Painting Station Measuring Cell Using Visible Light
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing painting installations for motor vehicle bodies require long measuring cabins due to punctiform layer thickness measurement methods, which are hazardous and difficult to integrate into existing systems, and fail to accurately determine paint layer thickness.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a two-dimensional layer thickness measurement using visible light radiation sources like flashguns or gas discharge lamps, combined with infra-red cameras, to reduce the measuring cell length and eliminate hazardous laser radiation, allowing for a shorter measuring cell that can be easily integrated into existing installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If punctiform layer thickness measurement using laser is used, then measurement precision is improved, but the measuring cabin length increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from punctiform (one-dimensional point) measurement to two-dimensional area measurement by using a camera to capture reflected laser patterns across a surface area, allowing simultaneous measurement of multiple points and eliminating the need for long cabins
2Measurement precision
If multiple individual measurements are taken to achieve two-dimensional measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous two-dimensional measurement across the entire painted surface in a single operation rather than requiring sequential point-by-point measurements, maintaining measurement accuracy while dramatically increasing productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple measurement points into a single two-dimensional measurement field captured by the camera, merging 60-100 individual measurements into one simultaneous operation
3Measurement precision
If laser radiation in non-visible wavelength range is used, then measurement precision is improved, but harmful factors increase due to eye and skin danger
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the laser wavelength from non-visible infrared range to visible range (e.g., green laser at 532nm), maintaining measurement precision while eliminating the invisible hazard to human eyes and skin
4Object-affected harmful factors
If visible light sources like flashguns are used, then harmful factors are reduced, but measurement precision may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the camera to capture an optical copy (reflected laser pattern) of the surface, deriving layer thickness information from the two-dimensional intensity distribution rather than requiring direct contact or high-energy radiation
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 approach reduces the number of individual measurements needed, minimizes health hazards, and facilitates integration by shortening the measuring cell, while enabling accurate two-dimensional layer thickness determination over larger areas, enhancing the efficiency and safety of the painting process.
Implementation Method 1
the component surfaces to be measured are irradiated with visible light and are subsequently measured by an infra-red camera
Implementation Method 2
visible light radiation sources like flashguns or gas discharge lamps
Data Source
AI summary
A painting station, e.g., for serially painting components such as motor vehicles, is disclosed. A painting station may include at least one painting cell in which components are coated, e.g., with a paint, that has a certain layer thickness. At least one measuring cell is provided for measuring the layer thickness of the paint, e.g., with a radiation source, a radiation detector, and a conveying path along which the components to be coated are conveyed through the painting and measuring cells. The radiation source may emit light in the visible wavelength range.