Hinged Laser Barrier Panels for Optical Table Access and Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing laser barrier systems for optical tables lack flexibility in accommodating different sizes and do not effectively prevent laser light from escaping while allowing easy access and routing of cables and wires.
Innovation Solution
A laser barrier system with hingeably mounted panels that have adjustable width options and pivot points below the table surface, creating a gap for cable routing and using a spring-loaded dust shade assembly for enhanced safety and accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If laser barrier panels are rigidly mounted to the optical table, then laser light containment is improved, but accessibility to instruments and components on the table deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laser barrier panels are made hinged rather than rigidly fixed, allowing them to rotate between a closed position for laser containment and an open position for accessing instruments. This dynamic mounting enables the barrier to adapt its state based on operational needs, resolving the contradiction between safety and accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system is divided into multiple separate panels that can independently rotate on hinges. This segmentation allows selective opening of specific panels to access instruments while maintaining containment through other panels, simultaneously achieving both laser light containment and instrument accessibility.
2Device complexity
If hinge brackets are mounted directly at the edge of the table, then structural simplicity is improved, but cable routing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge brackets extend downwardly from the table surface, utilizing the vertical dimension to create clearance space between the barrier panels and the table edge. This vertical extension provides a gap for cable routing without complicating the horizontal mounting structure, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and cable routing capability.
3Shape
If barrier panels are positioned flush with the table edge, then aesthetic simplicity is improved, but laser light containment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The hinged panels can be rotated to overlap the table edge when in the closed position, creating an extended barrier that prevents laser light escape. This dynamic positioning allows the panels to maintain both aesthetic alignment with the table edge and effective laser containment by overlapping the edge when needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If fixed width panels are used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different table sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier system uses multiple standardized panels that can be selectively combined in different quantities and configurations to accommodate various table sizes. This segmentation allows fixed-width panels to be manufactured in standard sizes while the overall system adapts to different table dimensions through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized hinge brackets and panel designs serve multiple table sizes and configurations, making the system universally applicable. The same basic components can be used across different optical tables by adjusting the number and arrangement of panels, achieving both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
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 provides improved safety by preventing laser light escape, accommodates various table sizes with adjustable panels, and facilitates easy access and cable management through strategically positioned pivot points and a retractable dust shade.
Implementation Method 1
a retractable, spring-loaded dust shade assembly which is seated on top of the jamb members located at opposing ends of the laser barrier system
Data Source
AI summary
A laser barrier system for an optical table includes a plurality of laser barrier panels hingeably mounted to the edge of the table by a plurality of spaced hinge brackets. The hinge brackets include a horizontal flange secured to the surface of the table, a lower pivot support extending downwardly from the flange and an upper support column extending upwardly from the flange. Each hinge bracket supports a vertically extending jamb member secured to the upper support column. Each laser barrier panel is hingeably supported by pivot pins between a pair of spaced hinge brackets and their associated jamb members, and is hingeably movable about the pivot pins between a closed position and an open position. Each laser barrier panel is maintained in the closed position by a spaced pair of rotatable latch tabs that selectively engage with the adjacent jamb members.