Foldable Pyramid Thermal Marker for Multi-Directional Visibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal identification panels for military operations are often incorrectly installed, leading to reduced visibility from multiple directions due to insufficient fixing points, ad hoc support features, and wrinkles on flexible surfaces, which compromise the intensity of the reflected thermal signal.
Innovation Solution
A foldable infrared marker device in the form of a hollow pyramid structure with multiple thermally reflective facets, allowing for easy assembly and deployment into a three-dimensional shape with optimal reflection angles, ensuring visibility from various directions and compact storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible sheet is used for thermal identification panel, then ease of deployment is improved, but surface smoothness and reflection intensity deteriorate due to wrinkles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible support structure with a framework that maintains panel smoothness while allowing easy deployment. The support features include a rigid or semi-rigid framework that prevents wrinkles when the panel is deployed, yet allows the panel to be folded for storage and transport.
2Ease of manufacture
If ad hoc support features are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but installation reliability deteriorates due to insufficient fixing points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support structure into modular components including a framework with multiple fixing points distributed across the panel. This segmentation allows for reliable installation while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized modular elements.
3Illumination intensity
If a plane smooth surface is used, then reflection intensity is improved, but adaptability to different installation surfaces deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible support structure that can conform to various installation surfaces while maintaining panel smoothness when deployed. The framework allows the panel to be installed on irregular surfaces without creating wrinkles that would reduce reflection intensity.
4Loss of information
If multiple directions visibility is required, then conspicuity is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple reflective surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a three-dimensional framework structure that elevates the panel above the installation surface. This dimensional change allows the panel to be visible from multiple directions while maintaining a relatively simple two-dimensional panel design that can be folded for storage.
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 foldable pyramid structure provides reliable and multi-directional thermal contrast, enhancing visibility and conspicuity while being easy to deploy and store, addressing the limitations of prior art by maintaining smooth reflective surfaces and correct reflection angles.
Implementation Method 1
at least two side facets comprise a thermally reflective material
Implementation Method 2
Minimisation of the reflected energy component of the panel is typically achieved by means of the so-called 'cold sky reflection' phenomenon, which exploits the fact that some parts of the sky are cold and emit little thermal infrared radiation
Implementation Method 3
The region is created by minimising the self-emittance of thermal infrared radiation and the reflected thermal infrared energy of the panel
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates generally to passive infrared markers and especially to markers which are reflective in the thermal and/or near infrared wavebands. A thermal infrared marker device is provided taking the form of a truncated pyramid, preferably a hollow truncated pyramid, said device comprising n side facets, where n = 3, and a top facet (13), wherein two or more side facets comprise a thermally reflective material (17). The device may take the form of a foldable blank comprising mutually engageable side facets (21 ), optional fold lines (14) and mutual attachment means (15). The invention has particular utility in military applications.