Reflective Surface Inspection Using Direct Steam Condensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for inspecting reflective or transparent surfaces face challenges in creating a homogeneous coating of liquid droplets due to the difficulty in adjusting ideal droplet size and the need for separate steam generation and conveyance, which complicates the inspection process and requires additional technical effort.
Innovation Solution
A device that generates steam directly within the vaporization unit, eliminating the need for a separate steam supply line, allows for direct application to the object's surface, and uses a heating device to maintain a homogeneous coating of liquid droplets, which evaporate after inspection, enabling efficient inspection of surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If steam is generated in a separate boiler and conveyed through pipes to the object, then the steam can be supplied to the object, but the pipe system becomes complex and requires additional heating to prevent condensation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generation function and the vaporization function into a single integrated device. The heating device heats the liquid directly in the vaporization chamber where it is subsequently vaporized and applied to the object, eliminating the need for separate steam generation and conveyance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the steam generation function from a separate boiler and integrates it directly into the vaporization chamber. By taking out the steam generation step and combining it with the vaporization step, the system eliminates the complex pipe network that would be required to convey steam from a distant boiler.
2Manufacturing precision
If liquid is atomized and applied directly to the surface, then a coating of liquid droplets is formed, but the droplet size is difficult to control for optimal measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent controls droplet size by adjusting parameters of the liquid introduction system and heating conditions. By controlling the atomization process and the temperature at which the liquid is vaporized, the system achieves precise control over the final droplet size on the object surface, making the droplet size adjustable and optimizable for measurement requirements.
3Volume of stationary object
If the vaporization device is integrated with direct steam generation, then the installation space is reduced, but the steam temperature must be maintained at lower levels
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated vaporization device uses the heat generated by the heating device to directly vaporize the liquid in the same chamber where it is introduced. This self-contained process eliminates the need for external steam generation and conveyance, reducing installation space while maintaining controlled, lower temperatures appropriate for direct application to the object surface.
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 device provides a homogeneous coating of liquid droplets that lasts long enough for optical measurements, allowing efficient inspection of painted body parts, exterior mirrors, and headlights, while being miniaturized and portable, with adjustable lighting and detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
a vapor deposition device which is designed for vaporizing the surface, wherein the vapor deposition device has a nozzle, an evaporation chamber with an enclosure and a heating device
Implementation Method 2
The steam is produced directly in the vaporization chamber and can be applied directly to the object's surface through the steam outlet. This outlet is essentially a tubular opening in the housing. Consequently, the steam temperature can be kept lower compared to steam generated in a boiler, as it does not have to travel a long distance from the vaporization chamber or boiler to the object's surface. The generated steam condenses on the object's surface, forming a homogeneous coating of liquid droplets.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for inspecting a surface (2) of an object (3), in particular a reflective or transparent surface (2), comprising an illuminating apparatus (4), by means of which the surface (2) can be illuminated, a measuring apparatus (5), which senses light reflected at the surface (2), and a vapor-application apparatus (6), which is designed to apply vapor to the surface (2). According to the invention, in order to achieve efficient vapor application, the vapor-application apparatus (6) comprises a nozzle, a vaporization chamber having an enclosure, and a heating apparatus, the nozzle protruding into the vaporization chamber in order to introduce a liquid into the vaporization chamber, and the vaporization chamber having a vapor outlet.