Ultrasound Sensor Edge Detection Multi-Function Transducer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for detecting material web edges using ultrasound sensors are complex and costly due to the need for multiple transmitter and receiver elements, especially for extended measurement ranges, and face challenges with sound barriers and sensitivity issues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus employs a single ultrasound transmitter element that can actuate multiple receiver elements, utilizing piezoelectric composite materials for transducer elements to simplify design, reduce complexity, and enhance flexibility, allowing for a common transducer element to serve multiple transmitter and receiver elements, thus reducing the number of parts and improving sound exposure homogeneity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of stationary object
If multiple individual ultrasound transmitter and receiver elements are used to provide a certain measurement range, then the measurement range is extended, but the complexity and costs of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single ultrasound transmitter element to actuate multiple ultrasound receiver elements. This is achieved through a common transducer element that can be selectively activated to transmit ultrasound signals to different receiver elements, allowing one transmitter to perform multiple detection functions across an extended measurement range, thereby reducing the total number of components needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of multiple transmitter and receiver elements into a single integrated ultrasound sensor unit. By combining multiple receiver elements with a single common transducer element, the apparatus achieves a compact design that maintains extended measurement capability while significantly reducing component count and system complexity.
2Length of stationary object
If multiple individual ultrasound transmitter and receiver elements are used, then the measurement range is extended, but the costs of the apparatus increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces manufacturing costs by designing a universal ultrasound sensor unit where a single transmitter element and common transducer element can serve multiple receiver elements. This multi-functional design eliminates the need to manufacture and assemble multiple separate transmitter-receiver pairs, thereby reducing component costs and assembly complexity while maintaining extended measurement range capability.
3Reliability
If dedicated transmitter elements are assigned to each receiver element, then the signal transmission is optimized, but the number of parts increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal transducer element that can be selectively activated to transmit ultrasound signals to multiple different receiver elements. This single multi-functional transducer replaces what would traditionally require multiple dedicated transmitter elements, maintaining signal transmission quality through controlled activation while significantly reducing the number of parts in the system.
4Measurement precision
If barriers exist between individual ultrasound receiver elements, then the signal isolation is improved, but the sound exposure becomes non-uniform
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the barriers that would traditionally exist between individual receiver elements in order to achieve uniform sound exposure. By extracting or eliminating these separating structures, the ultrasound signal can reach all receiver elements uniformly from the common transducer element, ensuring consistent measurement conditions across the entire measurement range without compromising signal isolation through the shared transducer architecture.
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 configuration simplifies the apparatus, reduces costs, enhances reliability, and maintains measurement accuracy over extended ranges by ensuring more uniform sound exposure and reduced sensitivity to soiling, leading to lower maintenance and operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing piezoelectric composite materials for transducer elements
Implementation Method 2
an ultrasound transmitter element which applies an ultrasound measurement signal to two or more of the ultrasound receiver elements
Data Source
AI summary
Some aspects relate to an apparatus for detecting an edge of a material web. In some examples, the apparatus comprises an ultrasound sensor which comprises two or more separately readable ultrasound receiver elements and an ultrasound transmitter element, wherein the ultrasound transmitter element is designed and arranged such that it applies an ultrasound measurement signal to two or more of the ultrasound receiver elements.