Optical Surface Profiling System with Doppler Frequency Differentiation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current surface profiling devices are not capable of providing real-time measurements, are physically intrusive, and have high operational costs and energy consumption, making them unsuitable for continuous monitoring and mobile applications.

Innovation Solution

A system using a first light source emitting a Gaussian beam and a sensor to detect electromagnetic interference between the incident and backscattered light, with optical paths configured to generate distinct geometric points for Doppler frequency differentiation, allowing for real-time surface profiling with minimal intrusion and low energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional rugolaser devices are used for dynamic profile measurement, then surface profiling capability is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and expensive with limited measurement flexibility

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurface profile measurementVSAvoiddevice bulk and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple optical paths into a single integrated system. Two light sources with different wavelengths share common optical components including a beam splitter, focusing lens, and sensor, eliminating the need for separate measurement systems and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves multi-functionality by using a single sensor to detect both Doppler frequencies from two different optical paths. The beam splitter and focusing lens serve multiple purposes: directing light from two sources, focusing both beams, and enabling real-time distance measurement through differential Doppler frequency analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If imaging and lighting systems are used for quality control, then three-dimensional surface observation is achieved, but processing time increases and workflow is disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional surface observationVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical imaging systems with an optical-based Doppler measurement system. By using light sources and detecting Doppler frequency shifts, the system achieves three-dimensional surface observation without the mechanical complexity and processing delays of traditional imaging systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous real-time measurement by continuously emitting light from two sources and continuously detecting the Doppler frequencies. This allows uninterrupted surface profiling during object movement, eliminating the batch processing nature of conventional imaging systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Device complexity

If a single optical path is used for measurement, then device simplicity is maintained, but real-time distance measurement during movement is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoptical path configurationVSAvoidreal-time distance measurement
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent adds a temporal dimension to the measurement by utilizing Doppler frequency shifts caused by relative movement. The two optical paths create two different Doppler frequencies that encode distance information, enabling real-time measurement during movement rather than requiring static conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Enables real-time, non-intrusive surface profiling with high spatial resolution and adaptability to varying speeds, reducing operational costs and energy usage while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Implementation Method 1

A first sensor capable of evaluating the effects of electromagnetic interference between a part of the first emitted light beam and a part of the beam backscattered on the external surface of the medium of the first light beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interference: Interference

Implementation Method 2

At least one focusing lens located upstream or downstream of at least one optical beam splitter on the first and/or second optical path, enabling all or part of the light beam to be focused to a focusing distance f

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFocusing: Focusing

Implementation Method 3

a means for guiding at least a second light beam comprising at least one mirror capable of redirecting at least part of the second optical path towards the first optical path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

At least one optical beam splitter located upstream of the first sensor redirecting a part of the first light beam located on the first optical path, the other part of the first light beam is a second light beam following a second optical path

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOptical beam splitting: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP4143503B1System for generating a signal representative of the profile of a surface moving relative to the system
Publication Date: 2024.09.04 MICHELIN & CO (CIE GEN DES ESTAB MICHELIN)
  • EP4143503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4143503B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4143503B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Disclosed is a system for generating a signal of a surface (22) having a velocity V In a direction U, the system comprising: - a light source (2) emitting a Gaussian beam of light along a first optical path (11); - a sensor (3) capable of evaluating the effects of the electromagnetic interference of the first beam; - a beam splitter (4), located upstream of the sensor (3), generating from the first light beam a second light beam along a second optical path (12); - a focusing lens (5, 6), located on at the first optical path and/or the second optical path (11, 12), focusing the light beam at a distance f and defining an optical path (11', 12') upstream; and - a means for routing (7) the second beam, comprising a mirror redirecting the second path so that the lengths of the first (11') and second (12') paths are different.