Handheld Thermal Property Measurement Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining a material's thermal resistance are often cumbersome, expensive, and inaccessible to consumers, who need to assess materials for various applications such as building insulation, clothing, and camping gear, without the resources of a laboratory.
Innovation Solution
A portable, handheld measurement device that uses non-thermal energy sources like electromagnetic radiation, sound, and mechanical energy to determine thermal properties like thermal resistance, breathability, and compressibility, also considering environmental factors like temperature and humidity, to help consumers select suitable materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory equipment and procedures are used to determine thermal resistance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex thermal measurement systems with electromagnetic radiation-based detection. Instead of using elaborate thermal conductivity apparatus, the system uses electromagnetic energy sources and sensors to detect material properties, thereby simplifying the measurement system while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct thermal conductivity measurement to electromagnetic radiation interaction measurement. By measuring how materials interact with electromagnetic radiation (which correlates with thermal properties), the system achieves thermal resistance determination without complex thermal testing equipment.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to lengthy procedures and specialized equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming thermal testing procedures with rapid electromagnetic radiation-based measurement. The electromagnetic method provides instant results without requiring lengthy thermal equilibrium periods or complex procedural steps, making the device easy for consumers to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The device enables consumers to perform their own material testing without requiring laboratory personnel or specialized training. The handheld device is designed for self-service operation, allowing any user to independently assess material thermal properties.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive material testing is performed, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to lengthy test procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes slow thermal diffusion-based measurement with rapid electromagnetic radiation interaction detection. Electromagnetic measurements occur instantaneously rather than requiring thermal equilibrium over extended periods, dramatically reducing testing time while maintaining comprehensive material evaluation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent skips the lengthy thermal equilibrium phase required by traditional methods and directly measures material properties through electromagnetic radiation interaction. This allows the testing process to rush through what would otherwise be a time-consuming thermal stabilization period.
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 fast, affordable, and user-friendly evaluation of material properties, allowing consumers to choose appropriate materials for specific applications based on comfort and environmental suitability, without the need for laboratory equipment.
Implementation Method 1
uses non-thermal energy sources like electromagnetic radiation, sound, and mechanical energy to determine thermal properties
Implementation Method 2
uses non-thermal energy sources like electromagnetic radiation, sound, and mechanical energy to determine thermal properties
Implementation Method 3
also considering environmental factors like temperature and humidity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, devices, and circuitries are provided for determining a material property. In one embodiment, a method includes applying non-thermal energy to a first side of a material sample; sensing, a response of the material sample to the non-thermal energy; generating non-thermal data indicative of the response; and determining a thermal property of the material sample based on the non-thermal data. In one embodiment, the method also includes determining an environmental characteristic; determining a suitability of the material sample based on the thermal property and the environmental characteristic; and displaying information related to the suitability.