Light Section Sensor on Pivoting Device for Hot Profile Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring the cross-section of long profiles, especially at elevated temperatures, are inefficient and imprecise due to the need for complex mechanical support structures, which are cumbersome and costly, and often rely on inaccurate methods using wooden boards.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a light section sensor mounted on a pivoting device that moves in a ring-shaped path around the long profile, allowing for precise measurement without complex support structures, using multiple laser beams and automatic or semi-automatic image capture from various angles to reconstruct the cross-section, with optional wireless data transmission and portable design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If complex mechanical support structures are used to position sensors precisely, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor positioning accuracyVSAvoidmechanical support structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical support structures with a light section measurement system that uses optical fields (laser beams) to define measurement planes. The sensor position is determined by the optical measurement geometry rather than mechanical positioning, eliminating the need for precise mechanical alignment and complex support structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes from requiring precise mechanical position parameters to using optical field parameters (laser beam geometry, measurement plane orientation). By transforming the measurement approach from mechanical positioning to optical field definition, the system achieves high precision without complex mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If complex mechanical support structures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation and assembly deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecross section measurement accuracyVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates complex mechanical support structures by using a light section measurement system where the measurement plane is defined by optical fields rather than mechanical fixtures. This substitution dramatically simplifies assembly and operation while maintaining high measurement precision.

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

3Device complexity

If wooden boards are used instead of support structures to save costs, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure simplicityVSAvoiddimensional measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces simple but imprecise mechanical supports (wooden boards) with an optical measurement system using light sections and laser beams. This substitution maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving measurement precision by using optical field geometry instead of mechanical contact.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates an optical copy of the measurement plane using laser beams and light sections, eliminating the need for physical mechanical supports. This optical copying approach provides both simplicity and high precision simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

4Measurement precision

If a fixed geometry measuring frame is used for hot profiles, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability and ease of manufacture deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehot profile measurement accuracyVSAvoidprofile shape adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a fixed geometry measuring frame to a dynamic light section measurement system. The measurement plane can be dynamically adjusted and repositioned using optical fields, allowing adaptation to various profile shapes and positions without requiring physical reconfiguration of rigid structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light section measurement system serves multiple functions: it can measure different profile shapes, adjust to various positions, and adapt to hot profiles without requiring different physical fixtures. The optical measurement plane provides universal adaptability across different measurement scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 flexible, precise, and cost-effective measurement of long profiles from all sides, including hot profiles, without the need for exact sensor alignment, reducing measurement errors and allowing for accurate determination of arbitrarily shaped profiles with reduced equipment costs.

Implementation Method 1

a light section sensor (4) mounted on a pivoting device (3)... The long profile (2) is illuminated by at least two, in particular three or more, laser beams from the light section sensor (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight section method: LIDAR

Data Source

PatentEP3274651B1Method and device for measuring a long profile
Publication Date: 2019.06.12 NEXTSENSE GMBH
  • EP3274651B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3274651B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3274651B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for measuring a long profile (2), in particular one at an increased temperature, wherein a cross-section of the long profile (2) is determined, wherein the long profile (2) is measured using a light section sensor (4) that is moveably mounted on a swivel device (3). The invention also relates to a device for measuring a long profile (2), in particular one at an increased temperature, comprising a measuring device for determining a cross-section of the long profile (2), wherein a swivel device (3) is provided and the measuring device is formed as a light section sensor (4), wherein the light section sensor (4) is moveably mounted on the swivel device (3). The invention further relates to a use of a device (1) of this type.