Laser Inspection Light Shield with Resilient Seals

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional non-destructive inspection techniques using laser-induced stress waves are limited by the need for enclosed spaces to prevent human exposure to high-energy laser light, making it impractical and economically straining to inspect large objects while allowing human presence in the same room.

Innovation Solution

The development of an apparatus and system that shields light generated by a laser during non-destructive inspection using a light shield with resiliently flexible seals, allowing for concurrent human presence and inspection of large objects by containing the light within a defined space.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If an enclosed room is used to prevent laser light exposure, then human safety is improved, but the ability to inspect large objects and allow human presence simultaneously deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelaser light exposureVSAvoidconcurrent human presence and inspection

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosed room is segmented into a light containment space (where the laser operates) and an external safe zone (where humans can work). The light shield creates this segmentation by enveloping the laser and directing light only through a controlled opening onto the object, allowing humans to presence in the external zone without exposure risk.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The light shield acts as an intermediary barrier between the laser light source and the surrounding environment. It selectively transmits light only through the opening onto the object while blocking light in all other directions, enabling safe concurrent human presence nearby without requiring a fully enclosed room.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a light shield is made rigid to ensure light containment, then light shielding effectiveness is improved, but the ability to adapt to different object shapes and sizes deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight containmentVSAvoidaccommodation of different objects

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light shield incorporates movable portions that can dynamically adjust their position and orientation. The shield can be moved relative to the object, and the opening can be repositioned, allowing the same light shield structure to adapt to different object shapes, sizes, and inspection requirements while maintaining reliable light containment through its opaque material construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The light shield's configuration parameters (position, orientation, opening location) can be changed to accommodate different inspection scenarios. The movable portions allow adjustment of the shield's geometric parameters without compromising its light-blocking function, enabling versatility across different object types while maintaining containment reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the light shield is made stationary to simplify the system, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to move with the laser and maintain alignment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshield structureVSAvoidlight delivery alignment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The movable portion of the light shield is merged with the laser positioning system, allowing both to be moved together as a coordinated unit. This integration ensures that the opening remains properly aligned with the laser beam path during movement, maintaining ease of operation without requiring complex independent control systems for each component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables safe and practical non-destructive inspection of large objects by containing the laser light, allowing for the simultaneous use of the same space for inspection and other tasks without the need for an enclosed room.

Implementation Method 1

The at least one light seal is resiliently flexible and opaque. When the at least one light seal is resiliently deformed against the object, light generated by the laser is constrained within a light containment space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight blocking: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS10113951B2Apparatus, systems, and methods for inspecting a part

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 THE BOEING CO

AI summary

Described herein is an apparatus, for shielding light generated by a laser during non-destructive inspection of an object. The apparatus includes a light shield at least partially enveloping the laser and defining a first opening through which light generated by the laser passes from the laser to the object. The light shield is opaque and includes at least one first biasing mechanism. The apparatus also includes at least one first light seal coupled to the light shield about the first opening of the light shield. The at least one first biasing mechanism is configured to urge resilient deformation of the at least one first light seal against the object. When the at least one first light seal is resiliently deformed against the object, light generated by the laser is constrained within a light containment space defined between the light shield, the at least one first light seal, and the object.