Rotating Laser Probe Purging Airflow for Clean Optical Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dirt adherence to the optical system of inspection heads causes a decrease in inspection accuracy and prolongs the time required for cleaning, interfering with surface inspections.
Innovation Solution
An air supplying system is integrated into the inspection apparatus to supply purging air through the probe, preventing contamination of optical elements and maintaining optical performance by suppressing dirt adhesion, allowing for higher rotational speeds and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inspection head operates continuously for surface inspection, then productivity is improved, but dirt adheres to the optical system causing decreased measurement precision and increased maintenance time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by introducing a purging air supply system that prevents dirt accumulation on the optical system before contamination occurs. The air supply path is configured to blow air toward the optical system from the front end of the inspection head, creating a protective airflow that keeps the optical components clean during continuous operation, thereby maintaining inspection accuracy without interrupting productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes pneumatics by employing compressed air as a purging medium. The air supply system delivers pressurized air through a dedicated air supply path to the optical system, using the pneumatic force to remove dust and contaminants from the optical components, thus preventing dirt adhesion while maintaining continuous inspection operations
2Loss of time
If the inspection head rotates at higher speeds to reduce inspection time, then productivity is improved, but dirt contamination occurs more rapidly on the optical system
Solution Approach 1:
The purging air supply system is positioned to deliver air to the optical system before dirt can accumulate during high-speed rotation. The air flow is established in advance and maintains continuous protection throughout the inspection process, preventing contamination even when the inspection head rotates at high speeds to reduce inspection time
Solution Approach 2:
The purging air acts as an intermediary substance between the contaminated environment and the optical system. During high-speed rotation, the air flow creates a protective barrier that intercepts dust particles and prevents them from adhering to the optical components, allowing faster inspection speeds without increased contamination
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 effectively prevents optical contamination, enhances inspection accuracy, reduces maintenance frequency, and shortens inspection time by ensuring continuous operation without interruptions.
Implementation Method 1
an air supplying system that supplies air to the inside of the probe and discharges the air from the opening
Implementation Method 2
an optical element which is positioned at or near the tip of the inspection head, emits the laser beam for inspection toward the inspection target, and guides the reflected light in the center axis direction
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
Figure 4
AI summary
An inspection system (1) includes: a probe (12) that is hollow, extends in a rod shape along a center axis (11), and rotates around the center axis; an optical system (30) that, through the probe, supplies laser light for inspection purposes along the center axis and receives reflected light from a surface of an inspection target that has returned along the center axis; an optical element (50) that, through an opening at a front end of the probe, emits the laser light for inspection purposes toward the inspection target with respect to the center axis and guides the reflected light in the direction of the center axis; and a gas supplying system (80) that discharges gas (89) from the opening through the probe.