THz Measuring Device Calibration for Extruded Profile Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing THz measuring devices in extrusion lines face challenges in accurately determining geometric properties and refractive index of extruded profiles due to errors and deviations, particularly when measuring profiles with unknown refractive indices.

Innovation Solution

A method and system utilizing a stationary THz measuring device combined with a reference gauge and portable THz and mechanical measuring devices to perform inline and offline measurements, enabling calibration and correction of measurement errors by comparing geometric measurements at the same point on cooled profile pieces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a stationary THz measuring device is used for inline measurement of extruded profiles, then continuous measurement during production is enabled, but measurement accuracy deteriorates due to unknown refractive index and device errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous measurement capabilityVSAvoidgeometric property measurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by performing offline calibration measurements on cooled profile pieces using portable reference measuring devices before using the stationary THz measuring device for continuous inline measurement. This preliminary calibration establishes reference values that compensate for the unknown refractive index and device errors, enabling accurate continuous measurement during production without compromising measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a stationary THz measuring device is used for inline measurement, then direct continuous measurement is achieved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to device errors and defects

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect inline measurement capabilityVSAvoidmeasurement result accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by using portable reference measuring devices to periodically measure cooled profile pieces and comparing these measurements with the stationary THz measuring device readings. The deviations detected through this feedback loop are used to calibrate and correct the stationary device, ensuring measurement reliability while maintaining the ease of direct inline measurement operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If portable measuring devices are used for offline measurement of cooled profile pieces, then measurement accuracy can be improved through calibration, but production time increases due to additional measurement steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegeometric property and refractive index determination accuracyVSAvoidadditional measurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies this principle by using portable measuring devices that can be quickly applied to individual cooled profile pieces for calibration purposes. These portable devices serve as temporary, disposable calibration tools that are used only when needed for calibration, then removed to allow the main stationary device to continue continuous measurement without interruption, thus minimizing time loss while maintaining precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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

Ensures reliable and accurate determination of geometric properties and refractive index of extruded profiles, allowing for real-time correction of measurement deviations and ensuring high safety and accuracy without production delays.

Implementation Method 1

terahertz radiation, which can also be in the radar and microwave range, is emitted by a THz transmitter and partially reflected at the boundary surfaces of the profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

geometric properties can be determined directly or indirectly from transit times of the reflected signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTime of flight: Time of Flight

Implementation Method 3

The ultrasonic measuring device is preferably applied to the profile piece from the outside, i.e. in particular perpendicularly to the outer surface of the profile piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic measurement: Ultrasound

Implementation Method 4

the reference gauge has a measuring accuracy down to the micrometer range. In particular, a mechanical measuring device, ultrasonic measuring device and/or laser measuring device can be provided as a reference measuring device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical measurement: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12416494B2Method for calibrating a THz measuring device and extrusion and measurement system
Publication Date: 2025.09.16 CITEX HOLDING GMBH
  • US12416494B2 patent drawing
  • US12416494B2 patent drawing
  • US12416494B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a method for calibrating a stationary THz measuring device which measures geometric properties of a profile by means of one or more THz sensors during an extrusion of the profile, comprising at least one or more steps.