ELECTRONIC CONDUIT-BENDING INDICATOR, LEVEL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL DATA DISPLAY
20220364859 · 2022-11-17
Inventors
Cpc classification
International classification
Abstract
An Electronic Conduit Bending Indicator, Level, and Environmental Data Display is disclosed. It easily inserts directly into the opening of conduit or pipe bender, allowing the user to have the display within easy viewing distance. The conduit bending indicator displays actual and relative angles from the horizontal plane on the Y-axis and functions as a spirit level on the X-axis. It has a 4-way level for measuring the X and Y axes with relative and actual angular display and data-hold, and a protractor function allows relative angular measurements when rotated horizontally. The invention also displays the dry-bulb, wet-bulb, and dew-point temperatures, OSHA heat-index (sunny and shady), enthalpy (sensible, latent, and Qs/Qt), saturated and actual vapor pressure, relative humidity, absolute humidity, humidity ratio, vapor pressure, cubic feet per pound of dry air, atmospheric pressure, altitude, vapor deficit, vapor density, and partial, actual, and dry air densities. This data may be read from the environment or calculated.
Claims
1. A digital angle gauge, comprising: a gauge body with a partially tapered base that is insertable into the open top end of the handle of a standard conduit bender of the type generally having an upwardly projecting tubular said handle and having a lower threaded end for inserting onto and affixing a head to said handle, an elongated bottom shoe portion integrally fabricated into said head and defining a downwardly opening groove which is convexly arcuate along its length and is concavely arcuate laterally, with a conduit grasping means at the end of said shoe for hooking around a conduit which is received in said groove with embossed angle indicators aligned along the exterior wall of said groove; digital display means mounted on said gauge body face for visually determining the bend angle of a piece of said conduit engaged by said conduit bender, such that the interior of the open conduit bender handle end becomes the reference surface for conduit bending; the gauge body including a reference surface that is engageable with the surface of an object to be measured for inclination; means mounted in the gauge body for determining an inclination angle of the surface of an object with which the reference surface of the gauge body is engaged; at least two digital screens connected to the top and rear of the gauge body responsive to the means for calculating and visually displaying the determined inclination angle; means mounted in the gauge body for determining the temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure to generate psychrometric data; and a five-position function switch to permit a user to navigate an operating system.
2. The device of claim 1, further comprising a means for wirelessly communicating with a network to permit the wireless reception of data received from the device.
3. The device of claim 1, wherein the two digital screens are simultaneously or alternately energized based on the angle of the device for continuous viewing.
4. The device of claim 1, wherein the at least one manually engageable power switch operates as an ON/OFF button that is selectively engaged to alternately activate and deactivate the sensors, microprocessor, and the digital screens.
5. The device of claim 1, wherein the five-position function switch includes a ZERO angle calibration function that is momentarily engaged to set an incremental ZERO angle reference point, the inclination angle comprising an incremental inclination angle determined relative to the ZERO angle reference point.
6. The device of claim 1, wherein the inclination angle comprises an absolute inclination angle determined relative to an absolute zero point stored in the device.
7. The device of claim 1, wherein the screens include a first section for numerically displaying the absolute inclination angle and a second section for numerically displaying the incremental inclination angle.
8. The device of claim 1, wherein the first and second screen sections display the absolute and incremental inclination angles simultaneously and adjacent to one another on the screen.
9. The device of claim 1, wherein the screen sections display respective numerical characters, the characters in one of the screen sections being larger than the characters in the other the screen section.
10. The device of claim 1, wherein the screens include a graphic display that intuitively and non-numerically depicts the absolute inclination angle adjacent to the numerical display of the absolute inclination angle on the screen.
11. The device of claim 1, wherein the graphic display simulates a bubble level vial and includes a bubble icon moveable on the simulated bubble level vial between positions that correspond to respective ranges of absolute inclination angle measurements.
12. The device of claim 1, wherein the five-position function switch includes a “HOLD” function for visually locking the display of a determined inclination angle on the screen.
13. The device of claim 1, wherein the bottom face carries a magnet for securing the body to a magnetically attractive material in the object being measured.
14. The device of claim 1 wherein the bottom rear exterior has a vertical indicating means for visually determining angular differences when used as a protractor.
15. The device of claim 1 in which the operating system and software are incorporated into a conduit bending tool, such that it becomes an off-the-shelf “electronic” conduit bender.
16. The device of claim 1 in which the psychrometric data generated includes, but is not limited to enthalpy, wet-bulb and dew-point temperatures, absolute humidity, humidity ratio, vapor pressure, heat index, dry air pressure, saturated and actual vapor pressure, vapor deficit, vapor density, partial, actual, and dry air density, and elevation.
17. The device of claim 1 in which the necessary basic parameters of temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure may be manually entered in a psychrometric calculator, over-riding the atmospheric sensor data.
Description
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0029] A more complete understanding of the embodiments, and the attendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readily understood by references to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:
[0030]
[0031]
[0032]
[0033]
[0034]
[0035]
[0036]
[0037]
[0038]
[0039]
[0040]
[0041]
[0042]
[0043]
[0044]
[0045]
[0046]
[0047]
[0048]
[0049]
[0050]
[0051]
[0052]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0053] The specific details of the single embodiment or variety of embodiments described herein are set forth in this application. Any specific details of the embodiments are used for demonstration purposes only, and no unnecessary limitation or inferences are to be understood therefrom.
[0054] Before describing in detail exemplary embodiments, it is noted that the embodiments reside primarily in combinations of components related to the system. Accordingly, the device components have been represented where appropriate by conventional symbols in the drawings, showing only those specific details that are pertinent to understanding the embodiments of the present disclosure so as not to obscure the disclosure with details that will be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of the description herein.
Item List
[0055] 1. Gauge Body comprising 3D-printed PETG filament, injection-molded PVC, and/or other materials and methods necessary to create a durable housing to contain the electronics
[0056] 2. Electronic Conduit-Bending Indicator, Level, and Environmental Data Display, also referred to as “the device” comprising a Gauge Body and Necessary Electronic Components
[0057] 3. Typical Conduit Bender
[0058] 4. Handle of a Typical Conduit Bender
[0059] 5. Former of a Typical Conduit Bender
[0060] 6. Hook Portion of Former of Typical Conduit Bender for Grasping Conduit
[0061] 7 Inclination Angie
[0062] 8. Power Switch
[0063] 9. Flat Reference Surface for free-standing measurements
[0064] 10. Five-Position Function Switch
[0065] 11. Protractor Indicating Pointer
[0066] 12. Ferrous Metal Beam
[0067] 14. Conduit Bent Into a 90° Shape
[0068] 15. Port for the Atmospheric Sensor Module
[0069] 16. Faceplate
[0070] 18. Tapered Cylindrical Reference Surface to allow the device to fit various sizes of conduit benders
[0071] 20. Recessed N-52 Neodymium Magnet for Freestanding use on Ferrous Metals
[0072] 22. Dual Axes angular display
[0073] 24. Absolute Angle Indicator
[0074] 26. Relative or Bend Angle Indicator
[0075] 28. 3-Digit Angle Indicator
[0076] 30. Graphic Representation of Current Conduit Bend Angle
[0077] 32. 2-Digit Bubble Level Display for −9° Through 9°
[0078] 34. Organic Light-Emitting Diode Display (OLED—32×128×I2C)
[0079] 35. Inverted Organic Light-Emitting Diode Display (OLED—32×128—I2C)
[0080] 36. 18650 LiPo Rechargeable Battery
[0081] 38. MPU6050 Angular Sensor and Accelerometer Chip
[0082] 40. Seeeduino XIAO Microprocessor
[0083] 42. BME280 Atmospheric Sensor
[0084] 44. TP4056 LiPo Battery Charging Module with Micro USB Power Connector
[0085] 45. USB Charging Port to Access the USB Power Connector
[0086] 46. Attachment Screws, M3X.5 Thread, 12 mm Length
[0087] 48. Wiring Harness, 4-Conductor, 22 gauge, PVC-Coated, Color-Coded Solid Wires
[0088] 50. Navigational Menu of all Functions
[0089]
[0090]
[0091]
[0092]
[0093]
[0094]
[0095]
[0096]
[0097]
[0098]
[0099]
[0100]
[0101]
[0102]
[0103]
[0104]
[0105]
[0106]
[0107]
[0108]
[0109]
[0110]
[0111]
[0112] The Electronic Conduit Bending Indicator, Level, and Environmental Data Display 2 (hereafter referred to as “device” or “the device”) is an electronic Swiss Army Knife for many construction trades. Its principal function is that of an electronic conduit-bending indicator. By inserting the tapered battery compartment into the open handle 4 of an ordinary conduit bender 3, device 2 enables the operator to display the exact bend angle imparted to any piece of conduit, metal tubing, or solid metal rod that may be bent by hand. The dual displays afford easy viewing at any angle allowing precise, repeatable bends for conduit runs that must have a professional appearance.
[0113] When removed from a conduit bender 3, device 2 is a free-standing device with a magnetic base. It will vigorously adhere to any ferrous metal and may be attached to a metal plate when used for finding angular differences of non-ferrous items or simply held in place while capturing the data for future display. In this freestanding mode, the device 2 has a Bubble Level that operates on the X-Axis. A digital “bubble” 32 is displayed surrounding angles between negative and positive nine with text being the default for numbers greater than nine and less than negative nine.
[0114] When reading construction plans or determining approximate angular differences, the Protractor function is easy to use. Simply press the five-position function switch 10 to reset the protractor to zero and rotate the device to the left or right to read.
[0115] When one needs more than one angular measurement simultaneously, the 4-Way Level is a perfect solution. It displays in both the X-axis and Y-axis relative to the operator with a tenth of a degree accuracy. The 4-Way Level also operates in both absolute and relative modes. A brief press of the five-position function switch 10 resets the current angle to zero degrees for both axes while a longer press holds the data for later display.
[0116] For safety and OSHA compliance, the Heat Index display shows the way the temperature feels to a human body in both sunny and shady conditions. The Heat Index is used to determine the work/break cycle for many corporations, unions, and trades. In extreme conditions, one might work for 20 minutes every hour with forty minutes of break time to avoid heat-stroke.
[0117] Finally, there is an electronic psychrometric chart and “Other Pressures and Densities” page. These menus have an exhaustive list of features including dry-bulb, wet-bulb, and dew-point temperature, OSHA heat-index, enthalpy (sensible and latent), saturated and actual vapor pressure, relative humidity, absolute humidity, humidity ratio, vapor pressure, cubic feet per pound of dry air, atmospheric pressure, altitude, vapor deficit, vapor density, and partial, actual, and dry air densities. The device 2 displays, by default, temperatures in Fahrenheit. For Celsius, hold the function switch 10 when the logo appears on the display 34 upon power-up until the main menu appears.
[0118] The device 2 is comprised of a suitable body in which to house the necessary electronic components. The preferred iteration is 3D-printed PETG but the means, methods, and materials to create a housing are virtually unlimited.
[0119] All components are typical, off-the-shelf, parts that may purchase from Amazon, eBay, Mousser Electronics, DigiKey Electronics, etc. The displays 34 and 35 are OLED, I2C, 32×128 devices manufactured by numerous companies. Power is provided by a standard 18650 LiPo battery 36 that is permanently sealed in the base of the unit in line with, and above, the magnet 20.
[0120] The device 2 is recharged through the micro-USB port 45 on the TP4056 battery charging module 44 and is energized by the power switch 8 located above, and it front of, the micro-USB port 45 of the battery charging module 44 on the right side of the device. See
[0121] In some embodiments, The MPU6050 may be directly replaced with an MPU9250 which also contains a compass feature. This may be useful as a directional-finding compass (again, built into an appropriate housing) for out-of-door activities, or for proper orientation on a surface over time. To elaborate, the built-in protractor is a relative feature based on any previously defined angular parameter. The compass feature allows reference to actual F/W/N/S compass headings to allow repeatable angular measurements, regardless of location or reference.
[0122] All major components are connected with only four color-coded wires: (Vdc: red, Ground: black, Data: green, and Clock: yellow) that comprise the connection harness 48. The five-position function switch 10 connects one of five digital pins (dp3, dp6, dp8, dp9, or dp10) of the XIAO 40 to ground when closed, Construction techniques are simple and straightforward by 3D-printing the body and hand-wiring the modules to the harness by hand-soldering.
[0123] All software was written and compiled on an Arduino IDE using commonly available libraries and simple C++ routines to create the operating system for the device 2 that is represented by the Navigation Menu 50. The final computer code is proprietary information but can easily be written by someone knowledgeable in the trade. While the features and functions described above represent the current embodiment, they are not meant to limit or restrict the scope of this invention, and future improvements may be incorporated without straying from the original intent.
[0124] Following are the download sites and sources of code for the libraries associated with the components used in creating the device.
[0125] MPU6050 Library: https://www.arduino.cc/reference/en/ibraries/mpu6050
[0126] BME280 Library: https://www.arduino.cc/reference/en/libraries/bme280/
[0127] OLED Display Library: https://learn.adafruit.com/mnochrome-oled breakouts/arduino-library-and-examples
[0128] Seeeduino XIAO Arduino Library: https://wiki.sceedstudio.com/Seeduino-XIAO/
[0129] TP4056 Data Sheet: http://www.tp4056.com/datasheet/
[0130] 18650 LiPo Battery Data Sheet: https://somanytech.com/18650-battery-specifications-datasheet-18650-battery-specs/
[0131] The following are the mathematical formulas used in the Calculations to provide psychrometric data:
[0132] Dew Point is calculated with the following variation of the Magnus formula:
[0133] Saturated Vapor Pressure is derived from the following equation:
VP=6.1078*10((7.5*Tc)/(Tc+237.3))
And Actual Vapor Pressure=(VP*RH/100)
Vapor Pressure Deficit=Saturated Vapor Pressure−Actual Vapor Pressure
Specific Humidity=0.622017*Vapor Pressure/(Air Pressure−Vapor Pressure)
Absolute Humidity=(6.112*AbHu*Humid*2.1674)/(273.15+° C.)
[AbHu={pow(2.718281828,(17.67*° C.)/(° C.+243.5)}]
Humidity Ratio=0.62198*(Vapor Density/Dry Air Density)
Dry Air Density=(Air Pressure in Pascals)/(287.058*(° C.+273.15))
Vapor Density=(Vapor Pressure in Pascals)/(461.495*(° C.+273.15))
Partial Air Pressure=Atmospheric Pressure−Vapor Pressure
Partial Air Density=(Dry Air Pressure in Pascals)/(287.058*(° C.+273.15))
Actual Air Density=Partial Air Density+Vapor Density
Enthalpy=((1.006*)+(0.0106*(2501+1.805*° C.))*0.4299
Sensible Heat=Dry Bulb Temperature (° F.)*0.24
Latent Heat:=Enthalpy−Sensible Heat
Sensible Heat Ratio=Sensible Heat/Enthalpy
[0134] Wet Bulb is attained from the following formula:
Tw=Tc*atan(0.151977*sqrt(RH+8.313659))+atan(Tc+RH)−atan(RH−1.6763)+(0.00391838*pow(Humid){circumflex over ( )}/2*atan(0.0231*Humid))−4.686
[0135] Heat Index (shady) is calculated with the following National Weather Service formula:
HI=−42.379+(2.04901523*Tf+10,14333127*RH−0.22475541*Tf*RH)−(0.00683783*Tf*Tf)−(0.05481717*RH*RH+(0.00122874*Tf*Tf*RH)+(0.00085282*Tf*RH*RH)−(0.00000199*Tf*Tf*RH*RH)
[0136] Where RH=relative humidity and Tf=temperature in Fahrenheit. Heat Index (Sunny) is derived by adding 15° to Tf before calculating.
[0137] In some embodiments, the device 2 may be in wireless communication (via wireless Internet, near-frequency communications, and the like) with a network and associated devices (e.g., smart devices, tablets, PDA's, laptop computers, desktop computers, etc.) in communication with the network. The wireless connectivity allows for measuring an angle in which line-of-site to the display is impeded. The device 2 having wireless connectivity may also be utilized by a foreman, instructor, or other supervisory personnel to monitor conduit bends executed by others. This may allow multiple devices to be connected wirelessly and monitored. Conduit bends and psychrometric data may be uploaded as scores to a grading portal or competitive learning portal to make a game out of successful bends or psychrometric calculations.
[0138] In some embodiments, the wirelessly connected device 2 transmit psychrometric data. The device 2 may be continuously powered by means of the USB charging port allowing the device to be located remotely inside of refrigerated rooms, HVAC ducting, or room-to-room monitoring using multiple devices connected in a mesh network. In this scenario, the device 2 may be packaged in a more suitable weather-proof housing with a smaller backup battery while maintaining the magnet for attachment to ferrous metallic surfaces.
[0139] In some embodiments, the device 2 may be supplied with an inductive charging port. This would allow the device 2 to be more easily powered in remote locations or when USB charging is not practical.
[0140] In some embodiments, the device 2 includes a Wait Meter, showing the solar irradiation in watts per meter squared. The Watt Meter may be readily added with a photovoltaic cell. When sunlight illuminates the photocell, the microprocessor measures the current generated and converts the analog measurement into a readable value of the intensity of the sunlight. This is useful for verifying the output of a photovoltaic system on other than clear and sunny days. The photocell can further be used to turn the device on or off during periods of light or darkness, as desired.
[0141] In some embodiments, the device 2 includes a motion detector which mar be useful in remote locations when data is desired to be collected when the area is occupied or there is motion. This may be psychrometric data that is collected when motion is detected with an outdoor camera, or when someone enters a room.
[0142] In some embodiments, the device 2 includes a micro-camera sensor. This would allow a remotely placed device 2 to record visual data along with psychrometric data in a remote location. This could be for the purposes of animal identification as a psychometrically enhanced trail-camera or as an identity-detector/security camera in a refrigerated or controlled-climate room. The resulting information could be assembled into a complete file representing an image, time-stamp, and all psychrometric conditions at the moment.
[0143] In some embodiments, the device 2 may include one or more gas sensors to detect carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, methane, butane, or other dangerous or flammable gasses. This would allow the device 2 to act as a remote sensor in a mine, tunnel, or other enclosed area and transmit environmental gas information along with psychrometric data.
[0144] In the current embodiment, the device 2 has capabilities similar to a calculator to enhance data-entry capabilities of psychrometric values. Having a five-position function switch 10 allows the place of the number being entered to be selected (ones, tens, hundreds, etc.) using the left and right switches, as well as the numeric value of the digit in that place by using the up/down button. When the entire numeric value has been selected, one simply pushes the function switch to “enter” the data into memory. The psychrometric calculator allows input of the three most commonly available atmospheric readings: temperature, relative humidity, and atmospheric pressure. All other functions are derived from these initial three measurements, either from the psychrometric calculator or the BME280.
[0145] Many different embodiments have been disclosed herein, in connection with the above description and the drawings. It will be understood that it would be unduly repetitious and obfuscating to literally describe and illustrate every combination and sub-combination of these embodiments. Accordingly, all embodiments can be combined in any way and/or combination, and the present specification, including the drawings, shall be construed to constitute a complete written description of all combinations and sub-combinations of the embodiments described herein, and of the manner and process of making and using them, and shall support claims to any such combination or sub-combination
[0146] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present embodiment is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove A variety of modifications and variations are possible considering the above teachings without departing from the following claims.