Laser Profiling Inspection with Hemispherical Window and Rotating Mirror
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser profiling inspection systems face unavoidable 'blank spots' or voids in critical areas due to laser mountings interfering with the camera view, leading to inaccurate measurements and calculation issues, especially in underwater or corrosive environments.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features a camera housing with a hemispherical viewing window and a laser mounting system that includes a mirror, either rotating or conical, to redirect the laser beam and create a laser ring encircling the mounting, with adjustable mirror positioning and a sealed tube for underwater use, minimizing the impact of 'blank spots' and allowing for precise measurement adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laser mounting is positioned to project laser beams for profiling inspection, then the laser can be effectively directed onto the inspection surface, but the laser mounting creates blank spots or voids in the camera view that interfere with capturing complete images
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the laser mounting from a transverse configuration (perpendicular to camera axis) to a longitudinal configuration (along the camera axis). This dimensional change moves the laser mounting into the depth dimension of the imaging space, where it projects forward rather than laterally blocking the camera view. The laser beams are directed along the longitudinal axis, allowing the camera to capture the full circular field of view without obstructions from mounting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a transparent window as an intermediary element that separates the camera from the laser mounting structure. The window allows light to pass through while providing a mounting surface for the laser assembly. This intermediary structure enables the laser to be positioned in the longitudinal path without physically blocking the camera's optical path, as the window material is transparent to the wavelengths involved.
2Ease of manufacture
If a flat viewing window is used in the camera housing, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but light refraction and deflection occur that distort the laser image and cause calculation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies that the viewing window should have a hemispherical or domed curvature rather than being flat. This curved geometry eliminates refraction-induced distortion because light rays passing through a hemispherical window at normal incidence do not experience angular deviation. The curvature ensures that all light rays from the laser profile, regardless of their entry angle, pass through the window perpendicular to the surface, maintaining image accuracy for precise measurements.
3Device complexity
If the mirror is fixed in position, then the device structure is simpler, but the apparatus cannot adapt to pipes with different inner diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mirror axially movable along the laser mounting rather than fixed in position. This dynamic capability allows the mirror to be repositioned to different distances from the laser source, which changes the radius and dimensions of the projected laser ring. By adjusting the mirror's axial position, the apparatus can adapt to inspect pipes of varying inner diameters, maintaining measurement accuracy across a range of applications without requiring multiple dedicated devices.
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
This configuration effectively moves the 'blank spots' to a non-consequential position along the camera's longitudinal axis, reducing measurement errors and enabling accurate laser profiling inspections in various environments, including underwater, by minimizing light refraction and allowing for precise adjustments to suit different pipe diameters.
Implementation Method 1
The mirror is configured to reflect outwardly a laser beam from the at least one laser to form a laser ring encircling the laser mounting
Implementation Method 2
The viewing window is substantially hemispherical or 'domed' in order to void deflection of light off the window which would distort the laser image. This is also important in order to reduce calculation problems caused by light refraction when using the camera underwater
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for laser profiling inspection includes a camera housing having a longitudinal axis and a substantially hemispherical viewing window positioned transversely relative to the longitudinal axis. A camera with a fisheye lens is positioned within the camera housing to capture images through the viewing window. A laser mounting is mounted to the viewing window with the laser mounting extending outwardly from the viewing window along the longitudinal axis of the housing. A laser is positioned at a remote end of the laser mounting. The laser projects a laser beam toward the camera. A mirror is supported by the laser mounting between the laser and the camera. The mirror is configured to reflect outwardly a laser beam from the laser to form a laser ring encircling the laser mounting.