Automated Thickness Measurement Apparatus with Compression Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thickness measurement systems are prone to inconsistent measurements due to human interference and require manual recording, leading to errors and inefficiencies, especially when measuring multiple objects within a predefined time.

Innovation Solution

A thickness measurement apparatus with a compression control system, including a movable platform, compression sensor, and switching device, which automatically measures object thickness by toggling a switching device upon sensing predetermined compression and transmits the measurement to a remote database via a wireless medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual recording of thickness measurements is used, then the measurement process is simple, but human errors occur and time is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement consistencyVSAvoidtime for manual recording

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical recording process with an automated electronic data capture and transmission system. The thickness measurement device automatically transmits measured data to a database or display unit, eliminating the need for manual writing or data entry, thus reducing both human error and time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs self-recording and self-transmission of data. The device automatically stores measurement results in its memory and can autonomously transmit them to external databases or display units, eliminating the need for human intervention in the recording process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If external force is used to move the measuring surface, then the measurement can be performed, but human interference causes inconsistent measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated motor-driven system. A motor moves the measuring surface according to pre-set parameters, eliminating human variability and ensuring consistent application of force and movement across all measurements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses pre-programmed parameters for force application and movement distance. These parameters can be adjusted and stored for different measurement scenarios, ensuring that the same standardized conditions are applied consistently to all objects being measured.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple objects are measured within a predefined time, then productivity increases, but manual recording leads to errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidrecording accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The automated electronic data transmission system replaces manual recording, enabling rapid capture and storage of multiple measurements without the errors associated with manual writing. The system can quickly process and store data from multiple objects in sequence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system maintains continuous operation by automatically transmitting each measurement result immediately after acquisition. This eliminates the interruptive nature of manual recording, allowing measurements to flow continuously without breaks or errors, thereby maintaining both high speed and high accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 provides consistent and reproducible thickness measurements, reduces human error, and enables one-step measurement and recording, improving efficiency by automating the process and allowing for immediate data transmission and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a compression sensor, and a switching device operatively coupled to the compression sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentUS9441937B2Method and apparatus for measuring thickness of an object

Publication Date: 2016.09.13 BLUE RIDGE INNOVATIONS LLC

AI summary

An apparatus for measuring thickness of an object is provided. The apparatus includes a compression control system which further includes a movable platform, a compression sensor, and a switching device operatively coupled to the compression sensor. The apparatus also includes a measurement system operatively coupled to the switching device for receiving a signal representative of a toggle event at the switching device and configured to measure a gradient. The apparatus also includes a processing circuit operatively coupled to the switching device and the measurement system for measuring a thickness of the object upon receiving the signal representative of the toggle event at the switching device by using the gradient and a communication circuit for transmitting a measured thickness of the object to a remote database.