Portable Fiber Inspection Scope Using Dark Field Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for inspecting and documenting the output ends of industrial fibers in fiber laser products are inconvenient and inadequate.
Innovation Solution
A fiber inspection apparatus and method that includes a camera, a dark field illumination source, and a fiber inspection housing with a secure optical fiber connector input, allowing for bright field and dark field illumination to detect contamination and defects on the optical fiber output end, enabling effective imaging and defect identification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inspection methods are used, then the inspection process is simple, but the defect detection capability is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection apparatus is segmented into distinct functional modules: a fiber connector input for receiving the optical fiber, a camera input for receiving the camera, and a dark field illumination source input for receiving the illumination source. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality, thereby improving defect detection without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The dark field illumination source acts as an intermediary between the light source and the camera, enabling enhanced defect detection through scattered light. The illumination source is positioned to emit light at a dark field illumination angle, causing contamination or defects to scatter light that becomes detectable by the camera, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring direct contact between the light source and the fiber end face.
2Measurement precision
If dark field illumination is used, then defect detection is enhanced, but the illumination geometry becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The illumination source is configured to emit light at a specific dark field illumination angle relative to the optical fiber axis, creating a dynamic illumination geometry that optimizes scattered light detection. This angular configuration allows the system to dynamically adjust the illumination path to enhance defect visibility while maintaining a manageable structural design through defined geometric relationships.
3Reliability
If the fiber connector is securely positioned, then inspection reliability is improved, but the positioning mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The fiber connector input is designed to receive and secure the optical fiber connector in a universal manner, providing reliable positioning through integrated structural features. This multi-functional component serves both as a receiver for the fiber connector and as a positioning mechanism, thereby improving inspection reliability without requiring separate complex positioning systems.
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 solution provides a comprehensive and efficient means to inspect and document optical fiber output ends, improving defect detection and reducing the risk of contamination, thereby enhancing the reliability of fiber laser products.
Implementation Method 1
light emitted from the dark field illumination source is received by the optical fiber output end at a dark field illumination angle and is scattered by contamination or defects associated with the optical fiber output end so as to be detectable by the camera
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a camera, a dark field illumination source, and a fiber inspection housing including a fiber connector input situated to receive an optical fiber connector so that an optical fiber output end of the optical fiber connector is removably insertable into an interior region of the fiber inspection housing and securable at a predetermined location in the interior region, a camera input situated to receive and secure the camera so that the camera is in optical communication with the interior region and the optical fiber output end, and a dark field illumination source input situated to receive the dark field illumination source so that light emitted from the dark field illumination source is received by the optical fiber output end at a dark field illumination angle and is scattered by contamination or defects associated with the optical fiber output end so as to be detectable by the camera.