Dynamic Optical Measuring Module for Moving Specimen Topography
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Solution Overview
Problem
In rapid continuous manufacturing processes, especially in roll-to-roll manufacturing, optical measuring apparatuses struggle to acquire sufficient luminous intensity signals for products with low surface reflectivity moving at high speeds, as increasing sampling frequency can lead to incomplete signal acquisition, and stationary systems are inadequate for measuring moving specimens.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that reduce the relative velocity between a moving specimen and a measuring module, using a control unit, linear movement devices, and optical measuring modules based on chromatic confocal or laser triangulation principles, to determine optimal sampling frequency and lateral resolution for accurate topography measurement, even in challenging environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sampling frequency of the measuring apparatus is increased to improve lateral resolution for high surface reflectivity specimens, then the lateral resolution is improved, but the exposure time at each location becomes insufficient resulting in incomplete signal acquisition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the measuring apparatus movable by mounting it on a linear movement device that synchronizes its speed with the specimen transport speed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain optimal exposure time at each measurement location while continuously scanning moving specimens, resolving the contradiction between high sampling frequency requirements for lateral resolution and sufficient exposure time for complete signal acquisition.
2Device complexity
If stationary optical measuring apparatuses are used for high speed continuous manufacturing, then the device complexity is reduced, but sufficient luminous intensity signal cannot be acquired for low reflectivity specimens moving at high speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the stationary measuring apparatus into a dynamic system by introducing a linear movement device that moves the optical measuring module at the same speed as the specimen transport. This synchronization ensures that the measuring module remains positioned over the same location of the moving specimen for sufficient exposure time, enabling complete signal acquisition for low reflectivity specimens without excessive device complexity.
3Reliability
If movable optical measuring apparatuses are used to allow sufficient exposure time, then the luminous intensity signal acquisition is improved, but they are restricted to stationary specimens and cannot measure high speed moving products
Solution Approach 1:
The patent synchronizes the movement of the optical measuring module with the specimen transport by controlling the linear movement device to move at the same speed as the specimen conveyor. This dynamic synchronization enables the measuring apparatus to maintain a fixed relative position over a specific location of the moving specimen, providing sufficient exposure time for complete signal acquisition while successfully measuring high speed moving products.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a control unit that receives speed information from the specimen transport system and adjusts the linear movement device's speed accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures the measuring module moves in synchronization with the specimen, maintaining optimal measurement conditions for moving specimens while adapting to varying transport speeds.
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 the acquisition of sufficient luminous intensity signals for moving specimens with low reflectivity, ensuring accurate measurement of topography and thickness by synchronizing the measuring module's speed with the specimen's movement, thereby improving measurement precision and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
measure the topography or the thickness of the testing specimen based upon optical measurement principles including chromatic confocal principle and/or laser triangulation principle
Implementation Method 2
measure the topography or the thickness of the testing specimen based upon optical measurement principles including chromatic confocal principle and/or laser triangulation principle
Implementation Method 3
the relative velocity between a fast moving specimen and a measuring module is reduced for enabling the measuring module to acquire sufficient luminous intensity signal
Data Source
AI summary
A measuring method for topography of moving specimen and a measuring apparatus thereof is disclosed, providing a measuring module that moves along with a testing specimen to narrow relative velocity of the testing specimen and the measuring module so that the measuring module is able to have enough luminous intensity signal at the same position in time, to measure the topography or the thickness of the testing specimen.