Thermal Imaging Camera Damping System Using Composite Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal imaging cameras lack effective shock and vibration damping capabilities, as rigid foams provide inadequate protection and flexible foams lack damping properties, making them unsuitable for withstanding repeated impacts.
Innovation Solution
The internal damping system employs multiple core damping members and a nose damping member between the camera core and housing, allowing 360-degree damping and axial movement, with materials like synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer and thermoplastic vinyl to absorb and distribute impact energy, reducing the energy spike to the core.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid foam is used for positioning and protection of the camera core, then basic protection is provided, but the foam cannot withstand repeated impact since it has substantially no memory to rebound to original shape or position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines rigid foam and flexible foam in a composite structure. The rigid foam provides structural support and positioning, while the flexible foam provides shock absorption and rebound capability. This composite approach allows the system to withstand repeated impacts while maintaining proper camera positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the housing are assigned different foam types based on their specific functions. The rigid foam is used where structural support and positioning are needed, while flexible foam is used where shock absorption and repeated impact resistance are required. This local differentiation optimizes the overall protection system.
2Stability of the object's composition
If flexible foam is used to improve memory abilities, then rebound to original shape is improved, but the foam lacks real damping capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The combination of rigid and flexible foam creates a system where the flexible foam provides memory and rebound while the rigid foam provides damping. The two materials work together to simultaneously achieve shape recovery and shock absorption that neither material could achieve alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid foam acts as an intermediary between the flexible foam and the camera core, providing a damping interface that reduces shock transmission while allowing the flexible foam to perform its memory function.
3Temperature
If foam material is used for thermal insulation, then temperature control is improved, but shock or vibration damping is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The foam materials in the housing serve multiple functions simultaneously: thermal insulation, shock absorption, vibration damping, and structural positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems for each protection type, reducing overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By using composite foam structures with different densities and material properties, the system achieves both thermal insulation and mechanical damping properties that single-material foams cannot provide.
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
This system effectively distributes impact energy across the core, reducing the maximum energy spike and providing comprehensive protection against shock and vibration, enhancing the camera's durability and usability in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
materials like synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer and thermoplastic vinyl to absorb and distribute impact energy
Implementation Method 2
synthetic viscoelastic urethane polymer
Data Source
AI summary
A thermal imaging camera is provided which includes an outer housing, a core disposed substantially entirely within the housing, and a plurality of damping members disposed between the housing and the core to substantially fully suspend the core in the housing with the damping members.