Adjustable Camera Enclosure for Optical Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing camera enclosures in optical inspection systems lack flexibility in adjusting the position of the optical sensing field with respect to the scanning plane, which is essential for accurate surface profiling of moving articles.
Innovation Solution
A camera enclosure assembly that includes a light-transparent front end wall and a mounting device allowing perpendicular displacement of the enclosure body relative to the scanning plane, enabling precise adjustment of the optical sensing field's position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed camera enclosure is used, then the camera is protected from fragments, but the optical sensing field position cannot be adjusted with respect to the scanning plane
Solution Approach 1:
The camera enclosure is made adjustable through a positioning device that allows movement of the camera along the scanning plane. This dynamic positioning system enables the optical sensing field to be aligned at different positions relative to the scanning plane, transforming a static enclosure into an adaptable system that maintains both protection and adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The camera enclosure is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently positioned and adjusted. This segmentation allows the enclosure to be moved along the scanning plane without affecting other system components, enabling flexible positioning of the optical sensing field while maintaining camera protection
2Device complexity
If the camera position is fixed relative to the enclosure, then the enclosure structure is simple, but the optical sensing field cannot be precisely aligned with the scanning plane
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning device with adjustment mechanisms is integrated into the enclosure structure, allowing the camera to be dynamically positioned along the scanning plane. This provides precise alignment capability while keeping the overall enclosure structure relatively simple through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
A positioning mechanism acts as an intermediary between the fixed enclosure structure and the camera, enabling precise adjustment of the camera position relative to the scanning plane without complicating the enclosure itself. The positioning device serves as a mediator that adds adjustability while maintaining structural simplicity
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 solution provides enhanced flexibility and accuracy in scanning the surface profiles of moving articles by allowing the optical sensing field to be precisely aligned with the scanning plane, improving the detection of geometrical and surface defects.
Implementation Method 1
an optical element made of light transparent material
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure assembly for a camera is designed to be mounted on the frame of an optical inspection apparatus for scanning the profile of a surface of an article moving along a travel path axis, the profile being associated with a reference axis orthogonal to a reference plane parallel to the travel path axis. The camera is part of a profile sensor unit and has an optical sensing field directed toward the travel path axis to define a scanning zone associated with the surface as intersected by the optical sensing field, the profile unit further having a laser source directing at angle with the optical sensing field a fan-shaped laser beam toward the scanning zone to define an associated scanning plane transverse to the travel path axis, to generate sensor output data related the profile of the article surface. The enclosure assembly comprises an enclosure body secured to the apparatus frame and including a front end wall provided with an opening protected by an optical element made of light transparent material, and a device for mounting the camera within the enclosure body such that the camera has its optical sensing field directed toward the opening. The enclosure assembly further comprises a device mechanically coupled to the enclosure body for displacing thereof in a direction perpendicular to the profile reference axis and parallel to the scanning plane to adjust the position of the optical sensing field with respect to the scanning plane.