Forced Air Camera Module for Bead Blast Cabinet
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bead blasting cabinets face challenges with visual operation due to debris clouds, frequent window replacement, inadequate lighting, and the need for manual adjustments of air pressure and abrasive flow, which hinder efficiency and precision.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a Forced Air Camera and Control Module that includes a multi-function camera with zoom capabilities, integrated into the blast gun, and a control module allowing for thumb switch operation of various functions, including air flow adjustment, lighting control, and abrasive flow management, enabling continuous operation without manual interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a conventional bead blasting cabinet is used with direct viewing through the window, then the operator can see the work piece, but the debris cloud obscures the view and the window wears quickly requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a camera system as an intermediary between the operator and the work piece. The camera captures images through the debris cloud that would otherwise obscure direct viewing, allowing the operator to see the work piece without the debris affecting the view. This mediator (camera) solves the problem of both visual clarity and window protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera creates a visual copy (image) of the work piece that can be viewed on a display device. Instead of directly viewing the work piece through the window and debris cloud, the operator views a copied image that has been captured by the camera, eliminating the obscuring effect of debris from the viewing path.
2Manufacturing precision
If manual adjustments of air pressure and abrasive flow are made during operation, then the blasting process can be optimized, but the operation must be interrupted and operator fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system provides real-time visual feedback to the operator about the blasting process. By viewing the work piece through the camera feed, the operator can assess the blasting results continuously and make precise adjustments to air pressure and abrasive flow without interrupting the operation, thereby maintaining both precision and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera enables continuous monitoring of the blasting process, allowing the operator to maintain continuous operation without stopping to check progress. This continuity eliminates interruptions and reduces operator fatigue while maintaining the ability to make precise adjustments when needed.
3Device complexity
If the operator views the work piece directly through the window, then no additional equipment is needed, but inadequate lighting and debris cloud reduce visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The camera creates a visual copy of the work piece that can be displayed with enhanced lighting and clarity. The camera system captures the image and allows it to be viewed on a display device with improved illumination, overcoming the lighting deficiencies of the cabinet interior without requiring complex modifications to the viewing window itself.
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
Enhances visual clarity, reduces window wear, and allows for real-time adjustments of air pressure and abrasive flow, improving the efficiency and precision of the bead blasting process while reducing operator fatigue.
Implementation Method 1
The bead blaster relies on a source of compressed air to create the necessary force to propel the abrasive media
Implementation Method 2
When the operator activates the blaster, a high-velocity stream of abrasive media is propelled through the nozzle onto the surface of the work piece, removing contaminants, rust, paint, or other unwanted substances
Implementation Method 3
a multi-function camera with zoom capabilities, integrated into the blast gun
Data Source
AI summary
A bead blast cabinet that improves visual inspection of work pieces during a bead blasting operation. The cabinet includes a forced air camera wherein an air flow is directed through a camera tube and past a camera lens. The adjustability of the air flow past the camera is adjustable to accommodate the density of the debris cloud within the cabinet during operation. A zoom in and out capability of the camera will be controlled through the module via the multi-function switch. The camera will be designed to capture many types of light forms to achieve the most efficient lighting selection for each type of object or material to be bead blasted within the cabinet.