Laser Scanning Extruded Ceramic Logs Non-Contact Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring extruded ceramic logs are inefficient and risk physical damage, particularly in assessing shape and size deviations due to manufacturing imperfections.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact laser scanning system is implemented to quickly and accurately measure the shape of extruded ceramic logs, providing both two-dimensional and three-dimensional surface shape profiles, allowing for real-time feedback and adjustment of the manufacturing process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional contact measurement methods are used to measure extruded ceramic logs, then measurement can be performed, but the log is at risk of physical damage and measurement efficiency is low

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelog integrityVSAvoidmeasurement efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical contact measurement methods with a non-contact laser scanning system. The laser scanner emits laser beams that reflect off the ceramic log surface, and the reflected light is captured by sensors to create three-dimensional measurements. This substitution eliminates physical contact between the measurement device and the fragile ceramic log, preventing damage while maintaining high measurement speed and efficiency.

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

2Measurement precision

If manual measurement methods are used to assess log shape and size, then measurements can be obtained, but the process is time-consuming and cannot provide real-time feedback

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshape measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser scanning system operates continuously as the ceramic log moves through the manufacturing process on a conveyor belt. The scanner continuously emits laser beams and captures reflected light, generating uninterrupted three-dimensional data of the log's surface geometry. This continuous measurement process provides real-time feedback on shape deviations, enabling immediate process adjustments without interrupting production flow.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs advanced laser scanning technology with high-speed sensors and powerful computational algorithms that rapidly process the reflected light signals. This accelerated measurement capability captures complete three-dimensional profiles of the ceramic log in fractions of a second, providing precise shape and size measurements instantly, thereby eliminating time delays associated with manual measurement methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #38Strong oxidants (Accelerated oxidation)

3Manufacturing precision

If frequent measurement checks are performed to ensure specification compliance, then product quality can be maintained, but production speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespecification complianceVSAvoidproduction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The laser scanning system is integrated into the manufacturing process with automated feedback loops. The system continuously measures the ceramic log's three-dimensional geometry, compares the measurements against predefined specification tolerances, and immediately signals when deviations occur. This real-time feedback mechanism enables quality control without manual intervention, maintaining high manufacturing precision while preserving production speed through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 solution enables precise measurement of ceramic logs without physical contact, reducing the risk of damage and enabling timely correction of manufacturing process deviations, ensuring products meet specifications and improving production efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

A non-contact laser scanning system is implemented to quickly and accurately measure the shape of extruded ceramic logs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLaser: Laser

Implementation Method 2

laser scanning systems and methods for making three-dimensional measurements of extruded ceramic logs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9662825B2Laser scanning systems and methods for measuring extruded ceramic logs
Publication Date: 2017.05.30 CORNING INC
  • US9662825B2 patent drawing
  • US9662825B2 patent drawing
  • US9662825B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Laser scanning systems and methods are disclosed herein that can provide quick and efficient measurement of extruded ceramic logs, particularly related to log shape, during manufacture. Two two-dimensional laser scans from respective laser scanners are performed and the resulting laser scan data is combined to form a three-dimensional surface shape measurement of the ceramic log. The systems and methods disclosed herein enable a non-contact measurement of the extruded ceramic log, which reduces the risk of physically damaging the log. The measurement results can be used to adjust the extrusion process of the extruder that forms the extruded ceramic logs.