Millimeter Wave Dielectric Waveguide Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for measuring the thickness of plastic bottles are limited by the need for invasive procedures, inapplicability to non-transparent materials, and sensitivity issues with terahertz technologies, particularly in industrial environments with temperature and vibration challenges.
Innovation Solution
A device using millimeter wave (MMW) signals within the plastic wall, guided through dielectric waveguides, measures the time of propagation to determine wall thickness, offering increased sensitivity and accuracy across a range of frequencies suitable for typical plastic bottles, and allowing for real-time, continuous monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If terahertz time-domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) measurement technology is used, then the application area is not limited by material type and color, but the measurement accuracy of wall thickness ±10 µm cannot be attained due to pulse duration of 1-2 ps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter from terahertz range to millimeter wave range (85 GHz, 150 GHz, 250 GHz). This parameter change enables both high measurement accuracy (±10 µm) and broad material applicability, resolving the contradiction between precision and versatility by selecting optimal frequency parameters for different measurement requirements
2Measurement precision
If conventional Hall effect measurement probes are used, then wall thickness can be measured, but the need to put a ball inside the bottle limits the application area to laboratory use only
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical Hall effect probe system with an electromagnetic wave-based millimeter wave measurement system. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact and invasive ball placement, enabling non-contact measurement in industrial production environments while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal measurement system that can measure wall thickness of various plastic bottle types (transparent, non-transparent, different colors) using millimeter waves, making the system applicable to both laboratory and industrial production environments, thus resolving the limitation of conventional methods
3Measurement precision
If non-contact laser-based imaging technology is used, then accurate and fast measurement is achieved, but it is suitable only to transparent and semitransparent plastic containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the electromagnetic radiation parameter from optical range (laser) to millimeter wave range. This parameter change enables the measurement system to penetrate both transparent and non-transparent plastic materials, achieving broad material applicability while maintaining high measurement accuracy and speed through optimized millimeter wave frequencies
4Measurement precision
If millimeter wave signals are guided through dielectric waveguides, then accurate thickness measurements with ±10 µm precision are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dielectric waveguides as intermediary elements to guide millimeter waves through the plastic wall. These waveguides act as mediators that enable precise time-of-flight measurement while managing the complexity through standardized components and systematic measurement procedures
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 method provides accurate thickness measurements with ±10 µm precision, suitable for industrial settings, and is applicable to both transparent and non-transparent plastic bottles, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter is adapted to induce guided wave in the first waveguide. The first waveguide is adapted to induce guided wave inside the wall of the tubular object located in said space.
Implementation Method 2
The receiver is adapted to receive guided wave in the second waveguide and measure time of propagation representative of the thickness of the wall of the tubular object.
Implementation Method 3
Each coupling system comprises a dielectric waveguide extending towards said space and bent in its proximity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for testing thickness of a wall of a dielectric a tubular object (TO) wall having a space (S) adapted to accommodate at least part of the wall of the tubular object (TO) under test, transmitter (T) has coupling system to transform radiation into guided wave propagating inside the wall of tubular object (TO). Receiver (R) has coupling system to receive radiation in a form of guided wave propagating inside the wall of the tubular object (TO). Device is adapted to measure time of propagation of radiation from transmitter (T) to receiver (R). Transmitter (T) is adapted to induce guided wave inside the wall of the tubular object (TO) located in said space (S). Receiver (R) is adapted to receive guided wave propagating in the wall of the tubular objects (TO) located in the space (S). Transmitter (T) and receiver (R) are adapted to operate at a frequency band comprising frequency selected from a range 50 GHz - 500 GHz. A method for testing thickness of a wall of a dielectric tubular objects (TO) by directing a radiation into the tubular object (TO) and receive the radiation from the tubular object from time of propagation of wave guided inside the wall of the tubular object (TO).