Machine Chamber Lamp With Pivoting Camera and Shadow-Reducing Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lights in process chambers of machines are not robust enough to withstand conditions such as chips and contaminants, and obstructive tool holders or shadows hinder visual observation of the process.

Innovation Solution

A compact, surface-mounted or built-in lamp with a panel-shaped light exit opening and a recess for a pivoting camera, surrounded by LED light sources, which allows for wide-area illumination and adjustable camera alignment to minimize shadows and contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional lights are used in process chambers, then illumination is provided, but the lights are not robust enough to withstand conditions such as chips and contaminants

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverobustness of lightVSAvoidexposure to chips and contaminants
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a protective glass plate (dünne Glasplatte) that covers the light exit opening, forming a barrier that protects the light components from chips and contaminants while allowing light to pass through. This thin film/shell approach provides robustness without significantly affecting the illumination function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Productivity

If tool holders or workpiece holders are placed in the process chamber, then processing is enabled, but they obstruct the view or cast shadows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing capabilityVSAvoidvisual observation quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the light source at the front wall of the process chamber, illuminating from a dimension perpendicular to the typical viewing angle. This spatial arrangement allows light to enter from the front while the camera observes from the side, enabling both processing tools and clear visualization without mutual obstruction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides targeted illumination at the workpiece location through the front wall, creating localized lighting exactly where needed for both processing and observation. This localized quality of light ensures that the workpiece area is well-illuminated without requiring light sources that would obstruct the camera view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Volume of moving object

If a compact lamp structure is used, then space is saved, but the light may not cover a large area

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesize of lampVSAvoidillumination area
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the light source from a traditional enclosed lamp structure and positions it directly at the front wall with an open light exit. This extraction allows the compact lamp body to remain small while the light itself spreads over a large area of the process chamber, achieving both compactness and wide coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides optimal visual observability of the process by reducing shadows and preventing contaminant settlement, ensuring clear and effective illumination and observation within the process chamber.

Implementation Method 1

umgeben von Leuchtmitteln, bevorzugt von LEDs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroluminescence: Electroluminescence

Implementation Method 2

Durch eine panelartige Lichtaustrittsöffnung, durch die das von den Leuchtmitteln emittierte Licht austreten kann, ist die Beobachtung des Prozesses in dem Prozessraum ermöglicht

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight propagation: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3933262A1Lamp, in particular built-in or mounted lamp
Publication Date: 2022.01.05 HERBERT WALDMANN GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3933262A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3933262A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3933262A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a light (1), in particular a built-in or surface-mounted light for arrangement on an inner wall (5) in a machine, comprising a housing (10) with a front area 12 and a rear area (14), at least one light source (30), at least one camera (40), wherein a light emission opening (35) is provided in the front area (12) through which the light emitted by the at least one light source (30) can exit, and wherein a recess (20) is provided in the front area (12) into which the camera (40) can be inserted.