Combined Sensor for Cables Using Eddy Current and Optical Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for detecting elongated objects like cables and wires are not compact or robust enough to reliably determine multiple characteristics simultaneously, leading to inefficiencies in processing machine settings and parameters.
Innovation Solution
A combined sensor system featuring an eddy current inductive measuring system with coaxial half-coils and a parallel resonant circuit, paired with optical disc-shaped and cylindrical measuring volumes, allowing for accurate determination of diameter, color, and position using synergistic measuring principles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple independent sensor arrangements are used to detect different characteristics, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines inductive measuring coils and optical measuring devices into a single integrated sensor arrangement with a common housing. The inductive coils are arranged in pairs or halves with respect to the optical measuring plane, creating a unified structure that performs both inductive and optical measurements simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate independent sensor arrangements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor arrangement is designed to perform multiple measurement functions within a single device. The inductive measuring system detects conductor position and electromagnetic characteristics, while the optical measuring system determines outside diameter and object position. Both systems share a common housing and coordinate their measurement planes, enabling the device to identify multiple cable characteristics simultaneously.
2Measurement precision
If inductive measuring coils are arranged in pairs for differential measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The inductive measuring coils are arranged in pairs or halves with respect to the optical measuring plane, creating an asymmetric configuration that enables differential measurement. This asymmetric arrangement allows the system to detect conductor eccentricity by comparing measurements from coils positioned at different locations, improving precision while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through the coordinated design with the optical system.
3Volume of moving object
If multiple measuring systems are integrated in a common housing, then space efficiency is improved, but thermal interference and measurement errors may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The common housing is divided into distinct measurement zones with separate inductive and optical measuring systems. The inductive coils are arranged in pairs with respect to the optical measuring plane, creating segmented measurement regions that minimize thermal interference. The housing structure provides physical separation while maintaining coordinated measurement capabilities, allowing both systems to operate independently within the integrated structure.
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
Enables quick and reliable identification of elongated objects by enhancing measurement accuracy and robustness, improving processing machine efficiency through precise characterization of objects.
Implementation Method 1
the inductive measuring system is designed as an eddy current sensor for determining an electromagnetic characteristic of the object
Implementation Method 2
inductive measuring system is designed as an eddy current sensor
Implementation Method 3
together with a capacitance electrically connected in parallel forming a parallel resonant circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
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AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly for automatically detecting elongate objects (W), such as cables, wires, or profiled elements, without contact. Said assembly is constructed from at least one inductive measuring system (E) and at least one first optical measuring system (D) for the object (W) in a housing (2). The inductive measuring system (E) is designed as an eddy current sensor for determining an electromagnetic characteristic of the object (W), having the half coils (E1a, E1b), which wind around the object (W) and the interior of which forms an inductive cylindrical measurement volume (Ev). Together with a capacitor (E2), the half coils (E1a, E1b) form a parallel oscillating circuit (E6), which is connected to an electronic evaluating circuit (E5). The first optical measuring system (D) is designed to determine the outside diameter (Wdo) of the object (W), for which purpose an optical disk-shaped measurement volume (DCPv) is formed between the two half coils (E1a, E1b). Optionally, the assembly is also designed to additionally determine the color in the measurement volume (CDPv) by means of at least one second optical measuring system (C) and to possibly determine the position of the object (W) within the measurement volume (DCPv) by means of a further third, virtual measuring system (P).