Optical Inspection Apparatus Tilted Scanning Zones
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical inspection systems face mutual scanning interference when simultaneously scanning two adjacent surfaces of moving articles, leading to increased system dimensions to prevent interference.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a compact arrangement of profile sensor units with fan-shaped laser beams directed at angles to create scanning zones that are sufficiently spaced along the travel path axis, preventing mutual interference while allowing for simultaneous scanning of adjacent surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sufficient spacing is provided between scanning planes of profile sensors to prevent mutual interference, then scanning accuracy and reliability are improved, but the overall dimensions of the inspection system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by transitioning from a single scanning plane to multiple tilted scanning planes that extend in the longitudinal direction. The first and second scanning planes are tilted relative to the transverse direction, allowing them to be spaced along the travel path axis while maintaining compact transverse dimensions. This enables interference-free scanning of adjacent surfaces without requiring large system dimensions.
2Device complexity
If two profile sensors are positioned close together to scan adjacent surfaces simultaneously, then device complexity is reduced and compact arrangement is achieved, but mutual scanning interference occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by tilting the scanning planes at different angles relative to the transverse direction. The first scanning plane is tilted at a first angle and the second scanning plane at a second angle, creating asymmetric orientations that prevent the laser beams from interfering with each other. This asymmetric arrangement allows compact positioning of sensors while eliminating mutual interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the scanning planes in the longitudinal direction (travel path axis) rather than maintaining them as separate transverse planes. This dimensional extension allows the scanning zones to be spaced along the travel path while keeping the sensor arrangement compact in the transverse direction, thus reducing device complexity without causing interference.
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 configuration enables accurate and interference-free simultaneous scanning of multiple surfaces, maintaining a compact system design and preventing illumination interference between profile sensors.
Implementation Method 1
profile sensors based on laser triangulation to measure geometrical and other 3D surface characteristics
Data Source
AI summary
An optical apparatus and method for simultaneously scanning the profile of at least two adjacent surfaces of an article such as a wooden board moving along a travel path axis passing through an inspection area located at a central plane transverse to the travel path axis, involve first and second scanning zones sufficiently spaced one with another along the travel path axis to substantially prevent mutual scanning interference between the profile sensors used, while providing a compact arrangement of profile sensors. For so doing, one the first sensing field and the first laser beam of the first profile sensor is crossing the central plane toward the other one of the first sensing field and the first laser beam, and one the second sensing field and the second laser beam of the second profile sensor is crossing the central plane toward the other one of the second sensing field and the second laser beam.