Hollow Conical Light Beam Profilometer for Tubular Surface Profiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing profilometers face challenges in measuring the 3D profile of surfaces, particularly in tubular structures, due to deformation from contact probes and limited non-contact optical systems that cannot inspect surfaces beyond their current position.
Innovation Solution
A profilometer system emitting at least two hollow conical light beams with different opening angles to scan the surface of tubular objects, allowing for 360-degree measurement of the distance between the surface and the optical axis, using a light source, reflector, and image capture device for triangulation-based distance determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a single beam of light is used for measurement, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement coverage is limited and cannot inspect surfaces beyond the current position
Solution Approach 1:
The optical system is segmented into multiple independent light sources, each emitting a separate conical light beam with different opening angles. This segmentation allows each beam to cover a specific angular range, and together they provide comprehensive 360-degree measurement coverage without requiring a single complex optical system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-beam measurement approach to a multi-beam conical illumination system that adds angular dimensionality. By using light beams with different opening angles propagating at different orientations relative to the optical axis, the system measures surface points across multiple dimensional perspectives simultaneously, enabling coverage beyond the current device position.
2Productivity
If multiple conical light beams with different opening angles are used, then concurrent scanning of different portions is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous useful action by having multiple conical light beams operate simultaneously rather than sequentially. Different portions of the object are scanned concurrently by multiple beams with different opening angles, eliminating idle time and maximizing measurement productivity without requiring complex sequential switching mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the opening angles of different conical light beams. This parameter differentiation allows each beam to target specific angular ranges, optimizing the scanning coverage and enabling concurrent measurement of different object portions while managing system complexity through controlled parameter variation rather than uniform beam multiplication.
3Measurement precision
If conical light beams with different opening angles are used, then redundant measurements are obtained for improved accuracy, but the data processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by using multiple conical light beams to obtain redundant measurements of the same surface points from different angular perspectives. This redundant data provides feedback that can be cross-validated and processed to eliminate measurement errors, improving accuracy while the structured angular arrangement helps organize the data processing workflow.
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 comprehensive and precise 3D profiling of tubular surfaces without deformation, allowing for concurrent scanning and overcoming limitations of single-beam systems by providing redundant measurements for improved accuracy and speed.
Implementation Method 1
a light reflector for reflecting the at least one incident light beam to generate at least two reflected hollow conical light beams centered on the optical axis and having different opening angles
Implementation Method 2
an image capture device for imaging the illuminated surface
Data Source
AI summary
There is described an optical system for sensing the surface of an object. The system comprises: a light source for emitting at least one light beam centered on the optical axis of the system; a light reflector for reflecting the at least one incident light beam to generate at least two hollow conical light beams centered on the optical axis and having different opening angles, the at least two reflected hollow conical light beams for illuminating the surface; and an image capture device for imaging the illuminated surface.