Automatic Burner Positioning for Material Burning Tests
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current burning tests for material specimens are prone to subjective human error due to manual operation, leading to inconsistencies in flame distance and burner positioning, which affects the accuracy and reliability of fire hazard assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing cameras for fully automatic positioning of a burner at a predetermined distance from a reference point on the test specimen, with image processing to determine the reference point and maintain consistent distance, and additional features like interference bandpass filters and red light emitters to suppress flame detection and ensure standardized testing conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual operation is used for burning tests, then the testing process is simple and easy to operate, but the flame distance and burner positioning are inconsistent leading to subjective errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical positioning with an optical measurement system. A camera captures images of the test specimen, and image processing algorithms automatically determine the position of the burner relative to the specimen, eliminating subjective human error in distance measurement while maintaining operational simplicity through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses optical copying by capturing an image of the actual test setup. The camera creates a visual copy of the burner and specimen positions, which is then processed to precisely determine spatial relationships. This optical copy allows for accurate measurement without physical contact or complex mechanical measurement devices.
2Measurement precision
If automatic positioning system is implemented, then the measurement precision of flame distance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system serves multiple functions: it captures the test specimen image for positioning, monitors the burning process, and provides visual records for analysis. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while achieving high measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing visual information from the test setup itself to perform measurements. The camera captures what is already visible in the test environment, and the image processing algorithms automatically extract positioning data without requiring additional markers, fixtures, or complex calibration procedures, making the system self-sufficient and relatively simple.
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
Ensures consistent and accurate flame application and measurement, reducing human error and enhancing the reliability of burning test results by maintaining precise flame distance and standardized testing conditions, thereby improving the assessment of material burning properties.
Implementation Method 1
capturing image data of the test piece with at least one first camera
Implementation Method 2
The at least one first camera also has an interference bandpass filter for suppressing the detection of the burner flame
Implementation Method 3
the at least one first camera is irradiated by a red light emitter to suppress the detection of the burner flame
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The method involves acquiring image data of a test specimen using at least one first camera. A reference point on the test specimen is determined by processing the image data acquired with the at least one first camera. A burner is then positioned at a predetermined distance from the reference point to ignite the test specimen. According to one embodiment of the invention, at least one second camera is used to detect whether the flame-treated test specimen is burning or glowing. At least one third camera can be used to monitor the burner flame, and at least one fourth camera can be used to determine whether the sample drips while burning. Furthermore, according to this embodiment, at least one detector is used to detect whether the droplets ignite a cotton ball positioned beneath the sample.