An observation platform for supergravity experiments

Abstract

This invention discloses an observation platform for hypergravity experiments, comprising a test sample assembly, two side plates, a base plate, and two camera assemblies. The test sample assembly includes a light source plate, a support, a transparent container, a transparent baffle, and a retaining ring. The support comprises a cylinder and a transparent plate-like component. This invention employs two industrial cameras positioned at a 25-degree angle against the hypergravity direction to observe the test sample, and can utilize DIC technology to ensure observation accuracy. A unique camera support and lens clamp design provides effective support for the cameras and lenses under hypergravity conditions. The camera support can be adjusted within a second groove on the base plate, thereby adjusting the distance between the two industrial cameras for better observation results. The sliding rail design of the lens clamp makes its position adjustable, providing better lens fixation. The light source provides illumination from the back of the test sample, resulting in more uniform lighting and improved observation effects. The transparent light source baffle provides support for the light source plate without affecting light transmission.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of hypergravity experiment technology, and in particular to an observation platform for hypergravity experiments. Background Technology

[0002] Hypergravity refers to the forces exerted on matter in an environment with a much greater gravitational acceleration than that of Earth; the science that studies the physical and chemical changes in a hypergravity environment is called hypergravity science; a hypergravity environment can be generated using a centrifuge for scientific experiments to conduct related scientific research.

[0003] A review of publicly available literature reveals a lack of research on the design of dedicated observation platforms for hypergravity experiments. Studies on ensuring the safety of cameras and lenses in hypergravity fields, preventing subject detachment and damage to the camera, and ensuring adequate lighting and observation performance are also limited.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to develop an observation platform for supergravity experiments to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to design an observation platform for supergravity experiments in order to solve the above problems.

[0006] The present invention achieves the above objectives through the following technical solutions:

[0007] An observation platform for supergravity experiments includes:

[0008] The test sample assembly includes a light source plate, a support, a transparent container, a transparent baffle, and a retaining ring. The support includes a cylinder and a transparent plate-shaped component. The first surface of the transparent plate-shaped component is mounted on the first end of the cylinder, and the light source plate is mounted on the second surface of the transparent plate-shaped component. The illumination direction of the light source plate is from the first end of the cylinder to the second end of the cylinder, and the illumination direction of the light source plate is in the direction of hypergravity. The transparent container is formed into a cylindrical structure and is placed inside the cylinder. The test sample is attached to the bottom surface of the transparent container, and the outer wall of the transparent container is attached to the inner wall of the cylinder. The first surface of the transparent baffle is connected to the second end of the cylinder and contacts the top of the transparent container. The retaining ring is connected to the second surface of the transparent baffle.

[0009] Two side panels; the first ends of the two side panels are respectively connected to the two ends of the transparent plate-like component;

[0010] The base plate; the second ends of the two side plates are respectively connected to both ends of the base plate;

[0011] Two camera components are used to photograph the test subject; the angle between the two camera components is 25°, the bottom of the two camera components are mounted on the base plate, and the two camera components are placed below the test subject component.

[0012] Specifically, the camera assembly includes two lens clamps, two lens clamp rods, a lens, a camera, a camera mount, and two protrusions. The lens clamps are U-shaped, and the two ends of the two lens clamps are connected and fitted onto the outer wall of the first end of the lens. The first ends of the two lens clamp rods are connected to the middle of the outer side of the two lens clamps. The two protrusions are respectively installed on the first end of the camera mount and located on opposite sides of the camera mount. The protrusions are provided with first mounting screw holes. The second end of the camera is slidably placed in the cavity inside the first end of the camera mount. The second end of the lens clamp rod is provided with a first sliding groove along its length. A mounting bolt passes through the first sliding groove and is screwed into the first mounting screw hole for fixing the lens clamp rod and the protrusion. The second end of the camera mount is installed on the base plate. The two lens clamp rods are parallel to each other, and the two first sliding grooves on the two lens clamp rods are parallel to each other.

[0013] Specifically, two mounting plates are installed on both sides of the second end of the camera support. The mounting plates are provided with multiple second mounting screw holes, and the base plate is provided with two sets of second sliding grooves. The length direction of the second sliding grooves is the relative direction between the two camera components. Each set includes two parallel second sliding grooves. The two second sliding grooves in the first set and the two second sliding grooves in the second set are respectively on the same straight line. The screw of the mounting bolt passes through the second mounting screw hole and the second sliding groove and is fixed by a nut for connecting the camera support and the base plate.

[0014] Furthermore, the angle between the camera mount and the base plate is 12.5°.

[0015] Furthermore, the camera mount has multiple threaded through holes on its side and multiple threaded holes on the second end side wall of the camera. Multiple bolts are screwed into the multiple threaded through holes on the camera mount and then into the multiple threaded holes on the camera for connecting and fixing the camera mount and the camera.

[0016] Furthermore, a base plate is provided in the cavity inside the camera support, and the second end of the camera contacts the base plate.

[0017] Preferably, the base plate is provided with a cutout for the camera power cable and signal cable to pass through.

[0018] Specifically, the base plate has multiple round holes, and bolts are screwed through the round holes into the screw holes of the centrifuge basket for connecting the base plate and the centrifuge basket.

[0019] Furthermore, the experimental component also includes a transparent light source baffle, which is disposed between the light source plate and the transparent plate-like component.

[0020] Furthermore, the observation platform also includes two sets of reinforcing ribs, which are installed at the connection points between the two side plates and the bottom plate.

[0021] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows:

[0022] 1. Two industrial cameras are used to observe the test sample at a 25-degree angle against the direction of hypergravity. This can be combined with DIC technology to ensure observation accuracy.

[0023] 2. The unique camera mount and lens clamp design provides effective support for the camera and lens in hypergravity environments. The camera mount can be adjusted in position within the second slide groove on the base plate, thereby adjusting the distance between two industrial cameras for better observation results. The lens clamp's slide rail design makes its position adjustable, resulting in better lens fixation.

[0024] 3. To prevent the test sample from detaching and damaging the camera, a transparent baffle is designed for protection. At the same time, the high light transmittance of the baffle does not affect the observation effect.

[0025] 4. The light source provides illumination from the back of the test sample, resulting in more uniform lighting and improved observation results; the transparent light source baffle not only provides support for the light source plate but also does not affect the light transmission effect.

[0026] 5. Reinforced ribs provide effective support for the side panels to prevent collapse.

[0027] 6. The overall structure is simple and reliable while remaining practical. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the observation platform.

[0029] Figure 2 An exploded view of the observation platform;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the test sample components;

[0031] Figure 4 Exploded view of the test component;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the camera assembly.

[0033] Figure 6 An exploded view of the camera components;

[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the installation of the observation platform in a geotextile centrifuge.

[0035] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1-Experimental sample assembly; 2-Side plate; 3-Camera assembly; 4-Base plate; 5-Reinforcing rib;

[0036] 101-Transparent light source baffle, 102-Support, 103-Transparent container, 104-Test sample, 105-Transparent baffle, 106-Baffle ring;

[0037] 301-Lens clamp, 302-Lens clamp rod, 303-Lens, 304-Camera, 305-Camera support, 306-First slide groove, 307-Protrusion, 308-First mounting screw hole, 309-Mounting plate, 310-Second mounting screw hole;

[0038] 401 - Second groove, 402 - Round hole. Detailed Implementation

[0039] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0040] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the invention.

[0041] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "upper," "lower," "inner," "outer," "left," "right," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the product of this invention is in use, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly understood by those skilled in the art. They are only used to facilitate the description of this invention and to simplify the description, and are not intended to indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0043] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0044] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, terms such as "set" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be a connection within two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0045] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0046] like Figure 1-4 As shown, an observation platform for supergravity experiments includes:

[0047] Test component 1; Test component 1 includes a light source plate, a support 102, a transparent container 103, a transparent baffle 105, and a retaining ring 106. The support 102 includes a cylinder and a transparent plate-shaped component. The first surface of the transparent plate-shaped component is mounted on the first end of the cylinder. The light source plate is mounted on the second surface of the transparent plate-shaped component. The illumination direction of the light source plate is from the first end of the cylinder to the second end of the cylinder, and the illumination direction of the light source plate is the direction of hypergravity. The transparent container 103 is formed into a cylindrical structure. The transparent container 103 is placed inside the cylinder. The test sample 104 is pasted on the inner bottom surface of the transparent container 103, and the outer side wall of the transparent container 103 is attached to the inner side wall of the cylinder. The first surface of the transparent baffle 105 is connected to the second end of the cylinder and contacts the top of the transparent container 103. The retaining ring 106 is connected to the second surface of the transparent baffle 105.

[0048] Two side plates 2; the first ends of the two side plates 2 are respectively connected to the two ends of the transparent plate-shaped piece;

[0049] Base plate 4; the second ends of the two side plates 2 are respectively connected to both ends of the base plate 4;

[0050] Two camera components 3 are used to photograph the test sample 104; the included angle between the two camera components 3 is 25°, the bottom of the two camera components 3 is mounted on the base plate 4, and the two camera components 3 are placed below the test sample component 1.

[0051] Two sets of reinforcing ribs 5; the two sets of reinforcing ribs 5 are respectively installed on the outside of the two side plates 2 at the connection with the bottom plate 4, and each set of reinforcing ribs 5 includes two parallel triangular plate-shaped members.

[0052] like Figure 5-6As shown, the camera assembly 3 includes two lens clamps 301, two lens clamp rods 302, a lens 303, a camera 304, a camera mount 305, and two protrusions 307. The lens clamps 301 are U-shaped, specifically semi-circular ring structures. The two ends of the two lens clamps 301 are connected and fitted onto the outer wall of the first end of the lens 303. The first ends of the two lens clamp rods 302 are connected to the outer middle of the two lens clamps 301. The two protrusions 307 are respectively installed on the first end of the camera mount 305 and are located on opposite sides of the camera mount 305. On the upper part, the protrusion 307 is provided with a first mounting screw hole 308. The second end of the camera 304 is slidably placed in the cavity inside the first end of the camera support 305. The second end of the lens clamp rod 302 is provided with a first sliding groove 306 along its length direction. A mounting bolt passes through the first sliding groove 306 and is screwed into the first mounting screw hole 308 for the fixed connection between the lens clamp rod 302 and the protrusion 307. The second end of the camera support 305 is mounted on the base plate 4. The two lens clamp rods 302 are parallel to each other, and the two first sliding grooves 306 on the two lens clamp rods 302 are parallel to each other.

[0053] like Figure 2 and 5 As shown in Figure 6, two mounting plates 309 are installed on both sides of the second end of the camera support 305. The mounting plates 309 have multiple second mounting screw holes 310. The base plate 4 has two sets of second sliding grooves 401. The length direction of the second sliding grooves 401 is relative to the direction between the two camera components 3. Each set includes two parallel second sliding grooves 401. Two second sliding grooves 401 in the first set and two second sliding grooves 401 in the second set are respectively on the same straight line. The screw of the mounting bolt passes through the second mounting screw holes 310 and the second sliding grooves 401 and is fixed by a nut, used for connecting the camera support 305 and the base plate 4. The second sliding grooves 401 serve as slide rails, fixing the two camera components 3 and facilitating adjustment of their spacing.

[0054] In some embodiments, the angle between the camera support 305 and the base plate 4 is 12.5°.

[0055] like Figure 5-6 As shown, the camera support 305 has multiple threaded through holes on its side, and the second end side wall of the camera 304 has multiple threaded holes. Multiple bolts are screwed into the multiple threaded through holes on the camera support 305 and then into the multiple threaded holes on the camera 304 for connection and fixation between the camera support 305 and the camera 304.

[0056] In some embodiments, the cavity inside the camera support 305 is provided with a base plate 4, and the second end of the camera 304 contacts the base plate 4.

[0057] In some embodiments, the base plate 4 is provided with a cutout for the camera 304 power cable and signal cable to pass through.

[0058] like Figure 2 and 7 As shown, the base plate 4 is provided with multiple round holes 402. Bolts pass through the round holes 402 and are screwed into the screw holes of the centrifuge basket for connecting the base plate 4 and the centrifuge basket.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments, the test component 1 further includes a transparent light source baffle 101, which is disposed between the light source plate and the transparent plate-like member. The transparent light source baffle 101, the light source plate, and the transparent plate-like member are connected by bolts. The transparent light source baffle 101 provides support for the light source plate.

[0060] In some embodiments, the transparent light source baffle 101, transparent baffle 105, transparent container 103, etc., can all be made of high light transmittance acrylic material. The side plate 2, reinforcing rib 5, bottom plate 4, lens clamp 301, and other structural components can be made of aluminum alloy material.

[0061] In some embodiments, the side plate 2 is connected to the bottom plate 4, and the side plate 2 is connected to the test sample assembly 1 by bolts. The reinforcing rib 5 provides support for the side plate, preventing it from collapsing under the influence of gravity. Eight threaded holes are evenly distributed at one end of the cylinder, and eight threaded through holes are also evenly distributed on the transparent baffle 105 and the retaining ring 106. The support 102, transparent baffle 105, and retaining ring 106 are fixed by bolts. Two circular holes are symmetrically distributed on the bottom plate for fixing the entire observation platform to the centrifuge basket. The transparent baffle 105 prevents the test sample 104 from detaching from the transparent container 103 under gravity and impacting the camera, causing equipment damage. Simultaneously, the transparent baffle 105 has high light transmittance and does not affect the camera's observation of the test sample. The test sample 104 is attached to the inner bottom surface of the transparent container 103 by adhesive or other means. The high light transmittance of the transparent container 103 affects the illumination effect of the light source. The transparent container 103 is attached to the inner wall of the outer wall support 102. Under the hypergravity field, the transparent container 103 will press against the transparent baffle 105 to form a fixed position.

[0062] In the camera assembly, two lens clamps 301 can hold the lens. One end of the lens clamp rod 302 has a threaded through hole for easy bolt fixing to the lens clamp 301; the other end of the lens clamp rod 302 has a first sliding groove 306, which can be used as a slide rail to fix to the camera support 305, facilitating length adjustment. Because the two industrial cameras need to be at a 25-degree angle, the camera support 305 must have a 12.5-degree tilt angle to achieve this effect. The camera support 305 has three symmetrically distributed threaded through holes on both sides, which are fixed to the threaded holes on the camera body with bolts. Additionally, the bottom of the camera also contacts the camera support 305, effectively fixing the camera. The contact portion between the camera support 305 and the bottom of the camera is mostly hollowed out, facilitating the connection of the camera 304's power and signal cables. Each of the two camera supports 305 has a cubic protrusion with a threaded through hole, which is fixed to the lens clamp rod 302 with bolts. The bottom of the camera support 305 has two rows of three through holes, which are fixed to the second sliding groove on the base plate 4 by bolts, and the distance between the two cameras can be adjusted.

[0063] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. An observation platform for supergravity experiments, characterized in that, include: The test sample assembly includes a light source plate, a support, a transparent container, a transparent baffle, and a retaining ring. The support includes a cylinder and a transparent plate-shaped component. The first surface of the transparent plate-shaped component is mounted on the first end of the cylinder, and the light source plate is mounted on the second surface of the transparent plate-shaped component. The illumination direction of the light source plate is from the first end of the cylinder to the second end of the cylinder, and the illumination direction of the light source plate is in the direction of hypergravity. The transparent container is formed into a cylindrical structure and is placed inside the cylinder. The test sample is attached to the bottom surface of the transparent container, and the outer wall of the transparent container is attached to the inner wall of the cylinder. The first surface of the transparent baffle is connected to the second end of the cylinder and contacts the top of the transparent container. The retaining ring is connected to the second surface of the transparent baffle. Two side panels; the first ends of the two side panels are respectively connected to the two ends of the transparent plate-like component; The base plate; the second ends of the two side plates are respectively connected to both ends of the base plate; Two camera components are used to photograph the test subject; the angle between the two camera components is 25°, the bottom of the two camera components are mounted on the base plate, and the two camera components are placed below the test subject component.

2. The observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The camera assembly includes two lens clamps, two lens clamp rods, a lens, a camera, a camera mount, and two protrusions. The lens clamps are U-shaped, and the two ends of the two lens clamps are connected and fitted onto the outer wall of the first end of the lens. The first ends of the two lens clamp rods are connected to the middle of the outer side of the two lens clamps. The two protrusions are respectively installed on the first end of the camera mount and located on opposite sides of the camera mount. The protrusions are provided with first mounting screw holes. The second end of the camera is slidably placed in the cavity inside the first end of the camera mount. The second end of the lens clamp rod is provided with a first sliding groove along its length. A mounting bolt passes through the first sliding groove and is screwed into the first mounting screw hole for fixing the lens clamp rod and the protrusion. The second end of the camera mount is installed on the base plate. The two lens clamp rods are parallel to each other, and the two first sliding grooves on the two lens clamp rods are parallel to each other.

3. The observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 2, characterized in that, Two mounting plates are installed on both sides of the second end of the camera mount. The mounting plates are provided with multiple second mounting screw holes. The base plate is provided with two sets of second sliding grooves. The length direction of the second sliding grooves is the relative direction between the two camera components. Each set includes two parallel second sliding grooves. The two second sliding grooves in the first set and the two second sliding grooves in the second set are respectively on the same straight line. The screw of the mounting bolt passes through the second mounting screw hole and the second sliding groove and is fixed by a nut for connecting the camera mount and the base plate.

4. The observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The angle between the camera mount and the base plate is 12.5°.

5. The observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The camera mount has multiple threaded through holes on its side and multiple threaded holes on the second side wall of the camera. Multiple bolts are screwed into the multiple threaded through holes on the camera mount and then into the multiple threaded holes on the camera for connecting and fixing the camera mount and the camera.

6. The observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 2, characterized in that, The cavity inside the camera mount has a base plate, and the second end of the camera contacts the base plate.

7. The observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 6, characterized in that, The base plate has cutouts for camera power cables and signal cables to pass through.

8. The observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The base plate has multiple round holes. Bolts pass through the round holes and are screwed into the screw holes of the centrifuge basket for connecting the base plate and the centrifuge basket.

9. An observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The experimental assembly also includes a transparent light source baffle, which is positioned between the light source plate and the transparent plate-like component.

10. An observation platform for supergravity experiments according to claim 1, characterized in that, The observation platform also includes two sets of reinforcing ribs, which are installed at the connection points between the two side plates and the bottom plate.

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