Shape Measuring Device Using Single Distance Sensor for Pipe Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing inner diameter measuring devices face issues with precision dependence on rotation, low durability due to movable units, and difficulty in distinguishing between the central axis inclination of the object and the measuring device, leading to challenging installation and reduced measurement precision, especially when measuring non-circular pipe bodies.
Innovation Solution
A shape measuring device that employs a single distance sensor to measure multiple points by separating and selecting measurement light beams, allowing for precise distance calculations without rotating the device, thus improving durability and measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a rotating unit is used to measure inner diameter, then measurement coverage is improved, but measurement precision depends on rotation precision and durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of rotating the measuring device to achieve comprehensive measurement coverage, the patent inverts the approach by keeping the device stationary and using multiple fixed distance sensors arranged around the pipe to simultaneously measure multiple points, thereby eliminating rotational movement while maintaining measurement coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the single rotating measurement task into multiple simultaneous stationary measurements by segmenting the measurement function across multiple distance sensors positioned at different locations, allowing comprehensive measurement without requiring rotation
2Measurement precision
If multiple displacement gauges are used to measure multiple points, then measurement precision is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes a single distance sensor universal by using it to measure multiple points sequentially through the separating and selecting units, allowing one sensor to perform the function of multiple sensors and thereby reducing device size while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic beam switching through the optical switch to allow a single distance sensor to dynamically measure multiple points by separating and selecting light beams, enabling one sensor to replace multiple sensors and reduce device complexity
3Measurement precision
If central axes are adjusted to be non-inclined, then measurement accuracy is improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical adjustment system with an optical/mathematical solution by using the separating and selecting units to direct light beams to multiple measurement points, allowing accurate measurement without requiring precise mechanical alignment of central axes and thereby simplifying installation
4Device complexity
If a single distance sensor measures multiple points, then device size is reduced, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic action through rapid sequential switching of the optical switch between multiple measurement points, allowing a single distance sensor to measure all points in quick succession, thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining reduced device size
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous useful action by rapidly switching the optical beam between measurement points without interruption, ensuring that the single distance sensor continuously measures different points in sequence, minimizing total measurement time while keeping device size reduced
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 solution enables improved durability and measurement precision without increasing device size, allowing for accurate shape inspection of pipe bodies with non-circular cross-sections by using a single distance sensor to measure multiple points, reducing the need for multiple sensors and simplifying installation.
Implementation Method 1
a distance sensor that applies a measurement light beam to the object to be measured, detects a reflected light beam from the object to be measured
Implementation Method 2
a separating unit that separates the measurement light beam from the distance sensor into a plurality of measurement light beams to be irradiated to a plurality of measuring points
Data Source
AI summary
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a shape inspection device that improves, without making the device larger, durability and measurement precision by measuring a plurality of points with a single distance sensor. The present invention provides a shape measuring device that measures the shape of an object to be measured and that comprises: a distance sensor that calculates the distance to the object to be measure by irradiating a measurement light toward the object to be measured and detecting the reflected light from the object to be measured; a separating unit that separates the measurement light from the distance sensor into a plurality of measurement light rays to be irradiated onto a plurality of measuring points; and a selecting unit that selects, from the plurality of measurement light beams separated by the separating unit, the measurement light to irradiate the object to be measured.