Dual Distance Sensor Calibration for Accurate Strip Thickness
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing distance measurement systems for strip materials, such as steel, suffer from inaccuracies due to relative movement between distance sensors caused by vibrations and thermal deformation, limiting the accuracy of thickness determination.
Innovation Solution
A device and method using two distance sensors with a radiation source and detector to measure and compensate for changes in distance between the sensors, allowing for high accuracy by determining and correcting for mechanical shifts using electromagnetic radiation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two distance sensors are arranged on opposite sides of the strip material to measure thickness, then extended strip materials can be measured, but the distance sensors move relative to each other due to vibrations and thermal deformation, causing the distance between them to change and limiting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical distance measurement system with an optical system. A radiation source emits electromagnetic radiation that reflects off a reference surface, and a radiation detector measures the reflected radiation. This optical system determines changes in distance between the distance sensors without being affected by mechanical vibrations and thermal deformations, thereby resolving the contradiction between measuring extended materials and maintaining precision.
2Manufacturing precision
If the distance between two distance sensors is used as a reference for thickness measurement, then thickness can be determined by subtracting measured distances from the reference distance, but mechanical deformation causes the reference distance to change, reducing measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical reference distance system with an optical reference system. The radiation source and detector create an optical path that reflects off a reference surface, providing a stable reference measurement that is not affected by mechanical deformation of the sensor mounting structure. This resolves the contradiction between achieving precise thickness determination and maintaining reference stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary between the distance sensors and the reference surface. The radiation travels along an optical path that is independent of the mechanical structure, serving as a mediator that transfers measurement information without being affected by mechanical vibrations and thermal deformations. This intermediary approach maintains reference stability while enabling accurate thickness measurement.
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
The system achieves measurement accuracy limited primarily by the sensors' combined uncertainty rather than mechanical factors, providing precise thickness measurements of strip materials.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source for electromagnetic radiation, a radiation detector for the electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 2c~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for measuring distances, comprising: - a first distance sensor (3) for measuring a first distance (a1) which extends between the first distance sensor (3) and an object (2), - a second distance sensor (4) for measuring a second distance (a2) which extends between the second distance sensor (4) and the object (2), - a radiation source (5) for electromagnetic radiation, and - a radiation detector (8) for the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the device (1) is designed such that a change in the distance (a4) between the first distance sensor (3) and the second distance sensor (4) can be determined using the radiation source (5) and the radiation detector (8). A change in the distance (a4) between the first distance sensor (3) and the second distance sensor (4) can be determined using the radiation source (5) and the radiation detector (8). In this manner, the measuring precision can be increased.