Electromagnetic Panel Detection for Suction Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining the number of panel-shaped products lifted by a suction device in wood processing are inadequate, as they require prior knowledge of panel weights and cannot distinguish between single and multiple panels, leading to unintended lifting of additional panels.
Innovation Solution
Irradiating panel-shaped products with electromagnetic radiation, such as radar or terahertz radiation, to create reflections at boundary surfaces, which are evaluated to determine the number of panels, their thickness, quality, and stack height, using a mixed signal formed from output and reflection signals, and analyzing frequency shifts and intensity reductions to assess panel properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If weight-based detection is used to determine the number of panels, then the number of panels can be detected, but prior knowledge of panel weights is required and the method cannot reliably distinguish single from multiple panels without weight information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical weight-based detection system with an electromagnetic radiation-based detection system. Instead of measuring the weight of panels to determine their number, the system uses electromagnetic radiation (radar or terahertz) that penetrates the panels and generates reflections at interfaces. This substitution eliminates the need for prior weight knowledge and provides direct interface detection through signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic radiation as an intermediary medium to detect panel interfaces. The radiation acts as a mediator that interacts with the panels, generating reflections that carry information about the number of panels and their interfaces. This intermediary approach allows non-contact, non-intrusive detection without requiring direct physical measurement of panel properties.
2Force
If strong suction forces are applied to lift panels, then panels can be lifted effectively, but multiple panels may be accidentally grabbed and lifted together
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the electromagnetic radiation detection system continuously monitors the number of panels being lifted. When multiple panels are detected, the system provides feedback to reduce the suction force, ensuring only one panel is lifted. This closed-loop control prevents accidental multiple panel lifting while maintaining effective single panel handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the suction force dynamic rather than static. The suction force is adjusted in real-time based on the detected number of panels. When one panel is detected, normal suction force is maintained; when multiple panels are detected, the suction force is reduced to release the extra panels. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable single panel lifting.
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic radiation with periodically changing frequency is used, then panel interfaces can be detected through reflection analysis, but the measurement and evaluation system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses parameter changes in the electromagnetic radiation, specifically varying the frequency over time (chirp signal). By changing the frequency parameter, the system can distinguish between reflections from different interfaces based on their time delays. This parameter variation enables precise interface detection while the evaluation system processes the frequency-time relationship to determine panel number and properties.
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
Accurately determines the number of panels and their properties, allowing for precise control of suction forces to prevent multiple panels from being lifted, enhancing handling efficiency and production reliability by ensuring only one panel is suspended at a time.
Implementation Method 1
A radiation source 20, which is directed at the indefinite number of plate-shaped products and irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, in particular radar or terahertz radiation
Implementation Method 2
Radar pulses are emitted onto a stack of paper, and the corresponding reflection is measured
Implementation Method 3
The echo a(t), i.e., the sum of the reflections of the emitted radiation reflected from the interfaces of one or more plates, is detected as an input signal by a receiver
Data Source
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AI summary
In the method for determining an indefinite number of plate-shaped products (11-16) made of wood or wood substitutes, a radiation source (20) is used, which is directed at the indefinite number of plate-shaped products (11-16) and irradiated with electromagnetic radiation, in particular radar or terahertz radiation, f(t) emitted by the radiation source (20). The emitted radiation f(t) is emitted as an output signal as a function of time t with a periodically changing frequency. The echo a(t) of the emitted radiation is detected as an input signal by a receiver, in particular located at the location of the radiation source (20), wherein the echo a(t) contains a sum of reflection signals a1(t), a2(t),..., an(t) representative of the existing interfaces (1-8) of the indefinite number of plate-shaped products (11-16).A mixed signal m(t), specifically in the form of a combination of the two signals f(t) and a(t), is generated from the output signal f(t) and the input signal a(t). Based on the mixed signal m(t), the number and/or thickness of the plate-shaped products (11-16) and/or the height of a stack of the plate-shaped products (11-16) and/or the quality of the plate-shaped products (11-16) are determined.