Electromagnetic Transmission Measurement Using Fixed Reflectors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electromagnetic transmission measurement arrangements face challenges in scalability and high-throughput speed due to mechanical load limitations and susceptibility of near-field probes to damage at high speeds, making them unsuitable for large-scale industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
The use of fixed ring-shaped reflectors to direct electromagnetic radiation between a radiation emitter and receiver, allowing for scalable designs with compact rotating components and eliminating the need for rotating couplings, enabling higher scanning speeds and reduced mechanical stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If near-field probes are used as radiation emitters, then transmission measurement can be performed, but the probes are susceptible to bending and damage at high measurement speeds
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotating antenna system with fixed antennas and introduces electromagnetic field-based beam scanning using moving reflectors. The measurement beam is scanned by moving the reflectors instead of rotating the antennas, eliminating mechanical stress on the radiation emitters while maintaining high measurement speeds
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the antennas to scan the measurement beam, the patent inverts the approach by keeping antennas fixed and moving the reflectors to achieve beam scanning. This reversal of the scanning mechanism protects the antennas from mechanical damage while achieving the same measurement function
2Volume of stationary object
If existing measurement arrangements are scaled to larger sampling volumes, then larger production lines can be inspected, but the mechanical load on rotating components increases and limits throughput speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the scanning function into separate components: fixed antennas for signal transmission/reception and movable reflectors for beam steering. This segmentation allows the antennas to remain stationary while only the reflectors move, enabling system scaling without increasing mechanical load on the radiation sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces movable reflectors as intermediary elements between the fixed antennas and the objects under inspection. These reflectors mediate the beam scanning function, allowing the antennas to remain stationary while achieving coverage of larger sampling volumes at high speeds
3Ease of operation
If rotating antenna supports are used to move the measurement beam, then circular path scanning is achieved, but the mechanical stress increases with scanning speed and support size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical rotation of antenna supports with an electromagnetic field-based scanning system using movable reflectors. The beam scanning is achieved through reflector movement rather than antenna rotation, eliminating mechanical stress on the support structures while maintaining scanning capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of rotating the antenna supports to scan the beam, the patent inverts the approach by keeping supports fixed and moving the reflectors to achieve the same beam scanning effect, thereby eliminating mechanical stress on the supports
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 configuration allows for easier scaling and increased measurement speeds without compromising the mechanical integrity of the system, facilitating high-throughput electromagnetic transmission measurements in larger scanning volumes.
Implementation Method 1
The electromagnetic radiation emitted by the at least one emitter, or the measuring beam formed from this radiation, is guided through the scanning volume to the receiver via the two reflectors
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to an arrangement for electromagnetic transmission measurement, comprising at least one radiation emitter (11, 16) for electromagnetic radiation and a radiation receiver (12, 16) for the electromagnetic radiation, a scanning volume in which objects to be tested can be illuminated by a measuring beam formed from the electromagnetic radiation, and a rotation device with which the measuring beam can be moved in the scanning volume along a circular arc (2) or a circular path (1) about a central axis (13) of the scanning volume. In the proposed arrangement, the scanning volume is located between two stationary reflectors (9, 10) which are opposite each other and, in one embodiment of the arrangement, are ring-shaped or have annular segments with respect to the central axis (13).The measuring beam is guided through the scanning volume to the radiation receiver (12, 16) via these reflectors (9, 10). In this arrangement, the scanning volume can be easily scaled by adjusting the design of the fixed reflectors. Because of these reflectors, the rotating components of the arrangement can be made compact, thus significantly increasing the scanning and measuring speed compared to known prior art arrangements.