Infrared Detection Module Nut-Based Assembly for Compact Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in size of infrared detection modules due to higher operating temperatures makes it difficult to access and tighten the fixing screws, complicating the assembly process.
Innovation Solution
An infrared detection module with a fixing device that uses a nut capable of being screwed onto both the detector and cold machine casings, along with an indexing pin and orifice for alignment, eliminating the need for screws and simplifying the assembly by requiring only a single screwing operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the detection module dimensions are reduced to enable compact binoculars, then the size of the infrared detection module decreases, but the accessibility of fixing screws for tightening becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional screw-fastening approach by using a nut that is screwed onto the detector housing rather than screws being inserted into the housing. This inversion allows the fastening operation to be performed from the outside of the compact module, making it accessible even in reduced dimensions. The nut can be tightened using standard tools applied to the external threaded surface, solving the accessibility problem while maintaining compact size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary indexing pin that fits into an indexing hole during the assembly process. This intermediary element serves as a alignment tool that guides the relative positioning of the detector housing and cold machine housing before the nut is tightened. The indexing pin acts as a mediator that ensures proper alignment without requiring complex alignment procedures in the compact space.
2Reliability
If multiple fixing screws are used to ensure tight sealing under high pressure, then the sealing reliability improves, but the assembly complexity and number of fastening operations increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single nut assembly. Instead of using multiple separate fixing screws distributed around the housing, the design consolidates the fastening function into one centrally located nut that can be screwed onto the detector housing. This single nut performs the function of multiple screws, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining sealing reliability through the concentrated fastening force applied to the sealing interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The nut assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the primary fastening force to secure the detector housing to the cold machine housing, it applies uniform pressure to maintain the seal against high refrigerant pressure (20 bar), and it can be tightened using a single standard tool. This multi-functionality reduces the overall complexity of the fastening system while ensuring reliable sealing under high pressure conditions.
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
Facilitates the assembly of the detector casing on the cold machine casing in reduced dimensions, ensuring secure sealing and alignment while reducing the complexity of the assembly process.
Implementation Method 1
The cooling section 8 includes a refrigeration unit (not shown in this figure) that cools the infrared detector to a temperature typically around 80 Kelvin
Implementation Method 2
These screws must be tightened to high torques (on the order of 2 Newton-meters) to ensure a tight seal on the refrigeration unit housing. This is because the refrigeration unit housing contains a refrigerant gas subjected to high pressure (typically 20 bar) during operation of the refrigeration unit
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an infrared detection module (4) comprising: a detection portion (7) comprising an infrared detector (16) and a detector housing (11) suitable for containing the infrared detector; a cold-production portion (8) comprising a refrigerating machine (39) for cooling the detector (16) and a refrigerating-machine casing (12) suitable for containing the refrigerating machine (39); and an attachment device (56) for attaching the detector casing (11) to the refrigerating-machine casing (12), the attachment device (56) comprising a nut (57) suitable for being screwed onto the detector housing (11) and/or onto the refrigerating-machine casing (12) so as to rigidly connect the casings to one another.