Combined Width and Thickness Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices require separate and expensive systems for measuring the width and thickness of flat objects, such as belts or webs, necessitating significant construction space and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A combined measurement device using contactless sensors, where one sensor is movable crosswise to the object's longitudinal direction for width measurement and a second sensor on the opposite side for thickness measurement, with optional third sensors for independent width measurement, all mounted on carriages moving along a crosspiece for efficient data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate systems are used for width measurement and thickness measurement, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and construction space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines width measurement and thickness measurement into a single integrated device. The measuring device includes both width measuring sensors (first and third sensors) and thickness measuring sensors (first and second sensors) mounted on a common machine frame, allowing both measurements to be performed simultaneously on the same object without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device is designed with multi-functionality to perform both width and thickness measurements. The sensor arrangement allows the same device to measure different dimensions of the object by utilizing different sensor pairs, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices.
2Measurement precision
If separate systems are used for width measurement and thickness measurement, then measurement precision is maintained, but construction space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges width and thickness measurement systems into a single compact device mounted on the machine frame. The sensors are arranged in a coordinated fashion within the same measuring gap, reducing the overall space required compared to having separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/thickness direction) by placing sensors on opposite sides of the object for thickness measurement, while width measurement occurs in the horizontal plane. This spatial arrangement allows both measurements to coexist in the same device without requiring additional construction space.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are used for combined measurement, then measurement functionality is improved, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions into a single device with coordinated sensor movement. The sensors are controlled to move together in a synchronized manner, allowing the system to perform both width and thickness measurements without requiring fully independent measurement systems, thereby reducing overall equipment cost.
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 simultaneous width and thickness measurement in a single device, minimizing equipment costs and space requirements while maintaining precision through calibration and thermal compensation, suitable for various materials like plastic, metal, and paper webs.
Implementation Method 1
It is particularly advantageous to make the sensors to be used as optical sensors, it being possible for them to be laser sensors or laser profile sensors or laser scanners
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is movable crosswise to the longitudinal direction or conveying direction of the object. A second sensor opposite the first sensor, which serves together with the first sensor for conventional thickness measurement of the object
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device serving for the combined measurement of the width and thickness of a flat object, in particular a plate, a belt, or a web. The device comprises a measurement apparatus which has at least one contactless sensor, which is for width measurement on the object and which is movable crosswise to the longitudinal direction or conveying direction of the object. According to the invention, on the opposite side of the object, there is a second sensor opposite the first sensor which, together with the first sensor, serves for thickness measurement on the object, wherein the two sensors can travel above and below the object, that is, on opposite sides of the object.