Length Measurement System Along Uv-Shaped Conveyor Using Data From Object Sensors

What is this patent about?

'428 is related to the field of measuring the length of elongated objects, particularly those produced by an extrusion process. The background involves the need for rapid and accurate real-time measurement of extruded materials, such as rubber or plastic tubes, without slowing down the extrusion and cutting processes. Existing extrusion and cutting devices can produce material at high speeds, creating a demand for equally fast and precise measurement techniques.

The underlying idea behind '428 is to use a V-shaped conveyor system with a gap at the bottom to present elongated objects to optical sensors. The object passes through a light beam projected across the gap, and the interruption of the beam is used to determine the object's length. By using two detectors at a known distance apart and averaging their measurements, the system improves accuracy and validates the readings.

The claims of '428 focus on a measurement apparatus comprising a pair of conveyors arranged in a V-shape, creating a conveying path for elongated objects. A gap between the conveyors allows a light beam to pass through. Optical detectors positioned along the path sense the presence of the object and measure its length based on the interruption of the light beam. The system uses multiple measurements to enhance accuracy.

In practice, the extruded material is fed onto the V-shaped conveyor, which moves the object through the measurement zone. As the object's leading and trailing edges pass the optical detectors, the system records the time or position. The difference between these readings, combined with the known distance between the detectors, allows for a precise length calculation. The use of two detectors provides redundancy and allows for error checking, ensuring the accuracy of the measurement.

This approach differs from prior solutions by providing a non-contact, real-time measurement system that doesn't impede the extrusion process. The V-shaped conveyor ensures consistent positioning of the object, while the optical sensors eliminate the need for physical contact, preventing damage or deformation of the material. The averaging of multiple measurements and the validation using the known distance between detectors further enhance the system's accuracy and reliability compared to single-point measurement methods.