TWI444598B - A shock-proof tilt detector and a method of preventing the tilt detector from starting accidentally due to vibration - Google Patents

Description

Anti-vibration tilt detector and method for preventing accidental activation of tilt detector due to vibration

The present invention relates to a sensor having an anti-vibration aspect for determining whether an object such as a shipping carton has been inverted, flipped or tilted at an angle greater than a predetermined angle. The invention also relates to a method of preventing accidental activation of a tilt detector due to vibration.

In today's global economy, goods, materials, manufacturers, etc. often travel a long distance before they reach their final destination. The shipping process can include a variety of shipping methods. For example, in general, products made in Asia usually need to be loaded on a truck, transported to a train station, loaded onto a railcar, transported by rail to a port, loaded onto a cargo ship, transported to an overseas port, loaded to On the truck, it is transported by truck on the road and transported to the warehouse. Once in the warehouse, the product will be shipped again in the air or on the ground before reaching the end user of the product. During this process, the product will be loaded and unloaded multiple times and sometimes damaged due to mishandling. Some products are susceptible to damage if they are not transported in a specific location. For example, everyone knows that if some computer hard drive drives are flipped or turned upside down, they will fail.

A variety of measures are known in the art to help prevent misoperation of the product during shipping, loading and unloading. This measure involves printing the procedure onto the box to maintain the intended orientation. However, this precaution is essentially passive and does not warn the recipient that the product has been handled incorrectly or if it has been damaged by shipping.

To understand these concerns, different devices have been developed that indicate whether the container is transported at the recommended location when the material reaches its destination, or has tilted beyond the maximum predetermined angle. An example of such a device is described in U.S. Patent No. 32,570, to Conn. The Conn tilt detector has proven to be commercially successful.

The Conn tilt detector is easily erroneously activated at some vibration frequencies. There is a need for a device that includes anti-vibration features so that the device more accurately indicates whether material has been mishandled and eliminates false indications of tilt.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a sensor with anti-vibration for determining whether an object such as a shipping carton has been tilted, flipped or tilted at an angle greater than a predetermined angle.

The present invention provides a tilt detector that includes a container and a receptacle located within the container. The receptacle has a closed end and an open end, and a side extending between the ends. The first mass is located within the receptacle when the receptacle is in an upright position with the open end above the closed end. The first mass can exit the receptacle when the receptacle is tilted past a predetermined angle. When the receptacle is in the upright position, a second mass is positioned over the open end of the receptacle whereby the second mass blocks the first mass from exiting the upright receptacle. The first mass moves when the receptacle is tilted past a predetermined angle to allow the first mass to exit the receptacle.

According to one aspect of the invention, the second mass is spaced from the open end of the receptacle when the receptacle is in the upright position and A pivot point positioned above the open end is suspended. The first mass is pivotally remote from the open end of the receptacle when the receptacle is tilted beyond its predetermined angle.

According to another aspect of the invention, the first quality block is responsive to a first vibration frequency and the second quality block is responsive to a second vibration frequency. The second vibration frequency is different from the first vibration frequency.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the first and second quality blocks have different qualities.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the first and second masses are made of different materials.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the second quality block has an extension portion forming at least two outer side cavities larger than the first quality block, the extension portion for blocking the first quality block after leaving the connector Then enter the receiver.

The invention also provides a tilt detector comprising a container and a receptacle. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end, and a side extending between the ends. The first mass is positioned within the receptacle when the receptacle is in an upright position with the open end above the closed end. The first mass can exit the receptacle when the receptacle is tilted past a predetermined angle. A pivot pin is attached to the receptacle in an abutment with the opening of the receptacle. A second mass is pivotally coupled to the pivot pin. The second mass has a blocking portion that blocks the open end of the receptacle when the receptacle is in the upright position.

According to another aspect of the invention, the container is thin such that the first mass moves only two-dimensionally within the container.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the second quality block has ribs on at least one side.

According to yet another aspect of the invention, the second mass has assistance on both sides, the ribs on one side being staggered from the ribs on the other side.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the second quality block has an extension portion forming at least two outer side cavities larger than the first quality block, the extension portion for blocking the first quality block after leaving the receptacle Then enter the receiver.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the safety pin can be inserted into the recess of the second mass to prevent movement of the second mass.

According to still another aspect of the invention, at least a portion of the front side of the container is transparent.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the first quality block has a first color and the inner surface of the back side of the container has a second color.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the pivot pin has a plurality of radii that are circumscribed by a single circle.

According to still another aspect of the invention, the lower side of the second mass has a radius range and a planar portion.

The present invention also provides a method of preventing the tilt detector from accidentally starting due to vibration. The receiver is provided with a first quality block located therein. The receptacle has an open end and a closed end. The first mass is blocked from vibrating through the open end by positioning the blocking mass on the open end. When the receptacle is tilted beyond a predetermined angle, the blocking mass moves away from the open end of the receptacle, In order to allow the first quality block to leave.

According to another aspect of the invention, the step of moving the blocking quality block further comprises the step of swinging the blocking mass away from the open end.

According to another aspect of the invention, the step of occluding the first quality mass from the open end of the receptacle by positioning the blocking mass on the open end further comprises suspending the blocking mass above the open end of the receptacle.

Please refer to the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention and the accompanying drawings, which will further understand the technical content of the present invention and its effect:

Referring to Figure 1, an object, such as shipping package 22, has one or more tilt detectors 14 attached to one or more of its walls 24 to determine whether the inclusion is maintained in a recommended orientation during shipment and does not exceed a predetermined maximum. The angle is inclined. The shipping package 22 can have any form of end, such as crates, trays, boxes, cartons, buckets, drums, cans, bottles, or other containers that hold the goods prior to shipment. Alternatively, the tilt detector 14 can be placed directly on the cargo itself. Thus, the object that is subjected to the tilt detector 14 can be a cargo, a container carrying the cargo, and the like. The shipping package 22 has a top side 16 (with a seam 20 between the lids). An "upward" arrow 18 is placed on one or more sides of the package 22 to indicate that the top side 16 should remain above. Thus, the package 22 is marked to prevent tipping or tilting.

To detect any such unauthorised tilt, tilt detector 14 is used. When in the upright position, tilt detector 14 is preferably preferred Placed on the upright or side wall 24 of the shipping package 22. In a preferred embodiment, the tilt detector 14 is sensitive in two dimensions, i.e. on the plane of the detector. Thus, the tilt detector 14 can be used in combination with another tilt detector 14 placed on the adjacent side wall 24 of the package 20, wherein the two tilt detectors 14 are transverse to each other.

The entire contents of U.S. Patent No. Re.

Referring to Figure 2, generally, the tilt detector 14 has a receptacle 36 having a closed end 40, an open end 44, and a side 34 extending between the closed end 40 and the open end 44. The receiver is also referred to as the hold receiver receiving quality block. In a preferred embodiment, since the tilt detector is thin, the mass is a disc. The receptacle 36 can have a V-shaped or flared horseshoe shape, with the V-open or horseshoe-shaped base 40 positioned at the bottom of the tilt detector 14 when the detector 14 is in the upright or upright position, with the open end 44 positioned Above the closed end 44. The V-shaped or horseshoe-shaped sides 34 extend from the base 40 of the receptacle at an angle relative to each other to allow the first mass 38 or disc to rest in the cavity formed by the sides 34, and when the tilt detector 14 is tilted past the predetermined Leave the receiver 36 at an angle. In a normal, upright position under the tilt detector, the disk 38 is positioned inside the receptacle 36. The disc 38 exits the receptacle 36 when the receptacle 36 is tilted past a predetermined angle. This angle is typically the angle at which the side 34 is oriented at or below. For example, the disc 38 can exit the receptacle 36 when the detector is tilted about 80 from its upright position. The slope or angle of the receiver side 34 determines the angle at which the detector 14 is activated degree. The detector 14 is bi-directional and is activated by tilting the detector 14 toward the side 34 of the receptacle 36 beyond a predetermined angle.

Occasionally, the disk 38 will move in response to the frequency of vibration that is sensitive or responsive to the disk 38. Even in the absence of the tilt of the receptacle 36, this movement can cause the disc to exit the receptacle, resulting in an erroneous indication of tilt. To prevent such erroneous indications at the set of vibration frequencies, the exit is blocked by the second quality block or suspension quality block 26. Suspension mass 26 is suspended adjacent open end 44. The suspension mass 26 blocks the disc 38 from exiting the receptacle 36 when the receptacle 36 is in its normal, unslanted position. Thus, even if the vibration causes the disk 38 to move toward the open end 44, the tilt detector 14 is not intensified. Suspension mass 26 is sensitive to disk 38 or to a different vibration frequency. Instead, the suspension quality block is responsive to the second set of vibration frequencies. The suspension quality block 26 does not interfere with the normal operation of the detector 14 when an erroneous activation is prevented. When the receptacle 36 is tilted past a predetermined angle, the suspension mass 26 moves to allow the disc 38 to exit the receptacle 36. When the disc 38 leaves the receptacle 36, an indication of tilt is produced.

Referring to Figures 7 and 12, the tilt detector 14 has a thin container 42 having a front side 48, a back side 50 and a side surface 46, the front side 48 having at least one transparent window 74, the back side 50 having a layer of adhesive 52, and a movable Insurance pin 60. Window 74 is formed by an opening in tab 76 on front side 48. Because the detector 14 is thin, it has a low profile when attached to the object 22.

The receptacle 36 is positioned within the container. Front side 48 and back of the container Face 50 forms the side of the receptacle. Because the container is thin, the disc moves only in two dimensions for practical purposes. There is only some minimal third dimensional motion between the front side 48 and the back side 50.

The suspension mass 26 is a dense material such as steel or polycarbonate. In a preferred embodiment, the suspension mass 26 is formed from polycarbonate and is flat. The suspension mass 26 has a pivot point 30 around which the suspension mass 26 pivots in a plane parallel to the front side 48 and the back side 50, and a blocking portion or mass 32 having sufficient quality. And offset from the pivot point 30 to pivot it. Due to gravity, the blocking portion 32 is always positioned below the pivot point 30. Within the container, the suspension mass can be rotated 360° about the pivot point. When the receptacle is upright, as shown in Figure 2, the blocking portion 32 blocks the disc 38 from exiting the receptacle 36. The obstruction portion 32 is shaped to block the open end 44 of the receptacle 36 and prevent the disc 38 from exiting the retaining receptacle 36 unless the container 22 is tilted past a predetermined angle. The blocking portion 32 is shaped to allow the suspension mass 26 to freely pivot about its pivot point 30.

As shown in FIG. 2, the suspension mass 26 has at least two side flaps 29 or arms positioned above the blocking portion 32. The wings 29 are positioned on opposite sides of the pivot point 30 from the obstruction portion 32 and form a cavity 28 that is at least slightly larger than the diameter of the disk 38. While the preferred embodiment has a side cavity 28, in the absence of the side cavity 28, the tilt detector 14 also prevents the disk 38 from coming out with the vibration frequency that is sensitive to the disk 38. The wings 29 of the suspension mass 26 prevent the disc 38 from entering after exiting the receptacle 36.

In a preferred embodiment, the suspension mass 26 is injection molded and is a precision component that needs to be free to swing or pivot within the container. Referring to Figures 9, 10 and 11, the suspension mass 26 of the preferred embodiment has ribs 68 that span the front and back of the blocking portion 32, and a notch 58 in the bottom edge. The ribs 68 on the front face of the blocking portion 32 of the suspension quality block 26 are offset from the ribs on the back side of the suspension quality block 26. This rib allows the suspension mass 26 to be molded and achieve the desired flatness. In a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the lower edge of the suspension mass 26 has a radius 70 with a planar portion 72. The planar portion 72 facilitates the manufacturing process. When the detector 14 is in the upright position depicted in FIG. 2, the notch 58 of the suspension mass 26 is aligned with the aperture 56 in the back side 50 of the tilt detector 14.

In a preferred embodiment, the disc 38 is made of metal and once the disc 38 is dislodged out of the receptacle 36 and into one of the side cavities 28, the disc has sufficient quality to suspend the mass 26 The shaft rotates. The disc 38 or mass and suspension mass 26 have different qualities, are made of different materials, and have different shapes, so that the two masses 38, 26 are responsive to different vibration frequencies. The pivot point 30 is positioned above the center of mass of the suspension mass 26 to allow the blocking portion 32 to be placed at the lowest point of the suspension mass 26 relative to the ground. The suspension mass 26 can be suspended in any conventional manner, wherein it is allowed to rotatably pivot about the pivot point 30. For example, in a preferred embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the suspension mass 26 has a hole at the pivot point 30 through which the pivot pin 54 extends from the front side 48 of the detector 14 through the suspension mass 26.

The pivot pin 54 can be cylindrical. In a preferred embodiment, the pivot pin 54 has a sawtooth shape to reduce the surface area of the contact suspension mass 26. As shown in Figure 3, the pivot pin 54 is star-shaped and the end 55 of the star is circular. The end 55 has a radius that is less than the radius of the pivot pin. The end 55 is circumscribed to form a circle of the outer diameter of the pivot pin. This arrangement allows the suspension mass 26 to move freely about the pivot pin 54. While the suspension quality block 26 of the preferred embodiment rotates about the pivot point 30, the quality block 26 need not be pivotally attached to the pivot pin 54. Instead, the mass 26 can slide in a recess or slit in the container 42 to allow movement of the mass 26 while allowing the disc to escape the receptacle 36 only when the tilt of the receptacle 36 exceeds a predetermined angle. Thus, when the receptacle is tilted by rotation, translation or a combination of rotation and translation, the mass 26 can be moved away from the receptacle to allow the disc 38 to escape.

The front side 48 of the container 42 is transparent at least in the window 74. The back side 52 of the container 42 can be formed from any conventional material such as metal or plastic. In a preferred embodiment, the front side of the disc 38 visible through the window 74 has a color, while the wall of the back side 50 of the housing 42 has another color that readily indicates whether the disc 38 has been removed from the retaining receptacle 36. The front side 48 and the back side 50 of the container 42 are glued together to limit the lateral movement of the disc 38 and the hanging mass 26. As shown in Figure 12, in a preferred embodiment, the container 42 has a one-piece front side 48 and side 46 with a shoulder for receiving the back side 50 to form a flat, flush fit of the back side into the container.

Provides an organization that blocks startup before it is ready. As shown in Figure 8. Illustrated, with a movable retaining device, such as a safety pin 60, when the disc 38 is restrained in the retention acceptor 36 and is in the unactuated upright position depicted in Figures 2 and 7, it is just at the point on the disc 38. Extending through the rear of the container 42 of the detector 14. The safety pin 60 prevents the disc 38 from coming out of the receptacle 36 and remains in place until the pin 60 is removed and the detector 14 is operated. In a preferred embodiment, the safety cylinder 66 of the safety pin 60 is inserted through a hole in the back 50 of the detector through a corresponding cavity 58 (see Figure 9) in the suspension mass 26. The safety pin 60 of the preferred embodiment has a base 64, a side pillar 62 and a safety cylinder 66. When in the unsecured position, the safety pin 60 is in the proper position, retaining the suspension mass 26 in the blocked position, and preventing the disc 38 from coming out of the retaining receptacle 36 regardless of its positioning or tilting.

The operation and use of the tilt detector 14 of the preferred embodiment will now be described. The detector 14 is first rendered operational by removing the safety pin 60 from the back of the detector 14. The detector 14 is then placed in an upright and unactuated position on the upright wall 24 of the shipping package 22. The detector 14 can be used alone or with another detector 14 placed on an adjacent upstanding wall 24 of the shipping package 22. Once it becomes operational, the disc 38 will remain within the range of the retaining receptacle 36 (Fig. 2) until the shipping package 22 is tilted past a predetermined maximum angle. If the package 22 is tilted beyond the predetermined maximum angle, the suspension mass 26 will move from the blocked position to the open position (Fig. 3). The disc 38 will then exit the receptacle 36 (Fig. 4) and enter the exposed side cavity 28 of the suspension mass 26. In the side cavity 28, The weight of the disc 38 further pivots the suspension mass 26 (5). The disc 38 then falls from the side cavity 38 into the non-receiving part of the container. As depicted in FIG. 6, once the shipping package 22 is reoriented to the upright position, the hanging mass 26 returns to the blocking position depicted in FIG. 2, while the disk 38 remains outside of the retention receptacle 36.

Thus, the suspension mass 26 acts as a pendulum that maintains its position due to gravity. When the receptacle is upright, the suspension mass blocks the open end of the receptacle. When the receptacle is tilted, the suspension mass moves and no longer blocks the open end of the receptacle.

When the disc 38 is positioned outside of the retaining receptacle 36, the contrasting color on the back side of the container 42 can be seen through the window 74, and the user can easily ascertain that the shipping package 22 has been tilted past a predetermined maximum angle.

Sometimes during shipment, some vibrational frequencies are known to cause the disc to gradually move from the base 40 of the retaining receptacle 36 to the open end 44. When the detector 14 is in the unactuated position depicted in Figure 2, the blocking portion 32 of the suspension mass 26 suspended above the disk 38 prevents the disk 38 from coming out of the receptacle 36 because the vibration frequency does not cause clogging. Part 32 moves to an open position. The tilt detector 14 of the present invention is activated only because the tilt exceeds a predetermined maximum angle. Once activated, the wings 29 of the suspension mass 26 prevent the disk 38 from re-entering the receptacle 36 under vibratory motion.

While the described tilt detector 14 provides a visible indication of tilt, other indications, such as the movement of the electronically sensed disc, may also be provided.

Although the described tilt detector 14 is thin and the disc 38 is only moved in two dimensions, the tilt detector can also be made three dimensional.

The detailed description above is a detailed description of a possible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention, and equivalents and modifications, such as variations, etc., without departing from the spirit of the invention. Equivalent embodiments are to be included in the scope of the patent.

22‧‧‧ shipping packaging

24‧‧‧ wall

14‧‧‧Detector

16‧‧‧ top side

20‧‧‧ seams

18‧‧‧"Upward" arrow

36‧‧‧Receiver

40‧‧‧closed end

44‧‧‧Open end

34‧‧‧ side

38‧‧‧ disc

26‧‧‧ hanging quality block

42‧‧‧ container

48‧‧‧ positive

50‧‧‧ back

46‧‧‧ side

74‧‧‧ Transparent window

52‧‧‧Adhesive

60‧‧‧ insurance sales

76‧‧‧ label

30‧‧‧ pivot point

32‧‧‧blocking section

29‧‧‧Flanking

28‧‧‧ side cavity

68‧‧‧ rib

58‧‧‧ Notch

72‧‧‧ Planar section

70‧‧‧ radius range

56‧‧‧ hole

54‧‧‧ pivot pin

End of 55‧‧‧

42‧‧‧ container

46‧‧‧ side

66‧‧‧ insurance cylinder

64‧‧‧Base

62‧‧‧side column

66‧‧‧ insurance cylinder

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shipping package having a pair of tilt detectors attached to an outer wall.

2-6 are views depicting tilt detectors of different orientations.

2 is a front elevational view of the tilt detector of the present invention, in accordance with a preferred embodiment, showing the tilt detector in its upright position, the suspension mass in the blocked position, and the disc in the retaining receptacle.

3 is a front elevational view of the tilt detector of FIG. 2 depicting a detector rotated 90 degrees from its upright position, a suspended mass that is rotated 90 degrees, and a disc that exits the retaining receptacle.

4 is a front elevational view of the tilt detector of FIG. 2 depicting a detector rotated 90 degrees from its upright position, a disc located within one of the side cavities of the suspension mass, the disc exiting the retaining receptacle.

Figure 5 is a front elevational view of the tilt detector of Figure 2 depicting a detector rotated 90 degrees from its upright position, a suspension mass rotated approximately 135 degrees from its upright position, and a circle falling from the side cavity of the suspension mass plate.

Figure 6 is a front elevational view of the tilt detector of Figure 2, depicting returning to an upright position The detector, the suspension mass in the upright blocking position, and the disc that is stationary at the bottom of the detection after leaving the holder.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of Figure 2 .

Figure 8 is a perspective view of the safety pin.

Figure 9 is a front elevational view of the suspension mass.

Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X of Figure 9.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the front, left and lower sides of the suspension mass.

Figure 12 is an exploded view of the tilt detector and components.

22‧‧‧ shipping packaging

24‧‧‧ wall

14‧‧‧Detector

16‧‧‧ top side

20‧‧‧ seams

18‧‧‧"Upward" arrow

Claims (19)

A shockproof tilt detector comprising: a container; a receptacle having a closed end, an open end, and a side extending between the closed end and the open end, the receptacle being located within the container; a first quality block, the first quality block being located within the receptacle when the receptacle is in an upright position above the closed end of the open end, when the receptacle is tilted beyond a predetermined angle When the first quality block is able to leave the receptacle; a second quality block, the second quality block is located above the open end of the receptacle when the receptacle is in the upright position, whereby the A second quality block blocks the first quality block from exiting the upright receptacle, the second quality block moving when the receptacle is tilted past the predetermined angle to allow the first quality block to leave the Receiver. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 1 wherein said second mass is spaced from an open end of said receptacle and positioned above said open end of said receptacle when said receptacle is in an upright position The pivot point is suspended and the second mass is pivotally spaced away from the open end of the receptacle when the receptacle is tilted beyond its predetermined angle. The anti-vibration tilt detector according to claim 1, wherein said first quality block is responsive to a first vibration frequency, said second quality block is responsive to a second vibration frequency, said second vibration frequency being different from said first A vibration frequency. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 3, wherein said The first and second quality blocks have different qualities. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 3 wherein said first and second masses are made of different materials. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 1 wherein said second mass has an extension forming at least two outer side cavities that are larger than said first mass and for blocking said first quality block The receiver is accessed after exiting the receptacle. A shockproof tilt detector comprising: a container; a receptacle having a closed end, an open end, and a side extending between the closed end and the open end, the receptacle being located within the container; a first quality block, the first quality block being located within the receptacle when the receptacle is in an upright position above the closed end of the open end, when the receptacle is tilted beyond a predetermined angle The first mass exits the receptacle; a pivot pin, the pivot pin being positionally coupled to the container adjacent the open end of the receptacle; pivotally coupled to the pivot a second mass of the pin; the second mass having a blocking portion that blocks the open end of the receptacle when the receptacle is in the upright position. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 7 wherein said container is thin such that said first mass moves only two-dimensionally within said container. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 8 wherein said The second mass has ribs on at least one side. A shock-proof tilt detector according to claim 8, wherein said second mass has ribs on both sides, and ribs on one side are offset from ribs on the other side. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 7 wherein said second mass has an extension forming at least two outer side cavities that are larger than said first mass, said extension for blocking said first A quality block enters the receptacle after exiting the receptacle. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 7 further comprising a movable safety pin insertable into the recess in the second mass to block movement of the second mass. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 7 wherein at least a portion of the front side of the container is transparent. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 13 wherein said first mass has a first color and the inner surface of the back of said container has a second color. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 7 wherein said pivot pin has a plurality of radii circumscribed by a single circle. The anti-vibration tilt detector of claim 7 wherein the lower edge of the mass has a radius range and a planar portion. A method of preventing accidental activation of a tilt detector due to vibration, comprising the steps of: providing a receptacle in which a first mass is located, the receptacle having a closed end and an open end; by positioning a blocking mass above the open end, Blocking the said a first mass exiting from the receptacle through the open end; moving the blocking mass away from an open end of the receptacle when the receptacle is tilted beyond a predetermined angle to allow the first mass go away. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of moving the blocking quality block further comprises the step of swinging the blocking quality block away from the open end. The method of claim 17 wherein the step of locating the first quality mass from the open end of the receptacle by positioning the blocking mass above the open end further comprises suspending the blocking mass The step above the open end of the receptacle.