Bore Inspection Mirror Attachment for Narrow-Wall Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing imaging devices struggle to capture close-up images or videos of bore walls in narrow or small-diameter bores due to their inability to be turned sideways for inspection.
Innovation Solution
An attachment for a bore inspection system featuring a 45-degree inclined mirror that bends light rays by 90 degrees to facilitate imaging within confined spaces, coupled with an imaging device to ensure focus and clarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the imaging device is turned sideways to inspect the bore wall, then close-up images/videos of the bore wall can be captured, but the imaging device cannot be used in narrow or small-diameter bores
Solution Approach 1:
A mirror is introduced as an intermediary optical element between the bore wall and the imaging device. The mirror is positioned at a 45-degree angle to reflect light from the bore wall to the imaging device, enabling indirect imaging without requiring the device to be turned sideways. This resolves the contradiction by mediating the optical path between the object (bore wall) and the imaging device.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution changes the dimensional arrangement of the optical path by introducing an angled mirror that redirects light at 90 degrees. Instead of requiring the imaging device to be oriented perpendicular to the bore axis (sideways), the mirror enables the device to remain aligned with the bore axis while still capturing bore wall images through reflected light, effectively utilizing a different spatial dimension for the optical path.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the imaging device is oriented along the bore axis, then the device can be inserted into narrow bores, but the device cannot capture close-up images of the bore wall
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror serves as an intermediary that enables the imaging device to capture bore wall images while maintaining its axial orientation. The mirror reflects light from the bore wall at a 45-degree angle, creating an indirect optical path that allows the device to remain pointed along the bore axis while still achieving close-up imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical path is redirected into a different dimension by using the angled mirror. The light travels from the bore wall to the mirror and then at a 90-degree angle to the imaging device, allowing the device to maintain axial orientation while capturing detailed bore wall images through the reflected light path.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a mirror is added to bend light rays by 90 degrees, then imaging in confined spaces is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single mirror is used as a simple intermediary element to achieve the 90-degree light bend. The mirror is mounted on an attachment that positions it at the correct 45-degree angle relative to the bore axis. This minimalistic approach uses the simplest possible optical element (a single mirror) to achieve the desired functionality, minimizing the increase in device complexity.
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
Enables effective inspection of bore walls in confined spaces by ensuring clear imaging and focus, improving usability and reliability of the bore inspection system.
Implementation Method 1
light rays reflected from a bore wall of the bore, and to be received by the imaging device, are bent by an angle of 90 degrees by the mirror
Data Source
AI summary
An attachment for a bore inspection system for inspecting a bore of a component includes a first section adapted to be removably coupled to an imaging device of the bore inspection system. The first section extends along a central axis. The attachment also includes a fastener adapted to couple the first section with the imaging device and a second section integral with the first section and extending from the first section along the central axis. The second section includes a mirror that is disposed at an inclination angle of 45 degrees relative to the central axis. When the attachment is coupled to the imaging device, the mirror faces a lens of the imaging device so that light rays reflected from a bore wall of the bore, and to be received by the imaging device, are bent by an angle of 90 degrees by the mirror to inspect the bore wall.