Nested Tube Optical Protection Reducing Vortex Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical systems, such as road condition monitoring systems, face contamination issues due to particles entering the protective tubes, leading to vortex formation and potential contamination of the lenses or windows, which existing long tubes fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
A compact system comprising a hollow first part with multiple openings and a shorter inner part, where the air flow is guided between the inner and outer surfaces to reduce vortex formation, and a cover with protrusions to prevent contamination, made from flexible materials like thermoplastic polyurethane or thermoplastic elastomers, allowing for effective protection of optical systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a long tube is used to protect the optical system, then contamination is reduced, but the device complexity and length increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure with an inner tube positioned within an outer tube, creating multiple protective layers. This nested configuration provides enhanced contamination protection through the dual-tube arrangement while maintaining a more compact overall length compared to a single long tube design.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective system is segmented into distinct functional sections: an outer tube with specific opening arrangements, an inner tube with its own opening pattern, and a coupling section. This segmentation allows each component to address specific flow control requirements, achieving effective contamination protection without requiring excessive total length.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a tube is used to protect the optical system, then contamination is reduced, but vortex formation occurs leading to particle entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different opening configurations at different locations along the tubes. The outer tube has openings positioned to control incoming air flow, while the inner tube has openings arranged to manage the flow within the nested structure. This localized flow control at specific positions prevents vortex formation while maintaining contamination protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The nested tube structure acts as an intermediary system between the external environment and the optical components. The multiple tubes with strategically positioned openings create controlled flow paths that mediate the air flow, preventing direct turbulent entry of particles while still allowing necessary air movement.
3Reliability
If a protective tube is used, then the optical system is protected, but the system becomes longer and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tube is nested within the outer tube, creating a compact protective structure that provides multi-layered protection without requiring a long single tube. This nested arrangement significantly reduces the overall volume and length of the protective system while maintaining reliable contamination protection through the dual-tube configuration.
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 significantly reduces contamination of optical systems by minimizing vortex formation and allowing for a shorter design, improving measurement accuracy and safety while being suitable for industrial-scale manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
particles in an incoming air flow may enter the tube due to a vortex below and within the cavity of the tube
Implementation Method 2
the system is configured to guide at least a part of an incoming air flow from the at least one first opening along a flow channel between an inner surface of the first part and an outer surface of the second part
Data Source
AI summary
According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a system for protecting an optical system, the system comprising a hollow first part having at least one first opening, a hollow second part arranged at least partially within the first part, and a coupling section configured to be coupled to the optical system, wherein the system is configured to guide at least a part of an incoming air flow from the at least one first opening along a flow channel between an inner surface of the first part and an outer surface of the second part.