GoNoGoGauges

Gonogogauges are an umbrella term for instruments intended to measure angular displacement and orientation in three-dimensional space, by combining elements of goniometry with gauge-type sensing. The name is coined from 'goni-' meaning angle and 'gauges' indicating measurement devices, and it is used mainly in speculative or early‑stage technical discussions rather than in standard metrology.

Design and operation: A typical gonogauge pairs a rigid reference frame with an array of sensors arranged around the periphery. By tracking the relative position of a reference marker or by monitoring changes in projected geometry, the device computes angular coordinates in one or more axes. Outputs are usually digital, with indicated angular resolution ranging from fractions of a degree to arc-seconds in high-end implementations. Calibration uses known angular standards and may incorporate environmental compensation for temperature, vibration, and alignment errors.

Applications: The concept is proposed for uses such as real-time monitoring of multi-axis joints in robotics, validation of mechanical assemblies, aerospace component testing, and precision manufacturing where accurate angular data is critical. In current practice, engineers often perform similar tasks with conventional goniometers, optical encoders, or multi-axis inclinometers rather than a single gonogauge instrument.

Status and terminology: There is no universally accepted standard for gonogogauges, and the term appears primarily in theoretical discussions or early research reports. As a result, practical specifications vary widely and the concept remains largely analogous to established devices such as goniometers, angle encoders, and precision gauges.

See also: Goniometer, angular measurement, optical encoder, inclinometer, metrology, joint alignment.