Ring Blade Optical Inspection for Cutting Edge Angle and Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for inspecting the quality of cutting edges of blades, such as those used in slitter plants, are unreliable, non-quantitative, and inconvenient, often relying on indirect assessments or limited video camera applications that fail to accurately evaluate both cutting angle and continuity.
Innovation Solution
An automatic system comprising a supporting and moving group, emitting and detecting light beams, and a control unit to assess the cutting edge's quality by rotating the blade and using laser and LED beams to generate detection signals for processing, providing precise and effective evaluation of cutting angle and continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If indirect assessment methods (product analysis) or expert operator inspection are used, then the inspection can be performed with simple equipment, but the reliability and accuracy of cutting edge quality assessment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual expert inspection and indirect product analysis with an automated optical measurement system. The system uses laser beams and LED light sources to illuminate the cutting edge, with photodetectors capturing reflected light patterns to automatically assess cutting angle and continuity, eliminating subjective human judgment and complex mechanical inspection apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light beams (laser and LED) as intermediaries to bridge the gap between the cutting edge and the detection system. The light reflects off the cutting edge surface, carrying information about its geometry and continuity, which is then captured by photodetectors to generate quantitative quality metrics without direct physical contact.
2Loss of information
If video camera applications are used for blade inspection, then visual assessment can be obtained, but the system remains limited to single feature quantification and requires bench execution, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inspection task into multiple independent measurement channels: one for cutting angle assessment and another for continuity detection. Each channel uses dedicated light sources and photodetectors configured for specific measurement purposes, allowing parallel processing of multiple quality features simultaneously rather than sequential single-feature inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional inspection system that can assess both cutting angle and continuity using the same basic platform of light sources and photodetectors. The system is designed to perform multiple inspection functions without requiring separate dedicated equipment for each feature, enabling comprehensive quality assessment in a single integrated operation.
3Device complexity
If traditional inspection methods are used, then equipment cost can be kept low, but measurement precision and quantification capability of cutting edge quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters from indirect visual assessment to direct optical parameter measurement. By measuring the intensity and distribution of reflected light from the cutting edge, the system converts geometric features (cutting angle, continuity) into quantifiable optical parameters that can be precisely measured and processed electronically, achieving high measurement precision with relatively simple hardware.
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
The system enables reliable, quick, and accurate assessment of blade quality, reducing material waste by automating the inspection process and providing actionable quality indices for blade maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser beam, configured to emit a laser beam toward the cutting edge of the blade under investigation
Implementation Method 2
a second LED beam, configured to emit a LED beam toward the cutting edge of the blade under investigation
Implementation Method 3
one first detecting group, configured to detect a first light beam reflected from the blade, when said first inspection light beam is emitted toward said blade
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic system for inspecting a cutting edge of a ring shaped blade. An example system includes one supporting and moving group rotatably mounted around one rotation axis and configured to support the ring shaped blade between at least one parking position and at least one reading position, one first emitting unit configured to emit at least one first inspection light beam, one second emitting unit configured to emit at least one second inspection light beam, one first detecting unit configured to detect a first light beam reflected from the ring shaped blade, and one second detecting unit configured to detect a second light beam reflected from the ring shaped blade, and one control and processing unit configured to receive an input and process at least one detection signal and output at least one quality index of the cutting edge of the ring shaped blade.