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, inconvenient, and limited in assessing both cutting angle and continuity, necessitating a more effective and practical solution.
Innovation Solution
An automatic inspection 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 detect angles and defects, providing precise and reliable results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional indirect assessment methods (product analysis) are used, then implementation is simple, but reliability and measurement precision are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual/tactile inspection methods with an optical measurement system using laser beams and sensors to automatically measure cutting edge geometry, thereby improving reliability while maintaining reasonable system complexity through automated non-contact measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy/reflection of the cutting edge by analyzing laser beam reflections from the blade surface, enabling indirect yet precise measurement of cutting edge geometry without direct contact, thus improving reliability while keeping the system relatively simple
2Adaptability or versatility
If video camera systems are used, then visual inspection is possible, but they are limited to single feature quantification and require bench execution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional inspection system that can measure multiple features simultaneously (cutting angle, edge continuity, surface defects) using integrated laser emitting groups and detecting groups, eliminating the need for separate single-feature inspection devices and enabling direct on-machine inspection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces video camera-based visual inspection with laser-based optical measurement systems that provide quantitative data for multiple features simultaneously, enabling automated on-machine inspection without requiring bench execution or manual operation
3Loss of information
If multiple inspection features are measured simultaneously, then comprehensive assessment is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple inspection functions into a single integrated system where laser emitting groups and detecting groups work together to measure cutting angle, edge continuity, and surface defects simultaneously, reducing information loss while managing system complexity through functional integration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal inspection platform that handles multiple measurement tasks through coordinated laser beams and sensors, achieving comprehensive assessment without requiring separate dedicated devices for each feature, thus balancing information completeness with acceptable system complexity
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 precise and efficient assessment of cutting edge quality, including cutting angle and continuity, reducing material waste by providing quick and reliable results, and can be integrated into processing plants for automated inspection.
Implementation Method 1
one first emitting group, configured to emit at least one first inspection light beam toward said supporting and moving group and toward said cutting edge of said blade
Implementation Method 2
one second emitting group, configured to emit at least one second inspection light beam toward said supporting and moving group and toward said cutting edge of said blade
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~12
AI summary
Automatic system (1) for inspecting one cutting edge (2, 2') of a ring shaped blade (3), wherein the ring shaped blade (3) is configured to be used in a plant for cutting one sheet of metallic material and extends around a central symmetry axis (y-y), the system (1) comprising: one supporting and moving group (4) rotatably mounted around one rotation axis (x-x) and configured to support the ring shaped blade (3) between at least one parking position and at least one reading position and for putting it in rotation around the rotation axis (x-x), wherein when the ring shaped blade (3) is supported in the at least one reading position, the rotation axis (x-x) is coincident with the central symmetry axis (y-y) of the ring shaped blade (3); one first emitting group (7), configured to emit at least one first inspection light beam (71) toward the supporting and moving group (4) and toward the cutting edge (2, 2') of the ring shaped blade (3), when the blade is supported by the supporting and moving group (4); one second emitting group (8), configured to emit at least one second inspection light beam (81) toward the cutting edge (2, 2') of the ring shaped blade (3); one first detecting group (9), configured to detect a first light beam reflected from the ring shaped blade (3), and one second detecting group (9'), configured to detect a second light beam reflected from the ring shaped blade (3), the first detecting group (9) and the second detecting group (9') being both positioned at the supporting and moving group (4) and configured to detect the first light beam and second light beam reflected from the ring shaped blade (3), respectively, and output at least one respective detection signal (911, 912); one control and processing unit, configured to receive in input and process the at least one detection signal (911, 912), and output at least one quality index (I) of the cutting edge (2, 2') of the ring shaped blade (3).