Image Intensifier Sensor Weight Reduction Using Foam Potting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Image intensifier sensors contribute significantly to the weight of night vision devices, posing a challenge for military applications where reduced weight is essential for mission effectiveness and user safety.
Innovation Solution
The use of lightweight potting materials, such as foams and specialized polymers, is introduced to replace traditional heavy thermo-setting materials, allowing for function-specific weight reduction while maintaining essential performance criteria like shock resistance and high voltage isolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If traditional heavy thermo-setting potting materials are used, then shock resistance and high voltage isolation are maintained, but weight increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional heavy thermo-setting potting materials to lightweight materials such as foams and specialized polymers. This parameter change reduces weight while the material selection maintains essential performance criteria including shock resistance and high voltage isolation properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material strategies by using lightweight potting materials that combine multiple properties - low density for weight reduction, while maintaining structural integrity for shock resistance and electrical insulation for high voltage isolation. The use of foam compounds and specialized polymers represents composite material application
2Weight of moving object
If lightweight potting materials are used, then weight is reduced by 20-40%, but functionality and quality must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting lightweight materials with specific properties that match or exceed traditional materials in critical performance areas. The foam compounds and specialized polymers are chosen based on their density, mechanical strength, and electrical insulation parameters to ensure functionality and quality are maintained despite weight reduction
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
This approach reduces the weight of image intensifier sensors by up to 20-40% without compromising their functionality or quality, enhancing the usability and safety of night vision devices in military settings.
Implementation Method 1
a photocathode arranged for releasing photoelectrons into the vacuum envelope upon electromagnetic radiation acquired from the images which impinges the photocathode
Implementation Method 2
By providing a high voltage potential between photocathode and the electron multiplier means... the photoelectrons are accelerated thereby increasing the amplification effect
Data Source
AI summary
An image intensifier sensor for acquiring, amplifying and displaying images and including a vacuum envelope, the image intensifier sensor including a photocathode arranged for releasing photoelectrons into the vacuum envelope upon electromagnetic radiation acquired from the images which impinges the photocathode, an anode, spaced apart from and in facing relationship with the photocathode, arranged for receiving the photoelectrons and converting the photoelectrons for displaying the images on the basis thereof, and a power supply unit for providing power to the image intensifier sensor, wherein the image intensifier sensor further includes potting material, wherein the potting material comprises a foam compound.