Infrared Temperature Sensor for Road Material Width Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement systems for road building materials, such as asphalt, are expensive and have limited detection angles, leading to inaccurate temperature readings and high costs, making them inaccessible to smaller construction companies, especially when operating under bridges or with varying mounting widths.
Innovation Solution
A device with an infrared temperature measuring head and motor, controlled by a controller to maintain a steady distance between measuring points, allowing for temperature measurement across a wide mounting width with adjustable angles and speed, ensuring accurate and consistent data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If a thermal-imaging camera or thermal scanner is used to measure temperature across the entire mounting width, then the temperature measurement coverage is improved, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature measurement task into multiple discrete measuring points arranged in rows and columns across the mounting width. Instead of using a single thermal-imaging camera to capture the entire width simultaneously, the system uses multiple infrared temperature measuring heads positioned at different locations, each measuring temperature at specific points. This segmented approach reduces the cost while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional thermal imaging approach (capturing the entire mounting width in a single frame) to a multi-point discrete measurement approach distributed across the mounting width. By arranging multiple measuring points in specific patterns and using multiple measuring heads at different heights and positions, the system achieves comprehensive coverage through spatial distribution rather than simultaneous wide-area imaging.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thermal-imaging camera is positioned at a height of 3 to 4 meters to enable passage under bridges, then the adaptability to bridge passages is improved, but the detection angle becomes limited and temperature measurements are taken at a distance from the asphalt plank
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement area into multiple rows of measuring points at different distances from the asphalt plank. By positioning multiple infrared temperature measuring heads at different heights and angles, the system can measure temperature at multiple locations simultaneously, including areas closer to the asphalt plank even when the overall system is positioned at bridge-compatible heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable mounting angles for the infrared temperature measuring heads relative to the road surface. This dynamic adjustment capability allows the measuring heads to be tilted at different angles to optimize the measurement of temperature directly behind the asphalt plank, compensating for the limited detection angle imposed by bridge passage height constraints.
3Area of stationary object
If multiple infrared temperature measuring heads are used to cover the entire mounting width, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the system so that multiple infrared temperature measuring heads can be positioned at different heights and angles but perform the same fundamental measurement function. The evaluating unit processes data from all measuring heads uniformly, and the system can adapt to different mounting widths and configurations. This multi-functional design allows the same basic components to serve multiple measurement locations, reducing overall complexity compared to having dedicated systems for each position.
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 device provides accurate, cost-effective temperature measurements across a wide mounting width, maintaining a steady measuring point pattern and adapting to changing speeds and angles, making it suitable for various road surfaces and bridge passages without the need for expensive thermal-imaging cameras or scanners.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared temperature measuring head (20) arranged to be twistable by the motor (30) in a direction transverse to the direction of travel (b) of the construction machine (5) and effective to record temperature measuring values of the surface (110) of a road building material (50)
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining the temperature of a road building material applied by a construction machine in a mounting width is arranged at the construction machine in a range within the mounting width and has an infrared temperature measuring head, a motor and a controller, the infrared temperature measuring head being arranged to be twistable by the motor transverse to the direction of travel of the construction machine and being effective to record temperature measuring values of the surface of road building material during a rotational movement at at least two measuring points spaced apart from one another. The controller is effective to control the motor based on the fitting position of the device at the construction machine such that the distance between the measuring points on the surface to be measured remains equal.