Arch-like Lighting Unit for Compact Inspection Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inspection apparatuses face challenges in maintaining a compact size while effectively inspecting the outer appearance of inspection targets, particularly in limited spaces such as manufacturing lines, due to their design limitations.
Innovation Solution
The inspection apparatus employs an arch-like lighting unit that surrounds the inspection target in a circular arc, emitting light towards a light reflection surface, and includes a rotation mechanism to relative rotate the target and lighting unit, along with imaging devices positioned on both sides of the rotating axis to capture images and determine gloss abnormalities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If conventional inspection apparatus designs are used, then inspection functionality is provided, but the apparatus size increases and cannot be installed in limited spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting unit is configured in an arch-like circular arc form surrounding the inspection target, which allows compact arrangement of light sources while providing uniform illumination coverage. This curved geometry enables the apparatus to maintain small footprint while achieving reliable inspection coverage of the target surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is positioned with its image capturing surface inclined at a specific angle relative to the optical axis, creating a three-dimensional arrangement that allows the apparatus to capture reflection surface images effectively within a compact two-dimensional footprint, thus reducing overall apparatus size while maintaining inspection reliability.
2Area of stationary object
If the apparatus size is reduced for limited space installation, then space utilization improves, but inspection accuracy may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The arch-like lighting unit provides localized illumination optimized for the specific geometry of the inspection target's reflection surface. By concentrating lighting and imaging resources precisely where needed around the target, the system achieves high inspection accuracy within a compact installation footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotation driving device enables dynamic relative rotation between the inspection target and arch-like lighting unit, allowing the system to inspect multiple surfaces and angles sequentially. This dynamic capability maintains comprehensive inspection accuracy while keeping the static apparatus footprint small.
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 allows for precise inspection of the light reflection surface, enabling the detection of gloss abnormalities while maintaining a compact apparatus size, thus enhancing inspection accuracy and efficiency without increasing the apparatus's dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device configured to capture an image of a light reflection surface of the inspection target by which the light emitted from the arch-like lighting unit is reflected
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection apparatus includes an illumination device including an arch-like lighting unit that is provided around an inspection target in a circular arc form and emits light toward the inspection target, imaging devices that capture images of a light reflection surface of the inspection target by which the light emitted from the arch-like lighting unit is reflected, and a determination device that inspects the light reflection surface of the inspection target on the basis of the images captured by the imaging devices. As a result, the inspection apparatus provides an effect of preventing the apparatus from being increased in size.