Preform Thickness Measurement via Electromechanical Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current preform forming systems rely on manual measurement of preform material thickness, which is time-consuming, prone to errors, and inefficient, especially when the material is being fed into and out of a loom in preform forming machinery.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a material detection device, an electromechanical transducer device, and a controller to automatically measure the thickness of the preform material in real-time as it advances into and retracts from the loom, using a roller coupled to the transducer to convert mechanical motion into electrical signals for accurate thickness recording.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual measurement of preform material thickness is used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but measurement time increases and measurement precision decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement with an automated measurement system that uses a roller coupled to an electromechanical transducer device. The transducer converts mechanical motion into electrical signals, enabling automatic thickness measurement without manual intervention, thereby improving both precision and speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system is designed to automatically detect and record thickness measurements without requiring operator intervention. The system self-regulates by receiving signals from material detection devices, converting measurements, and recording data automatically, freeing operators from manual measurement tasks.
2Productivity
If automated measurement system is implemented, then measurement precision and productivity improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller serves multiple functions within the measurement system: it receives signals from material detection devices, converts measurements from one format to another, and records the final thickness data. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, managing system complexity while maintaining high productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical transducer device acts as an intermediary between the mechanical roller and the electronic recording system. It converts mechanical motion into electrical signals that the controller can process, bridging the physical measurement and digital recording domains without requiring complex direct integration.
3Measurement precision
If real-time measurement is implemented, then data accuracy improves, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system operates continuously as preform material moves through the loom, providing real-time thickness measurements without interruption. The roller and transducer device continuously track material thickness, and the controller continuously processes and records data, ensuring uninterrupted accurate measurement throughout the manufacturing process.
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 system reduces operator interaction, minimizes errors, and provides real-time accurate data collection, optimizing operator time and improving the precision of thickness measurements.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical transducer device, where measurements in the first set of measurements are detected by the electromechanical transducer device
Implementation Method 2
a roller, where the electromechanical transducer device is coupled to the roller and where the roller is configured to roll along a top layer of the preform material
Implementation Method 3
the material detection device is a full spectrum sensor that is configured to detect a color associated with the preform material
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided for measuring a thickness of a preform material. The system includes a material detection device and a controller, wherein the controller is configured to: receive, from the material detection device, a signal indicating a presence of the preform material; responsive to receiving the signal, receive a first set of measurements along at least a portion of a length of the preform material; convert the first set of measurements into a second set of measurements; and record the second set of measurements.