computer with graphing software.
':'he motion sensor is based on ultrasonic distance sensing which sends a short
ultrasonic burst and receives the same when reflected from the cart/trolley
object. The time difference between the sending and receiving ultrasonic burst
is used to calculate the distance assuming speed of sound in air medium.
Further the assumption is that the moving object is considered stationary at
the time of reflection. Further the speed of sound in air of the ultrasonic burst
is also dependent on ambient temperature which is usually not accounted for
b
in the motion sensor. The use of motion sensor is mainly limited to movement
on straight tracks (i.e. line of sight reflection) as they work only when the
received burst is truly reflected from the moving object and not from the tracks
and surroundings. Using more than one motion detector facing each other for
collision experiments to detect movement of two trolleys independently also has
setup limitations like wave interference effects.
in this known art, using motion detectors relying on reflection principles,
cannot be used for analyzing motion on curved tracks. Since the motion
detectors are mounted at the end of the tracks in one constant orientation
detecting linear movement of cart on a straight track is possible. However,
repeatedly detecting movement of cart on a curved track, within the line of
sight of the motion detector cannot be assured.
A latest version of the setup used for comprehensive motion studies uses a
strip of alternate light and dark bars printedlpasted on the track. The cart is
fitted with an electronic circuitry to detect its movement on the light and dark
bars of the track. Pulsed light is transmitted to a receiver unit mounted on the
cnd of the track. The receiver unit connects to an interface for logging of motion
data in the computer.
This method provides reliable motion data and avoids the problems of stray
reflections associated with ultrasonic motion detectors. However its working
principle is based on line of sight working between a moving transmitter and
fixed receiver.
Again in this known art, repeatedly detecting motion using line of sight
transmitter and fixed receiver cannot be used for analyzing motion on curved
tracks. Further the printing of light and dark bars on tracks after prolonged
L~SC and dust accumulation may get deteriorated which can affect the results.
I
All the known prior art methods provide limited experimental opportunities as
the tracks have to be linear. The student cannot experiment with tracks that
arc curved or having bumps or potholes or overlays.
'i'hc present invention overcomes all the limitations of photo-gate as well as
ultrasonic/optical motion sensor based existing linear track setups in a novel
way by incorporating motion sensing and data-logging in-built in the motion
device as all-in-one unit. Further it extends a richer and more in-depth
learning experience, by enabling the analysis of motion data comprehensively
or1 up-down and roller coaster kind of curved tracks. The recorded data can be
reviewed on the device display as well as it can be transferred to computer
without any external interfacing circuitry or any external mountings on the
track.
OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Primary object of the present invention, is to provide a motion Device with
built-in Sensing and Data recording for comprehensive motion studies on
Curved/Linear tracks which overcomes the limitations of the prior art to enable
recording of unhindered continuous motion on any kind of curved or linear
track for in-depth analysis.
Another object of the present invention is to provide an all in one motion Device
with built-in Sensing and Data recording for comprehensive motion studies on
Curvcd/I,inear tracks without using any external sensor attachment; or
mountings thus greatly simplifying the experimental setup.
l'urther object of the present invention, is to provide a motion Device with
built-in Sensing and Data recording for millimeter/sub-millimeter level of
rriovement in forward/reverse direction on Curved as well as Linear tracks with
microsecond precision which is efficient and reliable.
i
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide an in-depth learning
experience with laws of motion by enabling continuous and fine data recording
of motion on linear, inclined, up-down sloping tracks, potential well, rollercoaster
type tracks or any other imaginable tracks.
Further object of the invention is to extend the learning experiences not only in
proving laws of motion, elastic and in-elastic collisions on linear tracks but also
under curved tracks and special experimental circumstances like study of
friction and crash test and on tracks having bumps or potholes.
Yct another object of the present invention is to provide a review of the
recorded motion data on the device display and its transfer to computer
without using any external hardware interfaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a Motion Device with built-in
Sensing and Data recording for comprehensive motion studies on
Curved/Linear tracks comprising an assembly of a plurality of wheels
connected to each other by means of axle and optical encoding for motion
sensing and fine time-distance recording using a micro controller based
intelligent circuitry with memory installed with the device.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
Further objects and advantages of this invention will be more apparent from
thc ensuing description when read in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings and wherein:
ipigure 1 (a) and
(b) shows: Exploded view of motion device according to present
invention;
Figure 2 shows: Block diagram of motion device of present invention;
Figure 3 shows: (a) ~ ~ c e s s o r i efosr use with the motion device (b)
motion device with accessories mounted;
Figure 4 shows: (a) Potential well experiment setup (b) graphical results
of distance-time and velocity-time motion of device on
a curved track (Motion in potential well).
Figure 5 shows:
Figure 6 shows:
Figure 7 shows:
(a) Elastic collision on linear track setup (b) graphical
results of elastic collision using two motion devices
and time synchronization by remote.
Exploded view of Low cost motion device without
housing and base plate.
Exploded view of small size Low cost motion device
without display and suspension.
QETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION WITH REFERENCE
TQ THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
The present invention is directed to a motion Device with built-in Sensing and
Data recording for comprehensive motion studies on CurvedILinear tracks.
Now, reference may be made to Fig.1, wherein the device comprising an
assembly of four wheels (W) connected to each other by means of axle (A).
There is provision of a block (B) on the axle adjacent to inner face of each of the
wheels (W). The wheels are frictionless using bearings (20). For each wheel, a
spring loaded mechanism is provided on the axle, which comprises a spring (S)
between lower block (B) and top plate (T). This acts as suspension. PCB (1 1) is
supported on the top plate (T). The PCB may optionally be fixed with a display
(1 0). A specially designed code-wheel (14) is attached to an axle for sensing
millimeterlsub-millimeter level of movement with sensor attached to block (B).
The whole of the above assembly is accommodated in a housing (12) preferably
a rugged housing constituting device of invention. Said device is having a
itcypad (9) with a plurality of keys for different functionalities. A multitude of
sockets (13) are available at rear and front of device to connect required
bumper accessories for various collision experiments. The device is mounted on
chassis (base plate) (17) with axle arrangement with individual spring loaded
mechanism on all wheels to dampen the jerks experienced by the car. Further,
a removable plate (15) is also available in the housing for inserting battery for
power backup.
The motion data recorded in the device is transferred to a computer through
US13 interface or Bluetooth wireless interface (16).
Now, reference may be made to fig. 3(a) indicating various accessories that can
be used with the device. Bumper accessory (21) has a spring strip loop with
two pins which can be mounted on either or both sides of the device depending
on need of experiment and also to study elastic collision. Accessory (22) is used
to hold device at top end of inclined plane and has a spring loaded push release
mechanism. Weights (23) can be attached to the device using the Rod screw
(24) screwed to the housing. Striker bumper (25) is push spring loaded and can
be used for imparting initial momentum to device. Velcro (26) bumpers are
used to study inelastic collision as the set sticks together on collision. The
crash test accessory (27) comprises of a magnet, iron ball screwed on the
device housing and a collapsible two stage bumper to study head-on collision
using inclined plane. Fig. 3(b) shows the completely assembled motion device
in the shape of a toy car mounted with various accessories.
Fig. 4 shows the experimental setup for study of motion on a curved track in
the shape of a potential well (28). The motion device is released from rest at one
end of the tract which is at the maximum vertical height. The Remote (29) is
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O R l ~ ~ ~ K -. fwl . C I!!+(I&-& .*
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used to start and stop the recording. pon release the device performs to and
fro motion on the track where potential energy is transformed into kinetic
energy and vice-versa. The slow damping in to and fro motion occurs due to
loss of energy by friction. The results of the motion is plotted in the form of
Distance-Time and distance-velocity graphs (30) where the student can analyze
and co-relate the various concepts in motion experiment.
lGg.5 shows the elastic collision experimental setup and results when two
motion devices are used on a linear track (31). The Device 2 at the centre of
track is initially at rest and Device 1 is given an initial force. Time
synchronization of recording is achieved by the remote (32). When both
colliding devices have the same mass, after collision they exchange their
velocities which is illustrated in graph (33). The Distance-Time and Velocity-
'I'ime graphs of both devices show the collision points and the rebound-attrack-
end points of the individual devices which confirms the concept of
conservation of momentum and conservation of energy in elastic collisions (just
before and just after collision). While travelling on the track, a loss in velocity
(i.e. also kinetic energy) and slight de-acceleration due to friction can be
observed with clarity.
Fig.6 illustrates a low cost version of the motion device in which a thicker
rugged PCB (40) is used without a chassis plate and housing to give the motion
device a shape of cart/trolley with visible components. In this version the
suspension comprising of spring(S) block (B) and top plate (T) is mounted to
the PCB from underneath as well as the code-wheel (14) axle (A) and wheel (W).
A simple rectangular cavity (35) from underneath the PCB is used to slide
optional weights (36) to double the weight of the cart. The electronic display
(10) battery and housing (37) crash test accessory mounting (34) is also
mounted at the top of the PCB. The keys are soldered on PCB and a kiypad
plate (41) with holes is mounted on the PCB with a sticker.
Fig. 7 illustrates a low cost version of the motion device in a smaller size for
use with smaller tracks. In this version there are 3 keys and 2 LEDs. There is
no suspension. Data is recorded and can be transferred to computer. However,
data cannot be reviewed on the device due to absence of multi-line
alphanumeric display. The device has four wheels (W) mounted on axle (A) and
which has code wheel (14). The assembly is formed using side plates (42),
bottom plate (43) and blocks (49). The top of device is PCB (44) having circuitry
with three keys (46) two LED'S (47) and a wireless interface (45). Sensor (48) is
mounted on the block (49). Three small cells (50) provide power to the device.
Now referring to Fig. 2 regarding block diagram of motion device, in which
thcrc is provision of a microcontroller based intelligent circuitry(1) with RAM
for implementing microsecond timer function with features for interfacing and
rccording, review and transfer of motion data points. The micro-controller is in
corrimunication with transmissive/reflective optical sensor (2) and sensor for
remote (4). The optical sensor (2) based on transmissive/reflective sensing
along with an encoding wheel provides the distance and direction readings of
movement on tracks. Collection of data can be represented by Dual channel
IJEDs. The Timer Start/Stop can be controlled by IR sensor (4) activated by a
rcmote and indicated by Remote LED. For user interface membrane keypad (6)
is provided with a number of switches. These are used to On/Off device, to
Start/ Stop the microsecond Timer for recording, to Review data points collected
in memory, to clear the data collected for next recording, to Transmit data to
tho computer on USB/Bluetooth and to On/Off the LCD back light. For
external interface an alphanumeric/graphic Multi-line LCD display (7) is
provided for displaying the time in microsecond resolution, and distance in
millimeter/sub-millimeter resolution with direction of movement. Battery cell
(8) is used to power the electronic circuitry.
Thus, the present invention provides a novel motion device with all-in-one
sensing and data recording of large number of time-distance data points on
curved or linear tracks. The device has in-built sensing and recording of
millimeter and sub-millimeter level movements along with its direction of
motion employing novel use of transmissive/reflective type optical encoding
techniques. The time recording of movement is with micro-second resolution
and the recorded data can be reviewed on the alphanumeric/graphic
clectronics display.
'I'hus, the device has in-built optical digital sensor for sensing millimeter/submillimeter
level movement of car on any type of track (curved or linear tracks) .
The device has On/Off key, Start/Stop key to start or stop timer (alternately
through IR remote) for recording readings during its motion on track.
The device has a rugged housing and provision to replace the battery. The
device comprises microcontroller based intelligent circuitry which implements
the function of a digital timer with micro-second resolution, millimeter/submillimeter
level distance calculation function, alphanumeric/graphic LCD
display functionality, dircction indicating LED'S and IR pulse detection LED.
Sensing data given from 2 channel digital encoder of millimeter level movement
of car and direction of movement on track. It can be used in a number of
oxperimental studies in science and maths. Some representative experiments
are as follows:
To study motion in potential well (Plot of distance-time, velocity-time,
kinetic energy-time, momentum-time graphs).
To study acceleration during motion.
To study motion under friction, bumps and potholes.
'So study motion under crash.
To study motion on linear track and observe loss in energy due to
friction.
To study conservation of linear momentum.
To study motion on inclined plane.
To study elastic collision experiments.
To study inelastic collision experiments.
'I'hc present invention overcomes the limitations of prior art as all sensing is
very precise and in-built along with fine recording of time-distance motion
data. Time-distance data can be reviewed on the electronics display on device
itself and the same can also be transferred to computer and plotted for
elaborate and comprehensive studies. Study of experiments in physics
involving motion can be performed by the students in an easy and real time
set-up while conveying accurate and in-depth concept learning through
experimentation not possible with existing experimental setups. Two such
motion devices can be used simultaneously for collision experiments with
independent recording of data and time synchronized through a remote. In
addition, the collision based experiments, friction based experiments and crash
test experiments can also be accurately performed with large real time data
recording. Due to fine sensing of motion, the friction in tracks does not affect
thc experimentation in conservation of momentum concepts which can be
studied accurately at the instants of collision without the need of air tracks.
Thc device automatically senses and records large number of fine time-distance
data at millimeter/sub-millimeter level movements with microsecond time
resolution while it travels on any kind of linear or curved tracks. The device
can be used for very elaborate motion studies and a wide range of experiments
regarding velocity, acceleration, kinetic energy, momentum, motion under
friction and motion under crash test, movement on linear and inclined tracks,
potential well and any kind of roller-coaster and up-down sloping tracks with
bumps and potholes.
The motion device is novel as it is an all-in-one motion device with in-built
intelligent electronics to sense, record and review large amount of fine timedistance
data with millimeter/sub-millimeter level distance movements with
microsecond timing resolution in the same device for physics experiments
involving motion. Dynamic cars/trolleys available as prior art require external
sensors like photo gates with timer. Alternatively, for larger data, ultrasonic
motion sensors or optical sensors with data logging interfaces can gather
motion data on computer. Photo-gates provide limited data only at points
where they are placed while ultrasonic motion sensors and optical sensing
techniques reported in prior art cannot be used on curved tracks. These
limitations have been overcome with this invention.
The device can provide large amounts of motion data at very fine distance and
time resolutions on any kind of tracks without any complications in setup,
thereby widely extending the practical learning experiences in experiments that
involve comprehensive studies of laws of motion particularly in potential well,
curved tracks, roller-coaster, fun-rides kind of tracks, tracks involving friction,
bumps, potholes and crash test etc. Since motion and recording is in-built, the
device can move unhindered on any imaginable track and it is extremely easy
to perform experiments unlike in photo-gates and motion sensors where setting
up the experiment itself involves skills.
'i'he motion device is low friction with provision to attach bumpers, weights and
several accessories and suspension on all its wheels. Two motion devices can
bc time synchronized with a remote for collision experiments.
'The in-built intelligent motion sensing, timer, recording and review of motion
data makes the product cost effective in the same housing as well as accurate
compared to prior art thus making it a unique and novel product providing a
solid ownership value to customers for school level and advanced studies.
Further the data in the devices can be directly transferred to computer and can
be analyzed by any graphing software which extends the learning experience by
analyzing time-distance, time-velocity, time-momentum, time-kinetic energy
graphs and study of acceleration.
Advantageous Features
- To sensc and record distance data in the device electronics with precise
millimeter/sub-millimeter level movement resolution during its
unhindered motion on any kind of curvedllinear tracks.
- To record precise time data in the device electronics with microsecond
resolution.
- To sensc and record distance data in the device electronics with direction
of movement.
- To review recorded data on the electronic display of the device.
- To transfer the recorded data from device to computer for analysis.
- To provide time synchronization and simultaneous independent
recordings when more than one motion device is used for experiments
involving collision.
- To enable continuous and fine data recording of motion on linear track,
inclined track, up-down sloping track, potential well tracks, rollercoaster
type of tracks or any other imaginable bumpy and pothole track.
- To provide large number of data for motion studies under special
circumstances like study of friction, crash tests, elastic and inelastic
collisions and proving laws of motion.
To provide the device in the shape of a toy sized car in a rugged housing
which can be conveniently handled by school children. Other housing
forms like car shapes as well as familiar shapes like that of truck, trolley,
cart etc. can also be incorporated with simple modifications.
- To provide the device with low friction movement.
- To provide for attachments like bumper accessories, crash test
accessories, striker accessories and weight accessories.
- To provide a low cost solution for comprehensive experimental studies
involving laws of motion with an alternate version which would be of
smaller size and lower in cost, and would not be provided with data
review and display facility on device, but would be able to transfer the
recorded time-distance data to computer.
I t is to be noted that the present invention is susceptible to modifications,
adaptations and changes by those skilled in the art. Such variant embodiments
employing the concepts and features of this invention are intended to be within
the scope of the present invention, which is further set forth under the
following claims:-
1\14
'qe claim:
1. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprchcnsivc motion studies on Curved/Linear tracks comprising an
assembly of a plurality of wheels connected to each other by means of
axle with optical encoding for motion sensing and fine time-distance
recording using a micro-controller based intelligent circuitry with
memory installed with the device.
2. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies as claimed in claiml, which is capable of
unhindered motion and recording of fine motion data on any kind of
Curved track in the form of potential well, roller coaster, up-down sloping
and track such as tracks with bumps and potholes as well as linear and
inclined tracks with the recordal of motion data under special
circumstances like crash test and tracks with friction overlays.
3. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensivc motion studies on Curved/Linear tracks as claimed in
claim 1 or 2, wherein the micro-controller is in communication with
transmissive/reflective optical sensor and comprising a specially
designed code-wheel connected to axle for notifying millimeter/submillimeter
level of movement with forward/ reverse direction.
4. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensivc motion studies on Curved/Linear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, wherein the microcontroller based intelligent
circuitry with RAM is employed for implementing microsecond timer
function together with features for interfacing and recording, review and
transfer of motion data points.
5. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on CurvedILinear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, wherein the micro-controller is in
communication with IR sensor for remote operation.
6. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on CurvedILinear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, wherein the wheels, each of which is
provided with a spring loaded mechanism which comprises a spring
between a lower block and top plate, which acts as suspension.
7. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on Curved/Linear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, wherein the block is mounted through the
axle and located in proximity to inner face of each of the wheels.
8. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on Curved/Linear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, wherein said top plate supports PCB, which
may optionally be fixed with a display.
9. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on Curved/Linear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is accommodated inside
a housing(toy car shaped) with a keypad for different functionalities and
PCB mounted on chassis constituting base plate.
10. A motion Device with b6ilt-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on CurvedlLinear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, comprising a low cost version of the motion
device using PCB as chassis (cart shaped) without any housing and base
plate.
11. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on CurvedILinear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, wherein multitude of sockets are provided at
rear and front of the device to be connected with required bumper
accessories for various collision experiments such as herein described.
12. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on CurvedlLinear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, wherein motion data recorded in the device
can be transferred to a computer through USB or Bluetooth wireless
interface.
13. A motion Device with built-in Sensing and Data recording for
comprehensive motion studies on CurvedILinear tracks as claimed in
any of the preceding claims, comprising a battery for power backup and
having provision to attach weights and crash test accessories.