Automated Thickness Measurement Apparatus with Compression Sensor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thickness measurement systems suffer from 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

An apparatus with a compression control system, including a movable platform, compression sensor, and switching device, which automatically toggles to measure object thickness and transmits the measurement to a remote database via a wireless medium, ensuring consistent and automated data recording.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual measurement and recording is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate due to human interference and errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement system structureVSAvoidthickness measurement consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical measurement operations with an automated measurement system that uses a compression sensor and electronic processing circuit. The system automatically detects thickness by measuring compression force and calculates results through a processor, eliminating human interference while maintaining measurement accuracy and consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement system performs self-measurement and self-recording functions. When an object is placed on the platform, the system automatically activates the compression sensor, measures the thickness, processes the data, and stores the result in memory without requiring manual intervention for each measurement step, thereby improving precision while keeping the device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual recording of each measurement is required, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to time loss and human errors in recording

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata recording mechanismVSAvoidmeasurement throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual recording operations with an automated electronic data recording system. The processing circuit automatically captures measurement data from the compression sensor, stores it in memory, and can transmit results, eliminating the time-consuming manual recording process while maintaining simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous measurement and recording operations. Each measurement is automatically captured and stored in sequence without interruption, allowing multiple objects to be measured rapidly without the breaks and errors associated with manual recording, thereby significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Productivity

If automated measurement system is implemented, then productivity is improved through faster measurements, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors and control systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidcompression control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a streamlined automated measurement system where a compression sensor and processing circuit replace complex mechanical measurement mechanisms. The system uses electronic force measurement and digital processing to achieve rapid automated thickness measurement, improving productivity while keeping the added complexity minimal compared to traditional mechanical automation approaches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Loss of information

If automated data transmission is implemented, then loss of information is reduced through accurate digital recording, but device complexity increases due to communication circuits and databases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement data accuracyVSAvoidcommunication and data storage system
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces potential manual transcription errors with direct digital data capture and storage. The processing circuit automatically converts compression sensor readings into digital measurement values and stores them in memory, ensuring accurate information retention without requiring complex communication infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 with reduced human error and time loss by enabling automated data transmission, allowing for immediate reporting and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

a compression sensor, and a switching device operatively coupled to the compression sensor. The compression control system is used to toggle a switching device at a predefined compression of the movable platform

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForce sensing: Force

Data Source

PatentEP3032216B1Method and apparatus for measuring thickness of an object
Publication Date: 2017.11.01 GENERAL ELECTRIC CO
  • EP3032216B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3032216B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

An apparatus 100 for measuring thickness of an object is provided. The apparatus 100 includes a compression control system 200 which further includes a movable platform 210, a compression sensor 220, and a switching device 230 operatively coupled to the compression sensor 220. The apparatus 100 also includes a measurement system 290 operatively coupled to the switching device 230 for receiving a signal representative of a toggle event at the switching device 230 and configured to measure a gradient. The apparatus 100 also includes a processing circuit 300 operatively coupled to the switching device 230 and the measurement system 290 for measuring a thickness of the object upon receiving the signal representative of the toggle event at the switching device 230 by using the gradient and a communication circuit 320 for transmitting a measured thickness of the object to a remote database 330.