Combination Sensor for Cable Diameter and Color Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for detecting elongated objects like cables lack a robust and compact design that can synergistically combine different measuring principles to reliably determine multiple characteristics, leading to inconsistent processing and potential misidentification in cable processing machines.
Innovation Solution
A combination of at least one optical measuring system for determining the outer diameter and another for determining the color, using a common disc-shaped measuring volume with a long-pass filter, allowing the wavelength spectra of the second system to be reflected and transmitted while shielding the first system's light, forming a virtual measuring system for precise diameter and color detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple functionally independent sensor arrays are used to detect different cable characteristics, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and spatial requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple optical measuring systems (first optical system for diameter, second optical system for color) into a single integrated sensor array where both systems share a common measuring volume and optical components. This merging approach maintains the functional independence needed for reliable multi-parameter detection while reducing overall device complexity and spatial requirements compared to using separate sensor arrays.
2Measurement precision
If separate measuring volumes are used for different optical systems, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested configuration where the second optical measuring system (for color detection) is integrated within the same measuring volume as the first optical measuring system (for diameter detection). The long-pass filter enables the second system to detect reflected light at different wavelengths while the first system operates simultaneously, allowing both measurements to coexist in a compact nested arrangement rather than requiring separate spatial volumes.
3Measurement precision
If a long-pass filter is used to separate wavelength spectra, then color detection accuracy is improved, but light transmission efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The long-pass filter is positioned specifically in the optical path of the second measuring system to selectively transmit only the relevant wavelength spectra needed for color detection. This localized application of wavelength filtering ensures that the first optical system (for diameter measurement) is not affected by the filter, as it operates in a different optical path or wavelength range, thereby minimizing overall light energy loss while achieving precise color detection where needed.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This arrangement enhances identification quality by allowing precise determination of cable types, ensuring appropriate processing parameters are applied, and enables rapid, reliable detection of cable characteristics using conventional components in a compact design.
Implementation Method 1
the second measuring system has a long-pass filter, which is arranged between the first illumination arrangement and the lens, is reflective for the wavelength spectra of the second measuring system and transparent for the light of the first measuring system
Data Source
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Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An arrangement for automatically contactlessly detecting elongate objects (W) such as cables, wires or profiles has a quasi-coaxially arranged group of a first optical measuring system (D) for determining the external diameter and a second optical measuring system (C) for determining the colour using a different measurement principle. The functional and local separation of the two measuring systems (C, D) is achieved by using different wavelength ranges and by means of a long-pass filter (C3). A third, virtual measuring system (P) may be provided for the purpose of determining the cable location and is used to weight the measured values of the colour measurement and to weight the measured values of an optional eddy current sensor. The optical measuring systems (D, C, P) for determining the diameter, the colour and the position have a common optical disc-shaped measuring volume (DCPv) which is preferably arranged centrally in the guide device (4a, 4b) for the elongate object (W).