Borescope Microlens Array for Unlit Conduit Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current borescope technologies for inspecting turbine engines lack the ability to efficiently capture detailed, high-quality images of internal components in unlit, closed environments, limiting the effectiveness of inspections and requiring extensive data collection to ensure safety and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A borescope system equipped with an elongated probe featuring a microlens array, an artificial light source, and an imaging device that converts light into composite images, allowing for real-time viewing and storage of images within a memory, enabling improved inspection of turbine engine components without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a traditional borescope is used to inspect turbine engine components in unlit, closed environments, then the inspection can be performed without disassembly, but the image quality and detail are insufficient for effective inspection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components into a single integrated borescope system: microlens array for light manipulation, artificial light source for illumination, and imaging device for capture. This merging allows the system to overcome lighting limitations and produce high-quality images in unlit environments without requiring separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging system is segmented into multiple microlens elements arranged in an array, where each microlens captures light from different angles and focal planes. This segmentation enables the system to gather comprehensive spatial information and reconstruct high-quality composite images with enhanced detail.
2Reliability
If extensive data collection is performed to ensure safety and efficiency during inspection, then inspection thoroughness is improved, but inspection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The borescope system enables continuous data collection by capturing images across multiple focal planes and perspectives simultaneously through the microlens array. This continuous capture of comprehensive spatial information ensures thorough inspection of all component surfaces without requiring repeated positioning or adjustments, thereby reducing total inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system adds dimensional information by capturing light from multiple angles and focal depths concurrently. This multi-dimensional data acquisition provides comprehensive coverage of inspected surfaces in a single pass, improving reliability without increasing inspection time.
3Measurement precision
If a microlens array with artificial light source is used to capture detailed images in unlit environments, then image quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microlens array serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an optical element for focusing light, a light-gathering structure for enhancing illumination efficiency, and a spatial encoding device for capturing multi-perspective information. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components while improving image detail.
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
The system enhances inspection efficiency by producing high-quality composite images that can be post-processed for focal plane and perspective adjustments, providing detailed spatial information and reducing inspection time while allowing for continuous data collection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated probe having a microlens array located at a first end of the probe used within a closed environment
Implementation Method 2
an imaging device in data communication with the microlens array converting light from the lens array into the composite image
Implementation Method 3
an artificial light source illuminating a space proximate the microlens array within the closed environment
Data Source
AI summary
A borescope for use within an unlit, closed conduit can include an elongated probe, an artificial light source illuminating the conduit, and a microlens array mounted to the probe. An imaging device can be in data communication with the microlens array.