Laser Projector Purge Chamber for Hazardous Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laser projectors pose a safety risk in hazardous environments like paint booths due to the presence of explosive gases, limiting their use and potential cost savings in applications such as paint masking.
Innovation Solution
A system with a purge chamber containing a substantially optically transparent wall allows a laser projector to operate safely by maintaining a positive pressure environment and monitoring for hazardous gases, with a protective wall and wireless communication for enhanced functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a laser projector is used in a paint booth environment, then cost savings are achieved by eliminating tooling and templates, but safety risks increase due to the presence of explosive gases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate environments: a hazardous paint booth area and a safe purge chamber area. The laser projector is segmented from the hazardous environment by placing it inside the purge chamber, which is filled with inert gas. This allows the laser to project through the transparent wall into the paint booth without being exposed to explosive gases, thereby maintaining cost savings while eliminating safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
An inert gas (such as nitrogen or carbon dioxide) serves as an intermediary medium between the laser projector and the hazardous paint booth environment. The inert gas fills the purge chamber, creating a safe atmosphere that prevents combustion while still allowing the laser beam to pass through the transparent wall and function in the paint booth area.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a laser projector operates in a hazardous environment, then functionality is maintained for paint masking applications, but the risk of explosion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The purge chamber is filled with an inert gas that does not support combustion, creating a safe environment for the laser projector. This inert atmosphere maintains the laser's functionality for paint masking applications while eliminating the explosion risk associated with operating in a hazardous paint booth environment. The transparent wall allows the laser beam to pass through while the inert gas barrier prevents harmful interactions.
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 effective laser projection in explosive environments by preventing gas ingress and allowing controlled operation, thus overcoming safety concerns and enabling cost savings in paint masking and other hazardous settings.
Implementation Method 1
A substantially optically transparent wall is formed along the purge chamber. A laser projector is mounted within the purge chamber. The laser projector is positioned to project a laser beam through the substantially optically transparent wall.
Data Source
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AI summary
The system contains a purge chamber 12, 112. A substantially optically transparent wall 14, 114 is formed along the purge chamber 12, 112. A laser projector 16, 116 is mounted within the purge chamber 12, 112. The laser projector 16, 116 is positioned to project a laser beam through the substantially optically transparent wall 14, 114. The system may be used to project images onto objects to assist in manufacturing processes.