Abstract:
With a measurement method and a measurement device for the measurement of a path covered by a first object ( 1 ) in relation to a second object ( 2 ), a measurement body ( 3 ) is deformed by a relative movement of the objects and at least a first deformation sensor ( 4 ) assigned to the measurement body ( 3 ) converts the measurement body ( 3 ) deformation into a measurement signal. The measurement signal is converted by an evaluation device ( 20 ) into information on the path covered. In order to increase the precision and measurement speed in a way that is simple structurally and saves space, the measurement signal is emitted when an area of the measurement body ( 3 ) is stretched along the longitudinal axis ( 6 ) of the measurement body ( 3 ) and a further area is compressed along the longitudinal axis ( 6 ) of the measurement body ( 3 ).

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     The present application claims priority to PCT/US2004/017052 filed 28 May 2004 and to German Application No. 10324838.2 filed 2 Jun. 2003, all hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
     STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a measurement method and a measurement device for the measurement of a path covered by a first object in relation to a second object. A measurement body is deformed by the relative movement of the two objects. At least one first deformation sensor assigned to the measurement body converts the measurement body deformation into a measurement signal. This measurement signal is subsequently converted by means of an evaluation device into corresponding information on the path covered giving the relative movement of the two objects in relation to each other. 
     Such a measurement method and such a measurement device are known from practice. For example, corresponding information on the path can be obtained by capturing a pressure change in the assigned deformation sensor caused by a corresponding deformation of the measurement body and converting this pressure change to the path covered by the objects moving in relation to each other. Other measurement methods and devices are also known in which information on the path covered is captured without deformation of a corresponding measurement body such as, for example, using analogue-digital sensors in accordance with DE 202 03 298. 
     Such measurement methods and/or devices can be used in various areas. One area of application is in petroleum and gas extraction and there, in particular, in equipment such as valves, restrictors, blow-out valve systems and similar. In such equipment, an adjusting element is displaced, in each case, inside a corresponding housing and its position, or the path covered by it, is monitored for control. As a rule, the paths covered are relatively small. 
     In particular, in the area of application mentioned, it should be noted that the equipment is exposed in some cases to considerable temperature differences or also to major differences in pressure. In addition, it is generally located in inhospitable and inaccessible places. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The object of the invention is to improve a measurement method and device as described at the beginning so that measurement of the path covered is possible with them with a high level of precision and at great speed in a way that is simple structurally and that saves space. 
     It should be noted at this point that a corresponding path measurement can serve as the basis for corresponding speed and acceleration measurements, whereby, in addition to capturing the path and thus associated path changes or position changes, a time basis is also required. A time basis of this sort can also be integrated according to the invention so that naturally, alongside the path, the speed and acceleration can also be determined. 
     According to the invention, the object is solved by the features of Patent claims  1  and/or  6 . 
     According to the invention it is not necessary that a corresponding measurement sensor for example should move in relation to the measurement body or that, in any other way, a movement of the measurement body in relation to the objects should occur. Instead, the measurement body is deformed by the movement of the corresponding object(s) and the measurement body and deformation sensor form a simply structured, easy to handle unit. The simple allocation both of the measurement body to the objects and of the deformation sensor to the measurement body means that there is no need for any complicated calibration or similar. In addition, the measurement is very precise and is carried out simultaneously with the deformation of the measurement body, i.e. is very quick. 
     It is sufficient here if the deformation sensor is located along an area of the measurement body which has been stretched or compressed during deformation of the measurement body. The expansion or compression of the deformation sensor thus leads to a corresponding change in a physical property which can be measured and which can be converted into a corresponding change in the position of the objects in relation to each other or into a path covered. 
     To obtain a more precise measurement signal, a second deformation sensor can be arranged along, for example, the compressed area with the first deformation sensor along the stretched area, or vice versa. The corresponding change in the physical property occurs in the opposite direction with the first and second deformation sensor. It is also possible to arrange two deformation sensors in each case along the compressed and stretched area. 
     A further possibility for deformation of the measurement body is a torsional deformation in which the measurement body is twisted essentially around the longitudinal axis of the measurement body with the relative movement of the first and second object. In this case too, there is a stretched and a compressed area along which the deformation sensors can once again be arranged. 
     In this context, an essentially spiral-shaped wound arrangement in relation to the longitudinal axis of the measurement body is an advantage, whereby at least the two deformation sensors are arranged spirally in opposite directions. 
     The first and second measurement signals of the deformation sensors can be evaluated jointly to compensate in particular for temperature drift and be converted into information on the path covered. It is possible that the deformation sensor is formed on or in the surface of the measurement body by a corresponding processing of the measurement body. This can be done, for example, by the application of a corresponding coating. It is also possible to arrange the deformation sensor as a separate component on the surface of the measurement body. The deformation sensor in question can be fixed, for example, by gluing or similar. 
     In a simple embodiment, the physical property can be the electrical resistance. With this physical property, the extent to which, in particular, changes in cross-section of the corresponding deformation sensor due to stretching or compression can affect the electrical resistance and thus the measured signal is well known. 
     Simple embodiments of the measurement body are essentially all bodies which can be elastically deformed in the measurement range and in which stretched and compressed areas of the body occur with this deformation. An example of a measurement body of this type is, for example, an elastically flexible rod made from a corresponding flat profile, partly pre-tensioned, if applicable, between the objects. When the objects come closer, the rod bends outwards so that a compressed area is formed on one side of the flat profile and a stretched area is formed on the other side of the flat profile. The corresponding deformation sensors can be arranged along these areas. 
     A further simple embodiment of such a measurement body is a spring. In this, corresponding compression or stretching produces a certain torsion of the spring material along the spring coils, whereby a deformation sensor wound correspondingly spirally around the spring coils is stretched and a deformation sensor wound spirally in the opposite direction is compressed. 
     Similarly, the measurement body can also be a spring bar with deformation sensors wound round in opposite directions, whereby with a spring bar of this type, torsion likewise occurs as the deformation around its measurement body longitudinal axis. 
     In order not to corrupt the measurement signal, the deformation sensor may advantageously be electrically insulated from the measurement body. 
     If the deformation sensor is simply formed as an electric conductor, it can also be for example a conductive wire fixed to the surface of the measurement body. It may have a round or a flat cross-section. The diameter of such a conductive wire is in the range of a few millimeters and is advantageously less than 1 mm or in particular not greater than 0.5 mm. Copper or a different conductive metal may be used as the material for such conductive wires. It is also possible to use corresponding alloys made, for example, from Ni, Cr with the addition, if applicable, of portions of Al, Cr, Mn or similar as the material. 
     In one embodiment, the deformation sensors may be contacted at each of their two ends in order to obtain the measurement signal. It is also possible for the two deformation sensors, for example, to be connected with each other at one end so that only three different contact points are necessary. 
     In order to receive the corresponding measurement signal simply and precisely, at least the first and second deformation sensor can be connected up in a bridge circuit, especially a Wheatstone bridge. This bridge circuit serves to determine the corresponding electrical resistance and/or the change in the resistance of the deformation sensors induced by the stretching or compression. It is also possible, if four deformation sensors are used, to connect up all of these in the bridge circuit, which gives in principle a full bridge circuit. 
     With a corresponding arrangement of the deformation sensors in the bridge circuit, temperature compensation is superfluous, since the sensors are exposed to the same temperature changes because of their arrangement. This also applies similarly for any pressure changes which may occur. 
     In order, if necessary, to be able to do without a separate supply lead to the ends of the deformation sensors connected with each other, the measurement body can be connected so that it is electrically conductive and in the bridge circuit. This means that the measurement body also forms a part of the bridge circuit. 
     In order to prevent in this connection, with electrically conductive objects, interference of the measurement signal, the measurement body can be electrically insulated in relation to the first and/or second object. In this way, the signal is returned from the bridge circuit via the measurement body to one object or contact only and can be picked up there via the object itself or corresponding supply leads. 
     In order to simplify the evaluation of the measurement signals, the bridge circuit can be connected with an evaluation device. This can have a corresponding input and/or output device. Using the input device it is possible to initiate and/or calibrate a measurement and/or to change the specifications for the measurement device. Using the output device, the path measurement can simultaneously be output, if necessary, along with an additional speed or acceleration measurement. The evaluation device can be arranged at a distance from the actual measurement device, so that, for example, with petroleum or natural gas extraction, the evaluation device can be located onshore or offshore, whilst the actual measurement device is positioned on the sea bed or in other distant locations. The transmission of the signals between the measurement device and the evaluation device can take place in this connection via existing electrical lines or wirelessly. 
     Advantageously, the bridge circuit can be allocated a control circuit. This can be used, for example, to recalibrate the corresponding zero point of the bridge circuit in the event of signs of ageing of the measurement body or similar. The corresponding control circuit can be formed as an integrated circuit with corresponding connections. This means that it is possible to house the entire electronics for the control circuit on a single chip so that only an extremely small amount of space is required. 
     As regards the measurement body, it should also be noted that it is elastically deformable and thus essentially only the elastic properties of the measurement body are of interest, whilst the actual material for the measurement device has no effect. This means that the measurement body can be made from steel, titanium, copper or similar. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the following, advantageous embodiments of the invention are explained using the figures in the drawing enclosed herewith: 
       The following are shown: 
         FIG. 1  shows a side view of a first embodiment of a measurement device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows an enlarged view of a detail “X” from  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  shows a diagram of the principle of a bridge circuit with evaluation device and control circuit; 
         FIG. 4  shows a second embodiment of the measurement device according to the invention; 
         FIG. 5  shows the embodiment according to  FIG. 4  in a slightly different form and 
         FIG. 6  shows a third embodiment of the measurement device according to the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       FIG. 1  shows a side view of a first embodiment of a measurement device  10  according to the invention. This is arranged between a first object  1  and a second object  2 . At least one of objects  1  or  2  can be a part of the measurement device  10 . 
     In the embodiment shown, the first object  1  is movable in relation to the second object  2 . If the first object  1  correspondingly moves closer to or away from the second object  2 , a measurement body  3  of the measurement device  10  is deformed and in particular compressed or stretched in areas. The measurement body  3  is a spring  11  in the embodiment shown. On its surface  13 , see also  FIG. 2 , as the first and second deformation sensor,  4  and  7  respectively, an electrical conductor  14  is wrapped spirally around a corresponding measurement body longitudinal axis  6  of the spring  11 . Here, the first deformation sensor  4  is wound in the opposite direction to the second deformation sensor, so that for example the first deformation sensor  4  is wound in a clockwise direction and the second deformation sensor  7  in an anti-clockwise direction around the spring  11  or its coils. The electrical conductor  14  is formed as a conductive wire  15 . It is also possible for a corresponding electrical conductor  14  to be incorporated directly onto the surface of the spring  11  or into its surface. Electrical insulation is provided between the electrical conductor  14  and the spring  11 . 
     The two deformation sensors  4 ,  7  are connected with each other at their ends  16  assigned to the second object  2 , whilst the opposite ends  17 ,  18  are connected separately to a corresponding voltage supply. The two deformation sensors  4 ,  7  and the spring  11  are connected with each other in the form of a bridge circuit, especially a Wheatstone bridge circuit  9  (see also  FIG. 3 ). 
     For decoupling from the second object  2 , an electrically insulating disc  23  made for example from plastic or similar is arranged between it and the measurement device  10 . 
     As regards the longitudinal axis  6  of the measurement body, it should be noted at this point that this goes along the various coils in the direction of the spring  11  and is then wrapped round accordingly by the first and the second deformation sensors  4 ,  7 . In a further embodiment, two deformation sensors could be assigned each to the stretched and compressed area of the measurement body, with the four sensors then being connected up into a full bridge circuit. 
     As a part of a control circuit  19 , which is assigned to the Wheatstone bridge circuit  9 , see  FIG. 3 ,  FIG. 1  shows a measurement instrument  24 . 
       FIG. 2  shows a detail X from  FIG. 1  in enlarged form. In this detail, it can be see that the deformation sensors  4 ,  7  are wound spirally around the corresponding coils of the spring  11  as the measurement body  3 . At certain points, the deformation sensors  4 ,  7  formed as conductive wires  15  overlap. With this separate form in relation to the spring  11 , the conductive wires  15  are fixed for example on the surface  13  using a corresponding adhesive. In the production of the measurement device  10 , this can be done manually or using a corresponding winding machine. In an embodiment with a common lower end  16 , both deformation sensors  4 ,  7  are formed by one conductive wire  15 , which after reaching the lower end  16  is wound again around the spring  14 , in the opposite direction, back to the corresponding upper end. The conductive wires may have a round or a flat cross-section. The diameter of the conductive wires is generally only a few millimeters and preferably less than 1 mm and, particularly preferably, not more than 0.5 mm. The diameter depends here on, for example, the size of the measurement body  3 , the conductive wire material, its resistance and further other requirements, depending on the use of the measurement device  10  according to the invention. For example, the wire may consist of copper or another conductive material. It is also possible to use alloys for the conductive wire such as, for example, those containing nickel and chromium, if necessary with other alloy components such as aluminium, silicon or similar. To insulate the conductive wire against the spring, an oxidised surface of the conductive wire may be sufficient, or a corresponding insulating coating on the conductive wire. Depending on the resistance of the conductive wire especially if this is not too low, voltages of up to and even more than 20 volts may be used, which will provide a power signal that is sufficient to evaluate the measurement result. 
     As regards the function of the measurement device  10  according to the invention, it should be pointed out at this point that the corresponding measurement body  3 , see also the further embodiments, undergoes, as a result of the movement of the first and second objects  1 ,  2 , such a deformation that it shows compressed and stretched areas along its measurement body longitudinal axis  6 . Here, at least one of the deformation sensors is essentially assigned to the compressed and at least the other of the deformation sensors is assigned to the stretched area. Due to the corresponding stretching or compression of the deformation sensors  4 ,  7  a change occurs in a physical property of the corresponding material, whereby in the embodiment shown this is a change in the electrical resistance. This change in the electrical resistance is captured and converted into a measurement signal. This is then converted by a corresponding evaluation device  5 , see for example  FIG. 3 , into a path or position signal. If the course of the change in position or path over time is known, the speed and acceleration of the measured movements can also be calculated. 
       FIG. 3  shows a diagram of the principle of a corresponding bridge circuit  9  as a part of the evaluation device  5  of the measurement device  10 . A part of the circuit  9  built as a Wheatstone bridge circuit is formed by the first deformation sensor  4  or the corresponding conductive wire which runs between the ends  16  and  17 . A further part of the bridge circuit is formed by the second deformation sensor  7 , or the corresponding conductive wire  15 , which runs between the ends  16  and  18 . Finally, the spring  11  forms part of the bridge circuit, whereby this is essentially connected between the ends  17 ,  18  and the common end  16  of the connective wires  15 .  FIG. 3  symbolically shows the corresponding resistances both of the conductive wire  15  which forms the first and second deformation sensor  4 ,  7 , and also of the spring  11 . The corresponding signal is picked up via an amplifier  25  and forwarded to a processor  20  for further processing. The processor  20  can have a series of further outlets and be connected for example with an input device  21  and an output device  22 . This part of the evaluation device  5 , that is to say processor  20 , input device  21  and output device  22 , can be arranged at a distance from the actual measurement point and the corresponding bridge circuit. If the measurement device  10  according to the invention is used for example for petroleum or natural gas extraction, the bridge circuit may be positioned locally, and, for example, on the sea bed, whilst the above-mentioned remotely located part of the evaluation device  5  can be positioned for example offshore or onshore. 
     A temperature compensation for the first and second deformation sensors  4 ,  7  is not necessary with the measurement device  10  according to the invention, since the corresponding conductive wire  15  of both deformation sensors undergoes the same temperature changes because of the spatially close positioning of the sensors and so the temperature is automatically compensated for the bridge circuit. This also applies similarly for changes in other physical parameters such as pressure or similar. 
     In one embodiment, the spring admittedly is used as a part of the Wheatstone bridge circuit. However, only the corresponding spring constant plays a part in the evaluation, whilst the actual material of the spring, whether it is steel, titanium, copper or similar, has no part to play. 
     The Wheatstone bridge circuit is, furthermore, allocated a control circuit  19 , see for example  FIG. 3 , which is used for calibration and recalibration of the bridge circuit. The recalibration is particularly advantageous if, after intensive use or use over a long time of the measurement device  10  according to the invention, a degree of wear or ageing of for example the spring occurs. The control circuit can be used to recalibrate the zero point of the Wheatstone bridge circuit simply in this context so that the measurement device  10  according to the invention remains fully functional. In this context, the control circuit can also be located at a distance from the actual bridge circuit, whereby the corresponding re-adjustment (recalibration) or also the initial adjustment of the bridge circuit can be carried out with software using a corresponding microprocessor. Here, the entire control circuit can also be realised in an integrated circuit which is extremely small and only requires little design work and a small amount of space. 
     What was said previously also applies by analogy for the further embodiments of the measurement device  10  according to the invention as shown in  FIGS. 4 to 6 . Here, the illustrations of these embodiments are essentially limited to the measurement body  3  and the first and second deformation sensor  4 ,  7 . 
     In the embodiment according to  FIG. 4 , the measurement body  3  is formed by a spring bar  12 . With this, it is known that, if it is correspondingly stretched or compressed, it twists around its solid body longitudinal axis  6 . Because of the corresponding spiral winding of the two deformation sensors  4 ,  7 , one of these is allocated to an area of the spring bar  12  that is 
     In contrast to the embodiment shown in  FIG. 1 , in  FIG. 4  the corresponding voltages for each of the conductive wires  15  forming the first and second deformation sensors  4 ,  7  respectively are picked up separately. That is to say, the conductive wires  15  are separately wound and not connected with each other at one end. 
     In the embodiment according to  FIG. 5 , a spring bar  12  is again used as a measurement body  3 . In this case, the arrangement of the conductive wire  15  for the first and second deformation sensors  4 ,  7  is the same as in  FIG. 1 . That is to say, essentially only one conductive wire  15  is used and the voltage is picked up at end  16 , whilst the power source is connected to the individual ends  17 ,  18 . 
     In the last embodiment according to  FIG. 6 , a bending bar  26  is used as a measurement body  3  as a simplification of the invention. Like the other measurement bodies  3  according to the previous embodiments, this is also elastically deformable, whereby in  FIG. 6  the bending bar  26  is deflected sideways when the first and second object  1 ,  2  approach. A certain side deflection already exists in the initial state of the objects  1 ,  2 , so that this bending is enlarged during the corresponding approach. The first deformation sensor  4  is arranged on one side of the bending bar  26 , which is generally formed from a flat profile. In the illustration shown in  FIG. 6 , the sensor is arranged in the compressed area of the measurement body  3 . It is possible only to use this first deformation sensor  4 . If at least the second deformation sensor  7  is used as well, this is positioned on the opposite side of the bending bar  26 , that is to say in the stretched part of the measurement body and along the measurement body longitudinal axis. 
     If two deformation sensors  4 ,  7  are used, the corresponding bridge circuit according to  FIG. 3  can again be used. 
     According to the invention, a measurement method and device are provided according to various embodiments which allow a very precise and very quick measurement of a correspondingly covered path or of the position of objects moving in relation to each other. Such objects moving in relation to each other exist for example in a valve, a restrictor, a blow-out valve system (blow-out preventer) or other devices used in petroleum and natural gas extraction. The invention can thus be used for example to capture the precise position of a valve slide in a valve, whereby the opening of the valve is known at all times because of the position of the valve slide. 
     According to the invention, furthermore, the sensor arrangement is temperature-independent and pressure-independent and the sensor arrangement may be formed directly in or on the surface of a corresponding measurement body or affixed to it. The measurement body must only be sufficiently elastically deformable in order to show a compressed and a stretched area for the use of two deformation sensors.