Moving Surface Measurement via Multiple Electromagnetic Reflections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional techniques struggle to accurately measure the state of surfaces, particularly adhesive surfaces between layers in a sample, due to limitations in measuring vibration and contact states.

Innovation Solution

A measurement method involving multiple reflections of electromagnetic waves between opposing surfaces, analyzing frequency components of the modulation signal to calculate position, displacement, speed, and vibration amplitude, and determining contact states based on fundamental and harmonic frequency components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional single-reflection electromagnetic wave measurement is used, then the measurement process is simple, but the measurement precision and signal-to-noise ratio are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface state measurement accuracyVSAvoidmeasurement system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic wave is made to reflect multiple times between the first and second surfaces through periodic bouncing, rather than a single reflection. This repeated interaction amplifies the modulation signal caused by surface vibrations, thereby improving the signal-to-noise ratio and measurement precision without requiring complex additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system continuously captures the electromagnetic wave as it undergoes multiple reflections between the surfaces. This continuous action allows the system to accumulate measurement information over multiple reflection cycles, enhancing the precision of surface state characterization while maintaining a relatively simple measurement setup

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

2Reliability

If vibration is applied to enhance surface state detection, then the contact state between layers can be determined, but the measurement system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact state determination accuracyVSAvoidvibration application system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Vibration is applied to the object to be measured, causing the first and/or second surfaces to vibrate. This vibration modulates the electromagnetic wave path length and reflection characteristics, enabling determination of the contact state between layers. The vibration-based approach provides reliable contact state detection while keeping the system relatively simple by utilizing the object's own mechanical response

Inventive Principle:
Principle #18Mechanical vibration

Solution Approach 2:

The system analyzes the frequency components of the modulated electromagnetic wave signal to determine the contact state between layers. By examining the relationship between the fundamental frequency (from direct vibration) and harmonic frequency components (from contact-induced vibration), the system provides feedback on adhesive quality, enabling reliable contact state determination without complex additional sensing hardware

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

Enables accurate measurement of surface states, including vibration amplitude and contact conditions, with high signal-to-noise ratio and precise determination of adhesive states between layers.

Implementation Method 1

causing an electromagnetic wave to be incident so as to be reflected a plurality of times between a first surface and a second surface that oppose each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the first surface and the second surface may be vibrating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

analyzing frequency components of a modulation signal of the received electromagnetic wave

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDoppler Effect: Doppler Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4624920A1Measurement method and measurement system for characterization of moving surfaces by means of electromagnetic waves
Publication Date: 2025.10.01 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP
  • EP4624920A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4624920A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4624920A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present measurement method includes causing an electromagnetic wave to be incident so as to be reflected a plurality of times between a first surface and a second surface that oppose each other, receiving the electromagnetic wave reflected a plurality of times, analyzing frequency components of a modulation signal of the received electromagnetic wave, and calculating at least one of position, displacement, and speed for at least one of the first surface and the second surface based on the frequency components. At least one of the first surface and the second surface is moving. A state of a surface to be measured is thus measured accurately.