Optical Crepe Structure Measurement System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating creped paper sheet characteristics are subjective and lack standardization, leading to inconsistent and unreliable measurements of crepe bar counts, which hinders process control and product quality assessment.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the emission of multiple beams to measure the geometric characteristics of crepe structures on paper sheets, using a sensor to absorb and measure reflected beams, correcting intensity data with polynomial fits, and applying filtering algorithms to identify geometric features, providing accurate and repeatable measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual counting methods are used to evaluate crepe bar counts, then the evaluation process is simple to perform, but the measurements are subjective and lack standardization leading to inconsistent results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual counting with an automated optical measurement system that uses light reflection principles. The system emits light at specific angles and measures reflected light intensity to objectively quantify crepe structure characteristics, eliminating subjective human judgment while maintaining operational simplicity through automated data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the evaluation from subjective visual counting to objective measurement of physical parameters including light reflection intensity, crepe bar count, crepe bar width, and surface area. By measuring these quantifiable parameters, the system achieves standardized, repeatable results that correlate with tactile properties like softness.
2Measurement precision
If automated optical measurement systems are used to measure crepe structure, then measurement precision and standardization are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement task into distinct functional components: light emission at specific angles, light detection and intensity measurement, data processing algorithms, and result output. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system manageability and reducing operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional measurement system that can evaluate multiple crepe structure characteristics (crepe bar count, width, surface area, light reflection properties) using a single integrated apparatus. This universal approach reduces the need for multiple separate devices and simplifies the overall measurement process despite the advanced capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple light beams are emitted at different angles to measure crepe structures, then the geometric characterization accuracy is improved, but the measurement time and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic emission of light beams at different angles in a systematic sequence. By alternating between different emission angles and using rapid detection, the system collects comprehensive geometric data efficiently. The periodic measurement approach allows for complete geometric characterization while minimizing total measurement time through optimized cycling between measurement parameters.
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 approach enables reliable and repeatable analysis of crepe structure characteristics, improving quality control and product development by providing standardized measurements that correlate with surface softness and other tactile properties.
Implementation Method 1
reflecting the two beams off of the positions and into a sensor constructed and arranged to absorb and measure the intensity of the reflected emission beams
Implementation Method 2
a sensor constructed and arranged to absorb and measure the intensity of the reflected emission beams
Data Source
AI summary
The invention embodies methods and apparatuses to monitor and control the characteristics of a creping process. The method involves measuring optical properties of various points along a creped paper sheet and converting those measurements into characteristic defining data. The invention allows for determining the magnitude and distribution of crepe structures and their frequency and distribution. This allows for the generation of information that is accurate and is much more reliable than the coarse guessing that is currently used in the industry. Feeding this information to papermaking process equipment can result in increases in both quality and efficiency in papermaking.