Scattering Unit for Multi-Directional Object Shape Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for checking the shape of test objects are either inefficient in handling or require complex handling processes, especially when dealing with large numbers of objects or high cycle times.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a scattering unit with a diffusely reflecting inner wall surface, an object lighting unit, and an object detection unit that illuminates and captures the test object from multiple spatial directions, allowing for free accessibility and automated inspection without complex handling, using a conveyor to guide the test object through a curved or parabolic test track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the test object is fed through a linear conveyor system, then the handling process is simple, but the illumination and detection from multiple spatial directions cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a curved or parabolic test track instead of a linear conveyor path. This curvature allows the test object to pass through a scattering unit with diffusely reflecting inner wall surfaces that surround the test track, enabling illumination and detection from all spatial directions while maintaining automated conveyor-based handling.
2Measurement precision
If multiple cameras and lighting devices are arranged around the test object, then multi-directional detection is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the illumination function from multiple separate lighting devices and consolidates it into a scattering unit with diffusely reflecting inner wall surfaces. This single scattering unit, when illuminated by a light source, distributes light in all directions around the test object, replacing what would otherwise require multiple lighting devices and cameras arranged around the object.
3Measurement precision
If the test object is stationary during inspection, then precise measurement is achieved, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static inspection system to a dynamic one where the test object moves along a curved or parabolic test track during inspection. The object is fed by a conveyor and passes through the scattering unit in motion, allowing continuous inspection without stopping the production flow, thereby maintaining both precision and productivity.
4Device complexity
If the illumination is directed from a single direction, then the lighting setup is simple, but the detection of surface features from all directions is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scattering unit with diffusely reflecting inner wall surfaces as an intermediary between the light source and the test object. This scattering unit receives light from a single direction and redistributes it uniformly in all directions around the test object, enabling complete surface feature detection while maintaining a simple single-direction light source setup.
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 efficient, automated, and precise inspection of test objects by ensuring homogeneous illumination and detection from all spatial directions, reducing the complexity of handling and improving data quality, suitable for high-volume and high-cycle applications.
Implementation Method 1
the inner wall surface is designed in such a way that it diffusely reflects or scatters the electromagnetic radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system for checking the shape of a test object comprising: an object test track with at least one object test point arranged on the object test track, an object feed unit configured to feed the test object to the object test track so that the test object moves on the object test track during operation of the system, an object illumination unit configured and arranged to illuminate the test object with electromagnetic radiation at least at the object test point during operation of the system, an object detection unit configured and arranged to detect the test object at least at the object test point from a plurality of spatial directions during operation of the system and to generate test object data, and a computer-aided evaluation unit effectively connected to the object detection unit.that, during operation of the system, it receives the test object data from the object detection unit, and which is configured to compare the test object data with reference model data for the test object and detect any deviation between the test object data and the reference model data. It is an object of the present invention to provide such a system for testing objects that are manufactured in large quantities and/or at high cycle times, without complex handling. To achieve this object, it is proposed that the system of the type mentioned above further comprises a scattering unit with an inner wall surface, wherein the inner wall surface surrounds the object test area in a semi-spherical shell shape or in the form of a shell of a convex polyhedron with at least one opening for the test object, and wherein the inner wall surface is designed such that it diffusely reflects or scatters the electromagnetic radiation.and the object illumination unit and the diffusion unit are arranged in such a way that the electromagnetic radiation illuminates the test object at the object test point from all spatial directions covered by the inner wall surface.