Video Probe Optical System Dynamic Focal Length Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing video probe assemblies have limited focal length changes, making it difficult to inspect a large range of fields and maintain focus in inaccessible environments due to size constraints.
Innovation Solution
An optical system with a plurality of lenses configured to refract separate linearly polarized rays under different refractive indexes, combined with light modulating elements and a rotatable polarizer, to produce multiple focal lengths and improve focus adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the optical system uses a single focal length design, then the device structure is simple, but the ability to inspect a large range of fields is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic optical system that can change focal length in real-time. A variable focal length lens or a movable lens group allows the optical system to adapt between different focal lengths, enabling inspection of both close-up defects and distant targets within the same device, thus resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The optical system is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a focal length adjustment mechanism. The same optical probe can inspect targets at various distances and provide both close-up and distant viewing capabilities, making the device universally applicable to different inspection scenarios without requiring multiple separate devices
2Ease of operation
If the probe assembly size is reduced for inaccessible environments, then mobility is improved, but the focal length adjustment range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the physical size of the probe assembly to achieve greater focal length adjustment range, the patent utilizes the optical dimension by implementing a variable focal length mechanism. This allows the system to achieve extended depth of field and versatile inspection capability within a compact form factor, resolving the contradiction between mobility and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the optical parameter of focal length dynamically without changing the physical dimensions of the probe assembly. By using a variable focal length lens or movable lens group, the system achieves a large range of focal length changes while maintaining a compact size suitable for inaccessible environments, thus resolving the contradiction between size and focal length adjustment range
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 optical system achieves a larger range of focal length changes, enabling better focus and zooming functionalities, thereby extending the depth of field and improving the ability to inspect targets in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of lenses configured to refract separate linearly polarized rays under different refractive indexes to form a plurality of different focal lengths
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of lenses configured to refract separate linearly polarized rays under different refractive indexes
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of light modulating elements each configured to modulate a polarization state of the linearly polarized rays passing through the respective light modulating elements
Implementation Method 4
A polarizer element filters out some of the linearly polarized rays passing through the polarizer element
Data Source
AI summary
An optical system in a video probe assembly includes a plurality of lenses configured to refract separate linearly polarized rays under different refractive indexes to form a plurality of different focal lengths. The optical system includes at least one light modulating element that modulates a polarization state of the linearly polarized rays passing through the at least one light modulating element in response to a control signal. The optical system includes a polarizer element that filters out some of the modulated linearly polarized rays passing through the polarizer element. A method of inspecting a target with an optical system of a video probe assembly is also provided.