Multi-Function Sensor Array for Homogeneous Irradiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing irradiation devices struggle to achieve homogeneous radiation distribution on complex geometries and three-dimensional surfaces due to the inverse square law of radiation power and non-homogeneous radiation characteristics, requiring manual adaptation and resulting in irregularities and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A method and device utilizing a sensor arrangement with LEDs that can function both as detectors and radiation sources, measuring objects to determine optimal irradiation parameters and adjust radiation intensity distribution dynamically, allowing for precise and flexible irradiation of complex surfaces without manual setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a radiation source with defined emission characteristic is used and arranged in fixed arrays, then the device can be configured for a specific component and geometry, but human intervention is required to adapt the device to different components/geometries and manual adjustment is needed to achieve homogeneous radiation distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different components geometriesVSAvoidmanual adaptation and setup required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses sensors to automatically measure the object geometry and reflectsivity, then the control device autonomously calculates and adjusts the radiation intensity distribution without manual intervention. The irradiation device self-adapts to different components by using the measurement data to generate appropriate irradiation patterns.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors measure the actual radiation distribution on the object surface and feed this information back to the control device. The control device uses this feedback to adjust the radiation source intensity distribution, creating a closed-loop system that automatically achieves homogeneous irradiation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the incident radiation power decreases with the square of the distance from the radiation source (1/r² law), then the radiation distribution becomes non-homogeneous on complex geometries, but compensating for this requires complex device design and manual intensity distribution setting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneity of radiation distributionVSAvoidcomplex device design and manual setup
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Before irradiation, the system performs preliminary measurements of the object geometry and surface properties using sensors. The control device then pre-calculates the required intensity distribution pattern to compensate for the 1/r² law and complex geometry, setting up the irradiation device automatically without manual adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The control device dynamically adjusts the radiation intensity parameters of each sensor element based on its position relative to the object surface and the measured reflectsivity. By changing the intensity parameter individually for each sensor, the system compensates for distance variations and achieves uniform radiation distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If special devices are designed for specific components and geometries to achieve homogeneous radiation distribution, then the radiation distribution requirement is met, but the device cannot be easily adapted to different components without human intervention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehomogeneous radiation distributionVSAvoidadaptability to different components
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The irradiation device is designed with multiple sensors that can function both as radiation sources and as measurement sensors. This multi-functional design allows a single device to handle different components and geometries by switching between emission and detection modes, eliminating the need for specialized devices for each application.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between different operational modes (emission mode for irradiation, detection mode for measurement) and automatically adjusts the intensity distribution based on real-time object characteristics. This dynamic adaptability allows the same hardware to serve multiple purposes without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 cost-effective, efficient, and homogeneous irradiation of complex geometries and three-dimensional structures with reduced energy waste and personnel costs, as the system automatically adjusts radiation intensity based on real-time measurements, ensuring uniform coverage without prior setup.

Implementation Method 1

measuring at least one object (35) with at least one sensor arrangement (15) with a plurality of sensors (16) by means of at least a subset of the sensors (16) in a detection mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation detection: Photoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

irradiate the object (35) by at least one further subset of the plurality of sensors (16) in an irradiation mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRadiation emission: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP3270103B1Method for processing objects and device and use thereof
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 AIRBUS DEFENCE & SPACE GMBH
  • EP3270103B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3270103B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a device and a method for processing objects (35), in particular objects (35) in a production process, in various processing steps, wherein at least one sensor arrangement (15) with a plurality of sensors (16) is used, wherein at least one object (35) is measured by means of at least a subset of the sensors (16) in a detection mode as a detection device (20); wherein a control device determines, taking into account a result of the measurement of the at least one object (35), whether to expose the at least one object (35) to an irradiation device (30); and wherein the at least one object (35) is irradiated by at least another subset of the plurality of sensors (16) in an irradiation mode as an irradiation device (30). Optionally, at least one part of the method is repeated with renewed measurement, determination, and/or irradiation.