Optical Sensor Rows for Paper Web Thickness Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing paper web measurement devices are complex, difficult to align, and less accurate due to the need for multiple sensors and inclination angle corrections in three-dimensional space, making precise thickness measurement challenging.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device utilizing two one-dimensional rows of sensors with a variable angle between them, allowing for two-dimensional data collection and inclination angle determination, which simplifies the measurement process and improves accuracy by using optical radiation and signal processing to calculate the thickness of the paper web.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two mutually aligned measuring units with multiple sensors each are used to measure paper web thickness, then measurement completeness (inclination detection) is improved, but device complexity and alignment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a symmetric two-unit configuration to an asymmetric single-unit configuration with sensors arranged in a specific geometric pattern (triangle, quadrangle, or polygon). This dimensional reorganization allows inclination detection and thickness measurement to be achieved with a simpler, non-aligned sensor arrangement that does not require mutual alignment between separate measuring units.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the functions of multiple sensors (distance measurement and inclination detection) into a single measuring unit with a geometrically arranged sensor array. This merging eliminates the need for separate mutually aligned measuring units while maintaining the capability to detect both thickness and inclination angles through mathematical processing of signals from the geometrically arranged sensors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sensors are aligned mutually in three-dimensional space to determine inclination, then measurement capability is improved, but alignment difficulty and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pre-calculated geometric relationships and stored reference data for the sensor arrangements. The control unit contains pre-programmed algorithms that automatically process sensor signals based on the known geometric configuration, eliminating the need for time-consuming real-time alignment calculations and enabling rapid inclination determination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment procedures with mathematical processing of electrical signals from the sensors. Instead of physically aligning multiple measuring units, the system uses computational geometry and signal processing to determine inclination angles, substituting mechanical precision requirements with mathematical calculations.
3Loss of information
If sensors are focused on opposite side sensors to form pairs, then three-dimensional positioning is improved, but measurement system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes each sensor in the geometric arrangement multi-functional, capable of contributing to both distance measurement and inclination detection simultaneously. The control unit processes signals from each sensor to extract multiple pieces of spatial information, eliminating the need for dedicated paired sensors and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining complete spatial positioning capability.
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 enables accurate and simplified measurement of paper web thickness by reducing the complexity of sensor alignment and inclination corrections, providing precise data on the object's properties with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced measurement inaccuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Each sensor forms data representing the distance between the object to be measured and the sensor from one side of the object to be measured
Data Source
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AI summary
A measuring device comprises a first optical sensor row (200) and a second optical sensor row (202) between which a planar object (204) to be measured is placed. The direction of the first sensor row (200) and the direction of the second sensor row (202) differ from one another. Each sensor (208) of the first sensor row (200) forms data representing a distance between the object (204) to be measured and the sensor (208). Each sensor (210) of the second sensor row (202) forms data representing a distance between the object (204) to be measured and the sensor (210) in order to determine at least one property of the object (204) to be measured on the basis of said data.