Microwave Material Control Device Spatial Discretization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current devices for controlling non-metallic materials in industrial production lines face limitations in real-time measurement and large-scale inspection, particularly with electromagnetic wave techniques, which are not adequately fast or comprehensive for industrial applications.
Innovation Solution
A device using a combination of transmission and modulation of electromagnetic signals, employing an array of patch antennas for transmission, spatial modulation sensors, and aligned reception antennas to spatially discretize signals, allowing for real-time detection of defects and physical property measurement in non-metallic materials, with a processor for signal processing and image display.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If electromagnetic wave devices are used for non-metallic material inspection, then penetration depth is improved, but measurement speed and real-time control capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic wavefront is segmented into multiple independent plane waves traveling in different directions. Each plane wave is generated by a separate transmission antenna and modulated independently, allowing parallel processing of multiple measurement paths through the material simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
Each transmission antenna modulates its electromagnetic signal periodically at a unique modulation frequency. This periodic modulation enables time-multiplexed transmission of multiple plane waves through the material, with each frequency component carrying information from a specific transmission-reception path
2Length of stationary object
If electromagnetic wave devices are used for non-metallic material inspection, then penetration depth is improved, but inspection coverage of large material sections deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Both transmission and reception are segmented into multiple antennas arranged in arrays. The transmission antennas generate plane waves at different angles, while reception antennas detect signals from multiple paths, creating a matrix of measurement channels that collectively cover large material areas
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from single-point or line inspection to two-dimensional area inspection by introducing angular diversity. Plane waves traveling in different directions (different k-vectors) probe different regions of the material, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the inspection coverage
3Measurement precision
If multiple electromagnetic signals are transmitted for spatial discretization, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each transmission antenna modulates its signal periodically at a unique frequency. This frequency coding allows the receiver to distinguish between signals from different transmission paths through frequency-selective detection, achieving spatial discretization without complex spatial filtering
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses frequency as a distinguishing parameter for different spatial paths. By assigning unique modulation frequencies to different transmission antennas, the system transforms spatial information into frequency-domain information, simplifying the separation and processing of multiple simultaneous signals
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 real-time, non-intrusive control of large sections of non-metallic materials, providing high spatial resolution and efficient detection of defects and properties, adaptable to various production lines with improved dynamic range and ease of setup.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting means for transmitting an electromagnetic signal at a carrier frequency to illuminate the material to be inspected
Implementation Method 2
modulation means for modulating at a modulation frequency the electromagnetic signal received from the material
Implementation Method 3
reception means for receiving electromagnetic signals resulting from the modulation
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a control device (100) for controlling a material (150) that comprises at least transmission means (110) for transmitting an electromagnetic signal at a carrier frequency Fp for radiating the material (150) and reception means (130) for receiving the electromagnetic signal, characterised in that it further comprises first means for modulating the electromagnetic signal at a frequency Fm1, said modulation means being provided on the signal path between the transmission means (110) and the material (150) for spatially discretising the transmitted electromagnetic signal and second means (140) for modulating the electromagnetic signal at a frequency Fm2 and provided on the signal path between the material (150) and the electromagnetic signal reception means (130) for spatially discretising the electromagnetic signal after it has crossed the material. The device can mainly be used for detecting defects in a material or for determining the physical properties of said material.