Air Analysis Device Camera Positioning Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Air analysis devices, particularly those detecting pollen, require the camera to be close to the cover glass for accurate data collection, as insufficient distance prevents proper differentiation of pollen particles, hindering the device's functionality.

Innovation Solution

The air analysis device incorporates a camera positioning mechanism with a camera holder and springs that apply an upward force, combined with a sliding cartridge system and stoppers, ensuring the camera remains aligned with the cover glass, maintaining a constant distance for precise analysis without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the camera is positioned close to the cover glass for accurate pollen detection, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to the need for precise positioning mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepollen particle differentiation accuracyVSAvoidcamera positioning mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The camera holder is made movable relative to the body through a spring-loaded mechanism, allowing dynamic adjustment of the camera's position. The spring (element 12) enables the camera holder (element 4) to move vertically, automatically adjusting the distance between the camera (element 3) and cover glass to maintain optimal focus for pollen detection while simplifying the overall positioning system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring mechanism automatically positions the camera at the correct distance from the cover glass without requiring manual intervention. When the cartridge is inserted, the spring pushes the camera holder upward until the protrusion (element 21) engages with the recess (element 8), automatically centering and positioning the camera relative to the cover glass for accurate pollen analysis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of operation

If manual positioning of the camera relative to the cover glass is allowed, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to inconsistent positioning

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover glass insertion convenienceVSAvoidcamera-to-cover glass distance consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring (element 12) acts as an intermediary between the camera holder and the body, automatically adjusting the camera's position. The protrusion (element 21) on the camera holder and recess (element 8) on the cartridge serve as mechanical intermediaries that guide and constrain the relative movement, ensuring the camera and cover glass are consistently positioned at the correct distance regardless of manual insertion variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the camera holder is fixed rigidly to the body, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision worsens due to inability to accommodate positioning variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecamera holder structure simplicityVSAvoidcamera alignment accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 allows for accurate and consistent measurements by ensuring the camera is correctly positioned relative to the cover glass, preventing unnecessary cover glass usage and keeping the camera clean during insertion and removal, thus enhancing the device's analytical capabilities.

Implementation Method 1

at least one spring (12) which is disposed between the body (2) and the camera holder (4) and which pushes the camera holder (4) upwards in the vertical direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4394376A1An air analysis device

Publication Date: 2024.07.03 ARCELIK AS

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AI summary

The present invention relates to an air analysis device (1) comprising a body (2); at least one cover glass (9) whereon the sample is placed; a camera (3); a camera holder (4) which is positioned on the body (2) and whereon the camera (3) is fixed; at least one spring (12) which is disposed between the body (2) and the camera holder (4) and which pushes the camera holder (4) upwards in the vertical direction; a holder (10) whereon the cover glass (9) is fixed; a cartridge (5) whereon the holder (10) is placed; a sliding member (11) which is positioned on the body (2) so as to align with the camera (3) and which enables the cartridge (5) thereon to slide and move horizontally; at least one recess (8) which is provided in the side wall of the cartridge (5); and a protrusion (21) which extends vertically from the camera holder (4) and which is fitted into the recess (8) so as to enable the cartridge (5) to be centered on the camera (3).