Optical Protection Conduit Geometry for Low-Turbulence Tool Setting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing optical measurement devices in machine tool environments suffer from air turbulence that degrades measurement repeatability despite conventional methods to reduce contaminants.
Innovation Solution
A protection member with a conduit having a varying cross-sectional profile along the airflow axis, directing air expelled at an angle relative to the optical axis to minimize turbulence and reduce air volume, while maintaining optical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If air is expelled through a conventional conduit with constant cross-section, then air flow protection is provided, but air turbulence degrades measurement repeatability
Solution Approach 1:
The conduit cross-sectional area is varied along its length (changing the geometric parameter) to reduce air turbulence. The conduit transitions from a larger cross-sectional area at the inlet to a smaller cross-sectional area at the outlet, creating a diffuser-like structure that smooths air flow and reduces turbulence in the expelled air stream, thereby improving measurement repeatability.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If air volume is increased to improve protection against contaminants, then protection effectiveness is enhanced, but air consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The varying cross-sectional profile of the conduit optimizes air flow efficiency. By gradually reducing the cross-sectional area along the flow direction, the design creates a more controlled and efficient air stream that provides effective contaminant protection with reduced overall air consumption compared to conventional constant-cross-section conduits.
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
Improves measurement repeatability by reducing air turbulence and minimizing air consumption, thus enhancing the accuracy of optical measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a stream of air is guided out of the conduit along an airflow axis, the optical axis being non-parallel to the airflow axis
Implementation Method 2
the conduit has a varying cross-sectional profile along the airflow axis... the varying shape of the conduit has been found to reduce the overall airflow turbulence of the expelled air
Implementation Method 3
a beam of light is passed through the conduit along an optical axis
Data Source
AI summary
A protection member for an optical measurement device, such as a break-beam tool setting device for a machine tool. The protection member includes a conduit through which light and air can pass. The conduit is configured such that, in use, a beam of light is passed through the conduit along an optical axis and a stream of air is guided out of the conduit along an airflow axis. The optical axis is non-parallel to the airflow axis and the conduit has a varying cross-sectional profile along the airflow axis. Improved measurement repeatability is provided.