Explosion-proof camera window sacrificial disc
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing explosion-proof cases for thermographic video cameras face a challenge in passing impact tests due to the fragility of infrared-transparent materials like germanium, which requires the use of a metallic protective grid that obstructs the camera's visual field.
Innovation Solution
A sacrificial window made of infrared-transparent material, such as germanium, is positioned in front of the viewing window, designed to absorb impact energy and break during tests without damaging the primary window, eliminating the need for a metallic grid and maintaining transparency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metallic protective grid is placed in front of the viewing window to protect it from impact, then the viewing window can pass the impact test, but the grid obstructs the camera's visual field
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable object principle by using a sacrificial window made of infrared-transparent material that is designed to break during impact tests or when subjected to excessive force. This sacrificial window acts as a disposable protective element that absorbs impact energy, thereby protecting the primary viewing window from damage while maintaining an unobstructed visual field for the camera.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the intermediary principle by introducing a sacrificial window as a mediating element between the external impact environment and the primary viewing window. This intermediate sacrificial window absorbs the harmful impact forces, preventing them from reaching the main viewing window, thus serving as a protective mediator that eliminates the need for obstructive metal grids.
2Loss of information
If a sacrificial window is used to protect the primary window, then the visual field remains unobstructed, but the sacrificial window must be made of expensive infrared-transparent material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the disposable object principle by using a sacrificial window made of infrared-transparent material that is designed to break during impact tests or when subjected to excessive force. This sacrificial window acts as a disposable protective element that absorbs impact energy, thereby protecting the primary viewing window from damage while maintaining an unobstructed visual field for the camera.
3Quantity of substance
If the viewing window is made of thin infrared-transparent material to reduce cost, then the material is more fragile and cannot pass impact tests, but increasing thickness increases cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the segmentation principle by dividing the protective function into two separate windows: a primary viewing window made of thin infrared-transparent material for cost-effectiveness and optical performance, and a sacrificial window that provides impact protection. This segmentation allows each window to be optimized for its specific function, reducing overall cost while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies the disposable object principle by using a sacrificial window made of infrared-transparent material that is designed to break during impact tests or when subjected to excessive force. This sacrificial window acts as a disposable protective element that absorbs impact energy, thereby protecting the primary viewing window from damage while maintaining an unobstructed visual field for the camera.
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 sacrificial window effectively protects the primary window from impact while maintaining the camera's unobstructed visual field, reducing production costs and overcoming the limitations of prior solutions.
Implementation Method 1
A sacrificial window made of infrared-transparent material, such as germanium, is positioned in front of the viewing window, designed to absorb impact energy and break during tests without damaging the primary window
Implementation Method 2
thermographic cameras working in the long infrared wave zone (LWIR)... viewing window, located at the front of the case, must be constructed with a special material, transparent to infrared radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
An explosion-proof case (100) for a video camera for use in any environments having a potentially explosive atmosphere, in particular for video cameras in which the video signal obtained is processed by particular software, analysing the image for obtaining specific information (Video Analytics) and for thermographic cameras, used as sensors for detecting the temperature of filmed object. Such a case (100) mounts a viewing window (1) provided with a disc (5) made of an infrared radiation transparent material such as Germanium, Sapphire, Zinc-Selenium and is provided with a protection of said viewing window (1) which complies with particular IEC EN standards. Such a case (100) is characterised in that the protection of the viewing window (1) only and exclusively consists of a further window (10), arranged in front of said viewing window (1) and provided with a transparent disc (12) which is intended for, by cracking or breaking after an impact, absorbing the impact energy and thus protecting the above-mentioned viewing window (1) from said shock.