Articulating Infrared Window for Enclosed Cabinet Thermal Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermographers face challenges in obtaining accurate thermal images of high voltage electrical components within enclosed cabinets without risking arc flashing, as existing methods either require opening the cabinet, leading to heat dissipation, or use limited fixed IR windows that restrict the view.
Innovation Solution
An articulating IR window kit is installed in the cabinet panel, featuring a window housing with an IR transparent pane that can be articulated relative to the panel, allowing for a wide-angle view without opening the cabinet, using mechanisms like double gimbal assemblies, ball-and-socket joints, or bellows to maintain enclosure and provide a standard field of view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed IR transmitting window is installed in the cabinet panel, then the cabinet can remain enclosed while allowing IR imaging, but the field of view is limited and cannot provide a view of all components
Solution Approach 1:
The window housing is made articulatable relative to the cabinet panel, allowing it to rotate or pivot between multiple positions. This dynamic capability enables the single window to provide views of different cabinet areas by changing its orientation, resolving the contradiction between maintaining enclosure integrity and achieving comprehensive component visibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single articulating window housing serves multiple functions by being able to point at different cabinet areas. Instead of requiring multiple fixed windows for different viewing angles, one articulating window can assume multiple orientations to provide comprehensive coverage of all components within the cabinet.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple fixed windows are installed in the cabinet panel, then the field of view coverage is improved, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of dividing the cabinet into multiple fixed viewing points, the solution segments the viewing capability within a single window housing that can rotate to different positions. This single articulating unit replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate fixed window installations, reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A single window housing is designed to perform the function of multiple fixed windows by articulating to different orientations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for multiple separate window installations, thereby reducing cost and complexity while maintaining comprehensive field of view coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a wide angle lens is added to the inspection camera, then the field of view is increased, but the spatial resolution decreases and lens exchange is required
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the lens to get a wider field of view, the solution changes the dimension of the viewing system by articulating the window housing in space. The window can rotate to different angles and positions, providing wide-angle coverage of cabinet components without compromising the camera's spatial resolution capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating window housing effectively creates multiple viewing perspectives of the cabinet interior without requiring multiple cameras or lens changes. By physically moving the window to different positions and orientations, it captures different views that would otherwise require multiple imaging systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An articulating infrared window to be installed into a panel of a cabinet is disclosed. The window includes a window housing and an infrared transparent pane. The infrared transparent pane is installed within the window housing. Embodiments of the window housing can include various articulation mechanisms including individually or in combination a double gimbal assembly, a single gimbal and rotary stage, a ball and socket joint, and an extension joint (such as a bellows) for articulating the infrared transparent pane.