Rotatable Inspection Port for Expanded Field of View
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inspection windows in protective housings are limited by their small size and restricted field of view, particularly for infrared and ultraviolet radiation inspection, which hinders the ability to monitor larger zones of electrical equipment safely and effectively.
Innovation Solution
A rotatable inspection port with a polyhedral inspection enclosure and a window axis that allows for 360-degree rotation, providing a larger field of view and enabling inspection of equipment from various angles without compromising safety or increasing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional fixed inspection windows are used, then safety protection is maintained, but the field of view is limited and cannot monitor larger zones
Solution Approach 1:
The inspection window is made rotatable about an axis, transforming it from a fixed stationary structure to a dynamic one that can change its orientation. This allows a single window to cover multiple inspection zones by rotating to different angular positions, effectively increasing the total inspection field of view without requiring multiple fixed windows across the housing surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The inspection capability is extended from a single planar view to a three-dimensional scanning capability by adding rotational movement. The window can now access different spatial zones by changing its angular position, effectively adding a rotational dimension to the inspection coverage area.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple fixed inspection windows are installed to cover larger zones, then inspection coverage is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single inspection window is designed to perform multiple inspection functions by rotating to different positions. Instead of requiring multiple dedicated windows for different zones, one universal rotatable window can service all inspection areas sequentially, reducing the total number of components and simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The functionality of multiple fixed inspection windows is merged into a single rotatable window assembly. By combining the inspection capabilities that would otherwise require separate windows into one unified rotatable structure, the total component count is reduced while maintaining comprehensive inspection coverage.
3Area of stationary object
If the window plane is aligned with the panel plane, then structural simplicity is maintained, but the field of view is restricted to a narrow angle
Solution Approach 1:
The window assembly incorporates rotational capability that allows it to dynamically adjust its viewing angle. This dynamic adjustment enables the window to access equipment zones that would be invisible from a fixed panel-aligned position, expanding the effective field of view while maintaining a simple base mounting structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An inspection port, and a housing with an inspection port, for use in inspecting an interior volume are provided. The inspection port has a viewing assembly for rotatable securement about an axis of rotation at an inspection opening of a panel defining a side of an interior volume. The viewing assembly has an inspection enclosure for extending into the interior volume. The inspection enclosure has a region with a window opening having a window axis angled relative to the axis of rotation. The housing has an inspection opening at or over which the inspection port is mounted.