Surface Profile Measurement Using Doppler Envelope Combination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for obtaining the profile of a moving object's surface are not suitable for real-time monitoring, as they are physically intrusive, costly, and require significant processing time, making them inefficient for continuous quality control and energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the generation of two time signals from electromagnetic interference between an incident wave and its backscattered counterpart, using Gaussian, coherent electromagnetic waves focused at distinct geometric points on either side of a median plane, with a relative speed and angle of incidence greater than one degree, allowing for real-time profile determination through Doppler frequency analysis and envelope combination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional rugolaser or imaging devices are used for surface profile measurement, then measurement capability is achieved, but device size, cost, and processing time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface profile measurement capabilityVSAvoiddevice size and processing requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical/optical measurement systems (rugolaser, imaging devices) with an electromagnetic sensing system that uses electromagnetic waves to measure surface profile. The measuring system emits electromagnetic waves that interact with the surface, and the backscattered waves are processed to extract profile information, eliminating the need for bulky optical components and complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates an electromagnetic signature (copy) of the surface profile through electromagnetic wave interaction. Instead of directly measuring physical dimensions with complex devices, the system captures the electromagnetic response of the surface and processes this signal to reconstruct the profile, effectively working with an information copy rather than the physical object itself.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If conventional measurement devices are used, then surface profile data is obtained, but real-time processing and energy efficiency are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface profile data accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption and processing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous surface profile monitoring by continuously emitting electromagnetic waves and processing the backscattered signals in real-time. The system maintains continuous measurement capability without interruption, allowing dynamic surfaces to be monitored throughout their operation, unlike batch processing methods that require stopping the object for measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The measuring system processes its own measurement data autonomously using onboard computing resources. The system extracts surface profile information from the electromagnetic signals it receives and performs the necessary calculations independently, minimizing the need for external processing infrastructure and reducing overall system dependency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If intrusive measurement devices are mounted on moving objects, then measurement capability is achieved, but mobility and operational efficiency are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface profile measurement capabilityVSAvoidmobility and operational efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces intrusive mechanical contact measurement devices with non-contact electromagnetic sensing. The electromagnetic waves can penetrate certain materials and measure surface profiles without physical contact or bulky mounting structures, maintaining the mobility and operational efficiency of the measured object while enabling continuous measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 real-time, energy-efficient, and resource-effective surface profiling, reducing the need for extensive processing and minimizing physical intrusion, thus enhancing mobility and quality control adaptability.

Implementation Method 1

each signal being the result of electromagnetic interference between an incident wave and its wave backscattered by the external surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

Determine at least one Doppler frequency associated with each time signal A and B

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4143505B1Method for obtaining the profile of a surface moving in relation to the system
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP4143505B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4143505B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4143505B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Method for obtaining the profile of the external surface (22) of an environment (21) having a mid-plane (23), comprising the following steps: - obtaining two time signals A and B (1002), at any given moment, for the same geometric target on a read line of the external surface (22); - determining at least one Doppler frequency (2001) associated with each time signal A and B; - sampling each time signal A and B (2002) at a frequency greater than double the Doppler frequency in order to obtain a useful signal; - determining a useful signal envelope (2004) for each signal A and B; - carrying out a relative combination of the envelopes of each signal A and B (3001) to obtain a monotone one-to-one function F; - determining the profile of the external surface (3002) using a calibration of the function F.