Optical Surface Evaluation Housing with Pivoting Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing apparatuses for determining optical surface properties of workpieces, such as those in the automotive industry, lack the ability to provide an objective evaluation, especially for large items, and do not allow for direct human observation under precisely defined conditions.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a housing that includes a carrier for the workpiece, a radiation device for illumination, and an observation opening for precise observation, allowing for standardized illumination and observation angles, with a pivoting mechanism to adjust the workpiece's position relative to the housing while maintaining constant illumination and observation directions, and optional features like light-absorbing inner walls and adjustable radiation sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing apparatuses are used for determining surface properties, then measurement can be performed, but the evaluation is not objective and cannot be directly observed by human eye under standardized conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controlled optical environment as an intermediary between the workpiece and the human observer. The housing with its specifically designed observation opening and illumination system acts as a mediator that translates complex surface properties into visually assessable reflections under standardized conditions, enabling objective human evaluation without requiring sophisticated measurement instruments
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus creates a standardized optical copy of the workpiece surface by controlling illumination angles and observation directions. This controlled optical representation allows human observers to evaluate surface properties under repeatable conditions that mimic standardized measurement protocols, making the evaluation process both objective and directly observable
2Measurement precision
If standardized illumination and observation angles are implemented, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to pivoting mechanisms and controlled environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the workpiece carrier and radiation device into a single integrated system where the carrier can be pivoted as one unit. This merging reduces the number of separate adjustment mechanisms needed, as the entire illumination-workpiece assembly can be rotated together to achieve different observation angles while maintaining their relative geometric relationships
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus employs a dynamic pivoting mechanism that allows the carrier to be rotated to different angular positions. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to various measurement requirements by changing the orientation of the workpiece and illumination source together, maintaining standardized angle relationships while providing measurement flexibility
3Adaptability or versatility
If the workpiece is pivoted to vary observation angle, then adaptability is improved, but maintaining constant illumination direction becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By coupling the radiation device to the carrier, the patent ensures that both the workpiece and illumination source pivot together as a unified assembly. This merging maintains the constant angular relationship between the radiation direction and the workpiece surface, even as the entire system is rotated to different observation angles
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts what would normally be a harmful variable (changing illumination angle when workpiece is pivoted) into a beneficial feature. By coupling the radiation device to the carrier, the system uses the pivoting motion itself to maintain constant illumination geometry, turning the potential problem of angle variation into a solution where the illumination relationship is preserved through coordinated movement
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 objective and precise evaluation of optical surface properties by ensuring consistent observation and illumination angles, allowing for accurate assessment of surface features like gloss, color, and structure, and facilitating the calibration of other surface analysis devices.
Implementation Method 1
a radiation device (6) which directs radiation onto the workpiece (10) in a predefined emission direction (E)
Implementation Method 2
an observation opening (8) which is provided in at least one wall (2a) of the housing (2), through which an illuminated region of the workpiece (10) can be observed in a predefined observation direction (B)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining optical surface properties of workpieces, comprising a housing, in the interior of which there is provided a carrier on which the workpiece be arranged, and comprising a radiation device which directs radiation onto the workpiece in a predefined emission direction (E). According to the invention, the housing has in at least one wall an observation opening, through which a region of the workpiece illuminated by the radiation device can be observed in a predefined observation direction (B).