Optical Deflector for Elongated Object Dimension Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge in aerosol-forming article component manufacturing is to efficiently acquire high-speed data on multiple dimensions and geometrical characteristics without using complex or expensive equipment, while avoiding sensor interference and potential damage from high-speed movements.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an imaging sensor device, a transporting device, an illuminating device, and an optical deflection system that allows for quick imaging of elongated objects by positioning them within the sensor's field of view and using a movable optical deflector to direct electromagnetic radiation towards the sensor, enabling simultaneous imaging of sides and ends without moving the sensor at high speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are used to measure simultaneously several data of the component, then measurement completeness is improved, but device complexity and sensor interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single imaging sensor device is used to perform multiple measurement functions by capturing images of different components (consumable rod, filter plug, assembled article) and different views (side and end) sequentially, replacing the need for multiple dedicated sensors for each measurement task
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic positioning of the elongated object via a transporting device to bring different parts of the component into the field of view of the stationary imaging sensor at different times, enabling comprehensive measurement without using multiple sensors simultaneously
2Productivity
If a sensor is moved at high speed around the component to measure several dimensions, then measurement speed is improved, but reliability of the sensor decreases due to potential damage or loss of calibration
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the sensor around the component, the system inverts the approach by keeping the sensor stationary and moving the component through a transporting device to present different measurement points to the sensor field of view sequentially
Solution Approach 2:
The complex high-speed mechanical sensor positioning system is replaced with a simpler stationary sensor setup combined with a controlled transporting mechanism for the component, reducing mechanical complexity and sensor exposure to damage risks
3Loss of information
If the optical deflector is positioned to image the end of the elongated object, then end view acquisition is enabled, but the optical path must be deflected from the longitudinal axis
Solution Approach 1:
An optical deflector acts as an intermediary element that redirects light rays from the end of the elongated object (travelling parallel to the longitudinal axis) towards the imaging sensor device, enabling end view acquisition without direct line-of-sight alignment
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 solution allows for efficient, high-speed testing of aerosol-forming article components with minimal equipment complexity and risk of sensor damage, ensuring accurate dimension acquisition while maintaining production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an optical deflection system including an optical deflector which is adapted to be movable between a first operative position and a second operative position and which is adapted, in the second operative position, to deflect electromagnetic radiation travelling parallel to the longitudinal axis towards said imaging sensor device
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The present invention relates to an apparatus for acquiring data relative to a dimension of an elongated object defining a longitudinal axis and a first and a second end, the apparatus comprising: an imaging sensor device defining a field of view and an optical axis, the imaging sensor device being adapted to image the elongated object in the field of view; a transporting device adapted to position the elongated object in the field of view and to transport the elongated object in a transport direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the elongated object and forming an angle with the optical axis;an illuminating device adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation to illuminate the elongated object in the field of view; and an optical deflection system including an optical deflector which is adapted to be movable between a first operative position where it is located outside the field of view of the imaging sensor device and a second operative position where it is located within the field of view of the imaging sensor device, and which is adapted to deflect electromagnetic radiation travelling parallel to the longitudinal axis towards said imaging sensor device so as to obtain an image of the first or of the second end of the elongated object. The present invention also relates to a method for acquiring data relative to a dimension of an elongated object defining a longitudinal axis and having a first and a second end.