Optical Measuring Device for Tobacco Rods Using Triangulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical measuring devices in the tobacco processing industry require moving parts and significant space to measure the diameter of tobacco rods, which leads to wear and tear, and are unable to provide quality values and features at shorter intervals or for multi-segment rods.
Innovation Solution
An optical measuring device using the light section method with a single light source and multiple light-sensitive elements arranged in a triangulation configuration around the product strand, allowing for a 360° measurement of the circumference with a compact and space-saving design, enabling the determination of quality values and features for each segment of a multi-segment rod.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional optical measuring device with moving parts is used to measure tobacco rod diameter, then measurement capability is achieved, but wear and tear increases and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical scanning system with a stationary optical triangulation system. Instead of moving the light source and sensor around the tobacco rod, the invention uses multiple stationary light-sensitive elements arranged in a triangulation configuration to capture the rod's profile simultaneously from multiple angles, eliminating mechanical moving parts while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a one-dimensional scanning approach to a three-dimensional simultaneous measurement approach. By arranging light-sensitive elements in a triangulation configuration in space, the system captures the complete circumferential profile of the tobacco rod at once, adding spatial dimensions to the measurement process and eliminating the need for mechanical movement
2Productivity
If a conventional optical measuring device is used to measure tobacco rod diameter, then basic measurement is achieved, but the ability to provide quality values at shorter intervals is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary simultaneous capture of the complete circumferential profile using multiple light-sensitive elements positioned at different angles. This preliminary action captures all necessary measurement data in a single instant, enabling both high-speed measurement and precise profile analysis without requiring sequential scanning
Solution Approach 2:
The invention divides the measurement task into multiple simultaneous measurements from different angular positions. By segmenting the circumferential measurement into multiple light-sensitive elements positioned at different angles (e.g., 0°, 120°, 240°), the system captures the complete profile simultaneously, enabling both high productivity and precise segmentation analysis for multi-segment rods
3Measurement precision
If multiple light-sensitive elements are arranged in a triangulation configuration, then circumferential profile measurement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The triangulation arrangement of light-sensitive elements serves multiple functions simultaneously: it enables circumferential profile measurement, provides depth information through triangulation geometry, and captures the complete rod profile in a single measurement instant. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity by delivering superior measurement precision and capability
4Area of stationary object
If a single light source with multiple beam paths is used, then space requirements are reduced, but beam path control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges multiple light sources into a single light source that generates multiple incident beam paths. This consolidation reduces the device footprint and simplifies the overall structure, while the beam paths are controlled to illuminate the tobacco rod from different angular positions required for the triangulation measurement configuration
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 solution allows for precise, efficient measurement of quality values and features around the entire circumference of tobacco rods, reducing wear and space requirements while providing detailed data on diameter, ovality, and other parameters at shorter intervals, suitable for multi-segment rods.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source (12) for generating a plurality of incident beam paths (16, 18) which surround the circumference of the product strand (11) falling on its surface
Implementation Method 2
with each light source having a position-sensitive sensor (29-31) for receiving light scattered from the article surface and for detecting a height profile of the article
Implementation Method 3
receiving light scattered from the article surface
Implementation Method 4
at least one light deflection element (14, 24, 25) between the light source (12) and the product strand (11) for deflecting at least one incoming beam path (16, 18), and/or between the product strand (11) and at least one light-sensitive element (29-31) for deflecting at least one outgoing beam path (38-40)
Data Source
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Figure 5~7
AI summary
An optical measuring device (10) for determining at least one feature, quality value and/or service data of an endlessly processed product strand (11) of the tobacco processing industry on the basis of triangulation comprises at least one light source (12) for generating a plurality of incident beam paths (16) that fall on the surface of the product strand (11) around its circumference; at least three photosensitive elements (29-31) arranged in a triangulation arrangement relative to the incident beam paths (16); and a digital evaluation device (73) configured to determine a 3-dimensional surface profile of the product strand (11) from the measurement signals transmitted by the photosensitive elements (29-31).The optical measuring device (10) has at least one light deflection element (14, 17, 24, 25) between the light source (12) and the product strand (11) for deflecting at least one incident beam path (16), and/or between the product strand (11) and at least one light-sensitive element (29-31) for deflecting at least one outgoing beam path (38-40).