Vacuum Chamber Imaging System with Flexible Atmospheric Enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vision systems face challenges in integrating short working distance imaging within vacuum chambers due to the need for vacuum-compatible components, which are complex and limited by heat dissipation and signal transmission issues, especially at high vacuum levels, and standard industrial cameras are not available for high vacuum environments.
Innovation Solution
An imaging system with a flexible connection between a vacuum chamber and an enclosure at atmospheric pressure, allowing standard cameras to operate within the vacuum chamber, using a rigid sealed enclosure with a transparent window and flexible tubing to maintain atmospheric pressure for the camera, enabling short working distances and high frame rates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the vision system is integrated inside the vacuum chamber to achieve short working distance imaging, then the imaging performance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for vacuum-compatible components
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate pressure zones: a vacuum environment for the sample and process chamber, and an atmospheric pressure environment for the camera and electronics. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal pressure condition, achieving short working distance imaging without requiring vacuum-compatible cameras or complex vacuum feedthroughs.
Solution Approach 2:
A transparent window serves as an intermediary element between the vacuum chamber and the atmospheric pressure camera enclosure. This window allows optical transmission while maintaining the pressure differential, enabling the camera to capture images of the sample in vacuum without being exposed to vacuum conditions itself.
2Adaptability or versatility
If vacuum-compatible components are used to integrate the vision system inside the vacuum chamber, then the imaging capability is improved, but the manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates vacuum-compatible components (simple transparent window, vacuum chamber) from standard commercial components (camera, electronics, cables). This segmentation allows the use of inexpensive, easily manufactured standard cameras and accessories without requiring expensive vacuum-rated versions, significantly reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The camera enclosure creates a replicated atmospheric environment inside the vacuum chamber. This 'copy' of the atmospheric pressure environment allows standard cameras to function exactly as they would in normal conditions, eliminating the need for specialized vacuum-compatible models and their associated high costs and manufacturing complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If standard industrial cameras are used in high vacuum environments, then the cost is reduced, but the reliability decreases due to heat dissipation and signal transmission issues
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates distinct thermal and electrical zones separated by the transparent window. The camera and its heat-generating components operate in an atmospheric pressure enclosure where standard cooling and power supply methods work reliably. This segmentation eliminates heat dissipation and signal transmission problems that would occur if the camera were directly exposed to vacuum, while still allowing the camera to image the vacuum environment.
4Measurement precision
If the camera is positioned close to the sample for short working distance imaging, then the imaging resolution is improved, but the integration possibilities around the sample are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system adds a spatial dimension by positioning the camera in a separate atmospheric pressure enclosure adjacent to the vacuum chamber, rather than requiring the camera to be physically integrated within the vacuum space. This allows the camera to be located at optimal positions for various imaging configurations while maintaining close proximity to the sample through the transparent window, thereby preserving integration possibilities for other components around the sample.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure concerns an imaging system for imaging a sample immersed in a controlled environment. The system comprises - at least one enclosure configured to hold at least one imaging sensor or camera inside the enclosure, the enclosure including at least one opening and at least one transparent window for imaging the sample; and - a flexible channel comprising a first extremity and a second extremity, the first extremity being connected to the enclosure at said at least one opening and the second extremity being configured to be connected to a wall of the hermetic chamber, the flexible channel defining or enclosing a passage extending through the flexible channel and to or into the enclosure.