Calibration Device Spacer Prevents Optical Interference Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional optical characteristic measuring apparatuses face inaccuracies in white calibration due to interference patterns formed by differences in flatness between white calibration plates and transparent members, affecting measurement accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A calibration device incorporating a white calibration plate, a dummy transparent plate, and a spacer to prevent interference patterns by maintaining a specified clearance between the white calibration member and the dummy transparent plate, ensuring accurate white calibration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a white calibration plate and transparent member are placed in direct contact for white calibration, then the calibration process is simple, but interference patterns are formed due to differences in flatness, reducing measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration process simplicityVSAvoidwhite calibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A spacer is introduced as an intermediary element between the white calibration plate and the transparent member. This spacer prevents direct contact between the two surfaces, eliminating the interference patterns that would otherwise form due to flatness differences. The spacer acts as a mediator that maintains the necessary separation to prevent optical interference while still allowing the calibration process to proceed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harmful effect of direct contact between the white calibration plate and transparent member is extracted and eliminated by removing the possibility of adhesion. The spacer effectively takes out the problematic direct surface-to-surface contact, preventing the formation of interference patterns while maintaining the structural integrity of the calibration assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the white calibration plate and transparent member are made to adhere for stable positioning, then positioning stability is improved, but interference patterns are formed, worsening measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spacer serves as a mediator that provides stable positioning without requiring adhesion. By introducing this intermediate element, the system achieves positioning stability through mechanical support rather than through direct contact and adhesion, thereby avoiding the formation of interference patterns that would degrade measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The direct contact interface between the white calibration plate and transparent member is segmented by introducing the spacer. This segmentation separates the two surfaces that would otherwise be in direct contact, eliminating the interference pattern formation while maintaining stable positioning through the structured support provided by the spacer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If no spacer is used between the white calibration plate and transparent member, then the device structure is simple, but adhesion occurs causing interference patterns, reducing calibration accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration device structureVSAvoidwhite calibration accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A spacer is introduced as a simple intermediary element that prevents adhesion between the white calibration plate and transparent member. This single component resolves the interference pattern issue without significantly complicating the overall device structure, maintaining ease of use while improving calibration accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The spacer can be implemented as a simple, inexpensive component that prevents the harmful adhesion effect. It serves as a disposable or replaceable element that eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms, providing a cost-effective solution to the interference pattern problem.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 spacer ensures accurate white calibration by preventing adhesion and contact between the white calibration member and the dummy transparent plate, thereby enhancing measurement precision and reducing interference patterns.

Implementation Method 1

interference patterns formed by differences in flatness between white calibration plates and transparent members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInterference (optical): Interference

Data Source

PatentUS8390803B2Calibration device and optical characteristic measuring system using the same

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 KONICA MINOLTA SENSING INC

AI summary

A calibration device 21 according to the present invention is a member used for white calibration of an optical characteristic measuring apparatus 1 for measuring an optical characteristic of a specimen arranged to close a measuring opening and is used together with a spacer 24. Accordingly, such a calibration device 21 can perform more accurate white calibration by preventing formation of an interference pattern by the spacer 24.