Temperature Chamber Backlighting for Material Testing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control chambers for material testing machines face challenges in achieving homogeneous temperature conditions and efficient optical measurement methods, particularly at extreme temperatures, due to the need for continuous opening, which leads to thermal bridging and fogging issues, and the bulkiness of measuring devices that obstruct the view.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control chamber with integrated LED light sources within the walls, providing a diffuse backlight that allows for non-contact optical measurements through a camera system, while maintaining insulation and minimizing heat input, allowing for efficient temperature control and measurement across a wide temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the temperature control chamber is continuously opened for sample loading and optical measurement, then the measuring device can access the sample, but thermal bridging occurs and temperature homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The chamber is segmented into multiple access points: a larger first opening for sample loading and a smaller second opening for optical measurement. This segmentation allows the measurement function to use a smaller opening, reducing thermal loss while still enabling full sample access through the larger opening when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
A lamella curtain is introduced as an intermediary element between the second opening and the sample. The curtain can be positioned to allow optical measurement while maintaining thermal insulation, acting as a mediator that enables measurement access without fully opening the chamber and compromising temperature homogeneity.
2Ease of operation
If the chamber opening is enlarged to allow optical measurement, then the measuring device can view the sample, but heat loss increases and insulation performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into two functional zones: a larger first opening for sample loading and a smaller second opening for optical measurement. This segmentation allows the measurement function to use minimal opening area, reducing heat loss while still enabling optical access.
Solution Approach 2:
Different opening sizes are provided for different functions: the first opening is larger for sample handling while the second opening is smaller and optimized for optical measurement. This local differentiation of opening quality ensures each function has appropriate access while minimizing overall heat loss.
3Measurement precision
If a camera system is positioned close to the sample for measurement, then measurement precision improves, but the view is obstructed by the bulkiness of the measuring device
Solution Approach 1:
The camera system is extracted from the chamber interior and positioned outside through the second opening. This extraction eliminates the space requirement and obstruction issues that would occur if the camera were placed inside the chamber with the sample, while still enabling close measurement through the optimized opening size.
4Use of energy by moving object
If LED light sources are integrated into the wall for backlighting, then illumination efficiency improves and heat input is minimized, but the structural complexity of the wall increases
Solution Approach 1:
The LED light sources are merged with the wall structure, integrating the illumination function directly into the chamber wall. This combining of functions eliminates the need for separate illumination components inside the chamber, improving energy efficiency while the integrated design minimizes the increase in overall structural complexity.
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
Enables rapid, energy-efficient, and accurate optical measurements of material samples under extreme temperatures without compromising the insulation or increasing heat input, allowing for quick and precise testing in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source (460, 462, 464, 466) in the form of LEDs or LED bands is integrated into a wall section (340)
Implementation Method 2
The wall section (340) has a translucent layer through which the light from the light sources (460, 462, 464, 466) passes, in order to generate a diffuse light
Implementation Method 3
maintaining insulation and minimizing heat input, allowing for efficient temperature control
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a temperature chamber which, together with a loading device, such as a column material testing machine, can enclose a material and/or component sample, thereby enabling optical measurement of changes in the material and/or component sample under selected thermal and/or atmospheric conditions. Thanks to a conveniently designed backlighting element, it is possible to realize a very compact temperature chamber.