Disposable Infrared Imaging Probe With Phase-Change Thermal Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turbomachinery inspection systems face damage and high costs due to the hostile environment within gas turbine engines, requiring extensive support systems and prolonged downtime for installation.
Innovation Solution
An infrared imaging device with electronic components encased in a phase change material and a heat transfer structure, which absorbs heat and regulates temperature, allowing for thermal imaging without extensive support systems and minimizing downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If substantial support systems (cooling systems, data collection systems, wiring systems) are included in inspection systems, then the reliability of inspection equipment is improved, but the device complexity and capital investment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a disposable infrared imaging probe that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for complex cooling systems, data collection systems, and wiring systems that would be required for reusable equipment. The probe is inserted into the engine, collects thermal data, and is then discarded, avoiding the need for substantial support systems while maintaining inspection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential inspection function from the complex support systems by using a simple, standalone disposable probe. The probe contains only the necessary infrared sensor and minimal electronics, separating the core imaging function from the cumbersome support infrastructure required by traditional reusable inspection systems.
2Reliability
If traditional reusable inspection systems are used, then inspection quality is maintained, but the downtime for installation and removal is extended
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable probe design allows for rapid insertion and removal without the need for complex installation procedures. Since the probe is discarded after one use, there is no need for lengthy installation, calibration, or maintenance procedures, significantly reducing engine downtime while maintaining inspection quality through dedicated single-use optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
The disposable probe is pre-configured and pre-calibrated during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site setup and calibration that would extend downtime. The probe is ready to use immediately upon insertion, and all necessary preparations are completed in advance during the manufacturing process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If reusable inspection equipment is used in the hostile environment, then inspection capability is provided, but the equipment is damaged by heat and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The disposable probe is designed to withstand the hostile environment for the duration of a single inspection mission. It incorporates heat-resistant materials and thermal management features sufficient for one-time use in high-temperature zones, eliminating wear and damage accumulation issues associated with reusable equipment while maintaining full inspection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe incorporates pre-designed thermal protection measures including insulation layers and heat dissipation structures that are optimized for the specific thermal conditions it will encounter. This beforehand cushioning protects the electronic components from heat damage during the inspection mission without requiring complex active cooling systems.
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 system effectively extends the life of electronic components by maintaining temperatures below the safe operating range, enabling cost-effective thermal imaging of turbomachinery without the need for extensive cooling systems or prolonged downtime.
Implementation Method 1
The phase change material has a first material phase and a second material phase. The phase change material is configured to absorb heat through changing from the first material phase to the second material phase.
Implementation Method 2
The phase change material is configured to absorb heat through changing from the first material phase to the second material phase.
Implementation Method 3
The heat transfer structure is disposed within the phase change material. The heat transfer structure is configured to conduct heat within the phase change material.
Data Source
AI summary
An imaging device includes a plurality of electronic components, a phase change material, and a heat transfer structure. The plurality of electronic components is configured to collect data and have a predetermined temperature parameter. The plurality of electronic components is disposed within the phase change material. The phase change material has a first material phase and a second material phase. The phase change material has a first material phase and a second material phase. The phase change material is configured to absorb heat through changing from the first material phase to the second material phase. The heat transfer structure is disposed within the phase change material. The heat transfer structure is configured to conduct heat within the phase change material. The phase change material and the heat transfer structure are further configured to regulate a temperature of the electronic components below the predetermined temperature parameter.