Dual Shutter Mechanism for Light-Shielding Inspection Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inspection devices with restricted light entry face challenges in achieving easy opening and closing while maintaining high light-shielding performance, as external light can interfere with imaging processes.
Innovation Solution
A shutter system comprising a first small shutter and a second large shutter, where the small shutter is rotatable and can pivot inward or outward, and the large shutter provides light-shielding by overlapping the clearance between the opening and the small shutter, ensuring effective light blocking during both loading and unloading processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single shutter is used to close the opening of the inspection chamber, then the opening and closing operation is simple, but light can leak through the clearance between the opening and the shutter
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter system is divided into two independent shutters: a first shutter that pivots on the opening and a second shutter that moves independently. This segmentation allows each shutter to perform a specific function - the first shutter provides mechanical opening/closing while the second shutter ensures complete light blocking by covering the clearance area.
Solution Approach 2:
The second shutter acts as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between the opening and the first shutter. It specifically targets and covers the clearance area that would otherwise allow light leakage, mediating between the mechanical operation of the first shutter and the light-shielding requirement.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a second shutter is added to cover the clearance, then light-shielding performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The second shutter is designed to be automatically driven by the first shutter's movement. When the first shutter pivots, it mechanically drives the second shutter to move accordingly, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control systems for the second shutter. This self-service mechanism reduces control complexity while maintaining the dual-shutter light-shielding effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The driving mechanism for the second shutter is merged with the movement mechanism of the first shutter. The first shutter's pivoting action serves dual purposes: opening/closing the chamber and simultaneously positioning the second shutter to maintain light shielding. This merging reduces the number of independent control systems needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the second shutter pivots together with the first shutter, then light-shielding is maintained during opening, but the stationary state position must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of fixing the second shutter to pivot exactly with the first shutter, the design inverts the approach: the second shutter is allowed to move independently but is driven by the first shutter's movement. The second shutter returns to its original position (light-shielding state) when the first shutter closes, ensuring precision is achieved through the closing action rather than maintaining precision throughout the entire opening sequence.
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 shutter system enables easy operation of opening and closing the inspection chamber while maintaining high light-shielding performance, preventing external light from entering or exiting the chamber, thus ensuring accurate imaging results.
Implementation Method 1
The first shutter in the inward-open state is pushed by an inspection object loaded into the inspection chamber through the opening and pivots inward in the inspection chamber
Implementation Method 2
The second shutter in the light-shielding state overlaps the first shutter in the closed state and closes a clearance between the opening and the first shutter
Data Source
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AI summary
An inspection device allows an easy opening-closing operation and high light-shielding performance. A shutter system (30) includes a small shutter (40) located in an opening (12) of an inspection chamber connecting an inside and an outside of the inspection chamber, and a large shutter (50) located behind the small shutter (40). The small shutter (40) has a closed state, an inward-open state, and an outward-open state. The small shutter (40) in the closed state closes the opening (12). The small shutter (40) in the inward-open state is pushed by a workpiece (20) and pivots inward in the inspection chamber. The small shutter (40) in the outward-open state is pushed by the workpiece (20) and pivots outward from the inspection chamber. The large shutter (50) has a light-shielding state, a driven state, and a stationary state. The large shutter (50) in the light-shielding state overlaps the small shutter (40) in the closed state and closes a clearance between the opening (12) and the small shutter (40). The large shutter (50) in the driven state is pushed by the small shutter (40) in the inward-open state and pivots together with the small shutter (40). The large shutter (50) in the stationary state is separate from the small shutter (40) in the outward-open state and is at a same position as in the light-shielding state.