Radar Vibration Mapping for Contactless Object Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration measurement technologies, such as contacting sensors and laser-based methods, are expensive, require dedicated hardware, and struggle in challenging environments, necessitating an improved apparatus and method for accurate vibration measurements.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a radar system, specifically a Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave (FMCW) radar, to determine an initial set of measurement results, including angles-of-arrivals and phases of reflected signals, and generate a phase map and vibration map based on these measurements, with the option to switch to Doppler-frequency measurements for higher vibration frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If contacting sensors like accelerometers are used for vibration measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contacting sensors (accelerometers) with a radar-based electromagnetic measurement system. The radar apparatus transmits electromagnetic signals that reflect off vibrating objects, and the phase changes in reflected signals are processed to determine vibration characteristics, eliminating the need for physical contact sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electromagnetic waves as an intermediary medium between the measurement system and the vibrating object. Instead of direct mechanical contact, the radar system uses transmitted and reflected electromagnetic signals to indirectly measure vibrations, with the phase information serving as the intermediary carrier of vibration data.
2Measurement precision
If laser-based non-contacting methods are used for vibration measurements, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes laser-based optical measurement systems with a radar-based electromagnetic measurement system. The radar apparatus uses electromagnetic signal transmission and reflection, processing phase changes to achieve vibration measurement without requiring complex optical hardware or specialized environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter domain from optical frequency (laser) to radio frequency (radar). By operating in the electromagnetic spectrum at radar frequencies, the system achieves vibration measurement capabilities with simpler, more robust hardware that is less sensitive to environmental conditions like water vapor.
3Ease of operation
If optical methods are used for vibration measurements, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but reliability deteriorates in challenging environments with water vapour
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating wavelength from optical range (laser) to microwave/radio frequency range (radar). Electromagnetic waves at radar frequencies penetrate water vapor, smoke, dust, and other atmospheric conditions that block or scatter optical wavelengths, thereby maintaining measurement reliability in challenging environments while preserving non-contact measurement capability.
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 accurate vibration measurements in various environmental conditions, including direct sunlight, darkness, smoke, rain, or dust, with the ability to measure vibration frequencies up to hundreds of megahertz, and provides precise vibration maps with submicrometer accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
Initial regular measurements are performed by a radar, such as a Frequency-Modulated Continuous Wave, FMCW, radar
Implementation Method 2
the phase map comprises at least phase differences between the initial transmitted signals and the initial reflected signals
Implementation Method 3
determine a phase map of the field of view of the radar, wherein the phase map comprises at least phase differences between the initial transmitted signals and the initial reflected signals
Implementation Method 4
with the option to switch to Doppler-frequency measurements for higher vibration frequencies
Data Source
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AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method comprising, determining an initial set of measurement results, wherein said initial set of measurements results comprises at least angles-of-arrivals and phases of initial reflected signals, the initial reflected signals being reflections of initial signals transmitted by a radar in a field of view of the radar, determining a phase map of the field of view of the radar, wherein the phase map comprises at least phase differences between the initial transmitted signals and the initial reflected signals as a function of said angles-of-arrivals of the initial reflected signals and determining a vibration map of the field of view of the radar based at least on the phase map.