Radar Measuring Device for Extrusion Inclusion Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for structural analysis in extrusion lines face challenges in accurately measuring materials with smaller inclusions, as these inclusions reflect radar or THz radiation in different directions based on their orientation, leading to difficulties in determining layer thicknesses and identifying inhomogeneities.

Innovation Solution

A radar measuring device with a radar transceiver and opposing reflector forms a measurement space, allowing for relative adjustments to measure material flow and extruded products, utilizing statistical evaluations of signal amplitudes and transformations between frequency and time domains to analyze inclusions like air bubbles or fibers, and enabling Doppler measurements for velocity assessment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If radar or THz radiation is used to measure layer thicknesses by detecting partial reflections at interfaces, then measurement capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when measuring targets with smaller inclusions because the inclusions reflect radiation in different directions depending on orientation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelayer thickness measurementVSAvoiddetection of smaller inclusions
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from detecting only reflected radiation to detecting transmitted radiation that passes through the measurement object. This dimensional change in detection approach enables visualization of internal structures like smaller inclusions that would otherwise be invisible or orientation-dependent in reflection mode.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a transmitted radiation detection path as an intermediary measurement approach. By detecting radiation that has transmitted through the object rather than relying solely on reflections, the system gains access to internal structural information independent of inclusion orientation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple measurement setups are used to comprehensively analyze extrusion products, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural analysis capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the radar measuring device universal by enabling it to perform multiple measurement functions: reflection mode for layer thickness measurement and transmission mode for internal inclusion detection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized measurement setups.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent achieves versatility by changing measurement parameters, specifically the detection mode (reflection vs. transmission) and radiation frequency, rather than changing the physical measurement setup. This allows comprehensive structural analysis using a single device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 precise recording of material flow and extruded product characteristics, including inclusion detection and quantification, with standardized measurement setups and cost-effective data processing, facilitating control and regulation of the extrusion process.

Implementation Method 1

a radar transceiver (7) and an opposing reflector (9), forming a measurement space between these elements through which a measurement object can be guided

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

radar measuring device comprising a radar transceiver (7) and an opposing reflector (9)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadar: Radar

Implementation Method 3

outer travel times up to an outer surface of the measurement object and wall travel times through the wall regions of the measurement object, as well as a total travel time through the entire measuring region with the measurement object are measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentEP4574393A1Method for structural analysis of a measurement object in an extrusion section, radar measuring device and extrusion section
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 CITEX HOLDING GMBH
  • EP4574393A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4574393A1 patent drawingFigure 4~8
  • EP4574393A1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for the structural analysis of a measurement object (3) in an extrusion line, comprising at least the following steps: providing a radar measuring device (6) which has a radar transceiver (7) with an optical axis (A) and a reflector (9) arranged on the optical axis (A), wherein a measuring chamber (11) is formed between the radar transceiver (7) and the reflector (9), guiding a measurement object (3) of the extrusion line through the measuring chamber (11) in a transport direction (T), radar measurement in which radar beams (8) are emitted by the radar transceiver (7) along the optical axis (A) through the measuring chamber (11) and the measurement object (3) to the reflector (9) and reflected reflection beams (12) are detected by the radar transceiver (7), evaluating a measurement signal (S) of the radar transceiver (7) and determining structural variables of the measurement object (3).