Crossing Optical Paths for Pipe Thread Profile Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement techniques for external-thread profiles of pipes require complex adjustments and additional equipment, such as laser triangulation, to ensure accurate measurements, and are prone to errors due to contamination and mechanical misalignment.
Innovation Solution
The use of two crossing optical measuring devices with light sources and cameras allows for simultaneous silhouette image capture in multiple directions, enabling correction of misalignment and reducing contamination effects by positioning the optical paths at specific angles, and incorporating a hexapod for precise adjustment and telecentric lenses for improved accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single optical measuring device is used to capture silhouette images, then the device structure is simple, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to detect and correct misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into two separate optical measuring devices, each capturing silhouette images from different directions. This segmentation allows independent detection of misalignment in different planes, enabling precise correction of angular deviations without requiring a single complex device
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second spatial dimension for optical measurement by positioning two cameras at different angles (e.g., 90 degrees apart). This multi-directional approach adds dimensional information that enables detection and correction of misalignment in three-dimensional space, transforming a single-plane measurement into a multi-plane measurement system
2Measurement precision
If laser triangulation is used to determine relative position, then position accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the optical measuring devices self-aligning by using the silhouette images themselves as the alignment reference. The system automatically detects angular misalignment from the captured images and corrects it through feedback control, eliminating the need for external laser triangulation equipment to provide position data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the position detection function from the alignment correction process. By using the silhouette image data itself to detect both thread geometry and angular misalignment, the system separates position determination from the measurement process, avoiding the need for additional laser triangulation hardware
3Measurement precision
If optical path is oriented at right angle to pipe axis for correct measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to required adjusting operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic feedback control system where silhouette images are continuously analyzed for angular misalignment. The detected deviations are fed back to the positioning system, which automatically adjusts the optical measuring devices to the correct angular orientation, eliminating manual adjustment operations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary alignment by capturing initial silhouette images and calculating angular deviations before the actual measurement process. This pre-alignment step automatically positions the optical paths at the correct angles to the pipe axis, so that subsequent measurements can be performed without manual intervention
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 approach simplifies the measurement process, ensures high precision, and minimizes the impact of contamination and mechanical inaccuracies, providing accurate measurements of thread parameters without the need for additional equipment like laser triangulation.
Implementation Method 1
an optical measuring unit including at least one measuring device comprising a light source and a camera arranged in the optical path of the light source for recording a silhouette image of the external-thread profile
Data Source
AI summary
In a device for optically measuring the external-thread profile of a pipe, comprising a support for the pipe to be measured and an optical measuring unit including at least one measuring device comprising a light source and a camera arranged in the optical path of the light source for recording a silhouette image of the external-thread profile, wherein the optical measuring unit is, in particular rigidly, mounted on a carrier element pivotally held about three spatial axes, the optical measuring unit comprises at least two measuring devices whose optical paths cross each other.