Pivoting Lens Optical Adapter for Multi-Direction Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current optical scopes require frequent egress and replacement of adapters to change viewing directions, leading to increased time, cost, and risk of damage during inspections of internal components in apparatuses like gas turbine engines.
Innovation Solution
An optical adapter with a hinge and actuator mechanism that allows the reflecting lens to pivot between retracted and extended positions, providing multiple viewing directions without the need for adapter replacement, including a casing with first and second viewing ports and a mechanical or microactuator-driven actuator to adjust the lens position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete optical adapters are used to provide different viewing directions, then viewing versatility is improved, but device complexity and operation time increase due to frequent adapter replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The optical adapter incorporates multiple viewing ports (first viewing port, second viewing port) within a single adapter assembly, allowing the same adapter to provide multiple discrete viewing directions. This eliminates the need to replace adapters when changing viewing angles, as the adapter itself contains the capability for multiple viewing directions through its multi-port structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical adapter includes a movable reflecting lens that can be pivoted between different positions using a hinge mechanism and actuator. This dynamic component allows the adapter to switch between providing a first direction of view and a second direction of view, enabling a single static adapter structure to deliver multiple viewing directions through internal movement of optical elements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If frequent egress and replacement of optical adapters is performed, then viewing direction changes are achieved, but inspection time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple viewing ports into a single adapter, the system eliminates the time-consuming process of egressing and replacing adapters. The operator can switch between viewing directions by activating the actuator to pivot the reflecting lens, rather than physically replacing the entire adapter assembly, thereby significantly reducing inspection time.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic pivoting mechanism allows rapid switching between viewing directions without requiring physical removal or replacement of the adapter. The actuator can quickly reposition the reflecting lens from one viewing angle to another, minimizing the time lost during direction changes and improving overall inspection efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If frequent ingress and egress of optical scope is performed, then multiple viewing directions are achieved, but risk of damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single adapter with multiple viewing ports eliminates the need for repeated ingress and egress operations that would be required if separate adapters were used for each viewing direction. By keeping the scope inserted and only internally repositioning the reflecting lens, the system minimizes mechanical stress and exposure to damage risks associated with frequent connection and disconnection cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal pivoting mechanism allows the scope to remain stationary and inserted while the reflecting lens moves to provide different viewing directions. This eliminates the need to repeatedly insert and remove the scope, thereby reducing the risk of damage to both the scope and the components being inspected during frequent connection and disconnection operations.
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
This solution reduces the need for frequent ingress and egress, decreases the risk of damage, and enhances inspection efficiency by allowing multiple viewing directions from a single adapter, thereby reducing costs and improving maintenance efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reflecting lens defining a first end separated from a second end in the longitudinal direction, in which the first end is coupled to the hinge
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to an optical adapter for an optical scope. The optical scope includes a tube defining a conduit. The optical adapter is coupled to an end of the tube. The optical adapter defines a proximate end and a distal end. The optical adapter includes a casing defining a longitudinal direction. The casing includes a first wall and a second wall, in which the first wall and the second wall define a first viewing port therebetween. The second wall defines a second viewing port. The optical adapter further includes a hinge coupled to the first wall, a reflecting lens defining a first end separated from a second end in the longitudinal direction, in which the first end is coupled to the hinge, and an actuator coupled to the first wall and to the second end of the reflecting lens. The actuator pivots the reflecting lens about the hinge from a retracted position adjacent to the first wall to an extended position toward the second wall.