Straightness Measurement Device Using Scanning Radiation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for contactlessly determining the straightness of long products are limited in precision and efficiency, particularly in achieving variable and quick measurements, and require exact knowledge of the product's straightness for calibration.
Innovation Solution
The device employs actively moving measuring radiation transversely to the long product's longitudinal direction, using characteristic intensity values from detection radiation to determine straightness, allowing for precise and variable measurements with minimal active movement of the product, and includes a method for calibrating the device by identifying reference values from multiple measurement cycles without initial straightness knowledge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If stationary light curtains are used to measure straightness, then the measurement setup is simple, but the measurement precision and speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by transitioning from stationary light curtains to actively moving measuring radiation. The radiation source module scans the long product by moving the measuring radiation in the transverse direction, allowing a single radiation source to sequentially measure multiple cross-sections. This dynamic approach achieves high measurement precision equivalent to multiple stationary sources while reducing device complexity through fewer physical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the measurement process into discrete scanning positions along the transverse direction. The control unit controls the radiation source to stop at predetermined scanning positions, measuring different cross-sections of the long product sequentially. This segmented approach enables comprehensive straightness determination through multiple measurement points while using a single movable radiation source instead of multiple stationary sources.
2Measurement precision
If multiple radiation source modules are used to improve measurement precision, then straightness determination becomes more accurate, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by designing a single radiation source module that performs multiple measurement functions. The movable radiation source sequentially measures straightness at multiple cross-sections of the long product, replacing what would traditionally require multiple stationary radiation source modules. This multi-functional design reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining high measurement precision through repeated measurements at different positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics to enable one radiation source to fulfill the role of multiple stationary sources. By moving the radiation source along the transverse direction and stopping at predetermined scanning positions, a single module achieves the measurement coverage and precision that would otherwise require multiple modules, simplifying manufacturing and reducing system complexity.
3Area of stationary object
If the long product is actively moved in the longitudinal direction to improve measurement coverage, then more cross-sections can be measured, but the measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the measuring radiation movable in the transverse direction while keeping the long product stationary. The radiation source scans across multiple cross-sections by moving transversely and stopping at predetermined positions, achieving comprehensive measurement coverage without requiring active movement of the long product. This approach reduces measurement time by eliminating product handling and positioning operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical movement of the long product with optical scanning of the radiation source. Instead of physically moving and positioning the product through mechanical means, the system uses a controllable radiation source that moves transversely to illuminate different cross-sections. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity and reduces measurement time by allowing rapid optical scanning without product handling.
4Measurement precision
If calibration requires exact knowledge of product straightness, then reference values can be accurately determined, but the calibration process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the self-service principle through the calibration method where the device determines reference straightness values autonomously from multiple measurement cycles without requiring external reference standards or exact prior knowledge of product straightness. The control unit processes measurement data from multiple cycles to statistically determine reference values, enabling self-calibration that reduces complexity and eliminates the need for specialized calibration equipment or expert intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action by performing multiple measurement cycles during calibration. The device repeatedly measures the same long product at predetermined scanning positions across multiple cycles, collecting data that is then processed to determine reference straightness values. This periodic measurement approach enables statistical analysis and robust reference determination without requiring complex external calibration standards.
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
This approach enables quick and precise determination of straightness in two dimensions with reduced active movement, improving precision and cost-effectiveness, and allows for statistically robust reference straightness determination, facilitating efficient operation and calibration.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation source module (106), with which punctiform measuring radiation (109) can be generated, preferably in the ultraviolet, visible or infrared spectral range
Implementation Method 2
a number of radiation detectors corresponding to the plurality of radiation source modules is provided, by which the measuring radiation that is modified by the or by each long product at various areas of incidence distributed in the longitudinal direction of the long product can be detected as detection radiation in the form of cast shadows
Data Source
AI summary
A device for contactlessly determining the straightness of at least one long product, where punctiform or linear measuring radiation is moved by a radiation source module over the long product at least transversely to the longitudinal direction of the long product during a measuring cycle. The intensity of detection radiation coming from an area of incidence of the measuring radiation is recorded by a radiation detection module in a time-resolved manner and is supplied to a control and evaluation unit. The spatial position of the areas of incidence and thus the straightness of a long product can be determined from location information regarding the areas of incidence in the longitudinal direction and from characteristic intensity values of the detection radiation. For a calibration, a reference straightness can be determined by carrying out multiple measuring cycles by rotating a long product of unknown straightness.