Double-Walled Radiation Shield for Accurate Temperature Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing radiation shields for environmental measurements, such as temperature sensing, are often inaccurate and unreliable due to electromagnetic radiation interference, particularly from solar radiation, and are not suitable for surface temperature measurements in transportation and building applications, with commercial designs being either inappropriate or cost-prohibitive.
Innovation Solution
A double-walled radiation shield system with strategically positioned apertures and coatings that reflect and absorb radiation, minimizing radiation transfer while allowing convective heat exchange, is designed to improve measurement accuracy and reliability for both surface and air temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional baffle-based radiation shields are used for air temperature measurements, then weather station measurements can be protected from solar radiation, but they are inappropriate for surface temperature measurements and cost prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield is divided into multiple walls (first wall, second wall, third wall) with distinct functions: the first wall blocks direct solar radiation, the second wall provides additional shielding, and the third wall allows convective access to the measured surface. This segmentation enables the shield to be adapted for both air temperature and surface temperature measurements across various applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional baffle-based designs to a multi-wall three-dimensional structure with apertures positioned at different depths and orientations. This dimensional approach creates multiple radiation blocking paths while maintaining convective access, making the device versatile for different measurement scenarios including surface and air temperature measurements.
2Measurement precision
If radiation shields block all solar radiation, then measurement accuracy improves, but convective heat exchange is prevented causing temperature measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
Different walls of the radiation shield have different aperture configurations optimized for their specific functions. The first wall has apertures positioned to block direct solar radiation while allowing indirect convective access. The third wall specifically provides convective pathways. This local differentiation of shield properties maintains measurement accuracy while preserving necessary heat exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-wall structure acts as an intermediary between the sensor and the external environment. The walls with strategically positioned apertures mediate between radiation blocking requirements and convective heat exchange needs, allowing the sensor to remain protected from direct solar radiation while maintaining thermal contact with the ambient environment through indirect convective pathways.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If complex multi-wall radiation shield designs are implemented, then radiation blocking effectiveness improves, but device complexity and implementation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation shield employs a nested multi-wall structure where the second wall is positioned within the space defined by the first wall, and the third wall is positioned within the space defined by the second wall. This nesting approach maximizes radiation blocking effectiveness within a compact form factor while simplifying assembly compared to separate complex structures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of creating a fully enclosed complex shield structure, the patent uses strategically positioned apertures in otherwise solid walls. This inversion approach - using openings rather than solid barriers - simplifies the overall structure while maintaining radiation blocking effectiveness, as the apertures are positioned to allow only indirect solar radiation passage while blocking direct beams.
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 double-walled radiation shield system effectively reduces radiation-induced errors, maintains accurate temperature measurements, and provides a cost-effective solution for both indoor and outdoor applications by balancing radiation blocking with ventilation, ensuring precise and reliable environmental data.
Implementation Method 1
The first wall and the second wall may be positioned to minimize the transfer of radiation into the second space
Implementation Method 2
coatings that reflect and absorb radiation
Implementation Method 3
allowing convective heat exchange
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a device having a first wall that includes a first opening having a first edge, and a first aperture through the first wall. The first edge may be positioned at least partially within a first plane, the first wall and the first plane may define a first space positioned within the first wall, and the first aperture may have a second edge with at least a portion of the second edge positioned outside of the first plane. The device may be utilized to shield one or more sensors from radiation, to insure measurements made by the one or more sensors more accurately represent the actual environmental conditions.