Infrared Heating Device Laser Positioning for Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared heating devices face challenges in achieving accurate temperature control for aircraft coatings and sealants due to interference between infrared lamp output and radiation thermometer measurements, leading to errors and inefficient drying and curing processes, especially when the distance between the lamps and the object is not optimally set.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser beam irradiation means attached to a holding member, which adjusts to ensure coincidence with the infrared irradiation and temperature measurement points on the object's surface, allowing for precise positioning and reduced error in temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the output of the infrared lamp is increased to heat the object more effectively, then the heating efficiency is improved, but the measurement error of the radiation thermometer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a laser beam as an intermediary tool to establish a reference position on the object surface. The laser spot serves as a mediator between the infrared lamp and the radiation thermometer, allowing the thermometer to be positioned at the exact location where heating occurs without being influenced by the infrared radiation itself. This resolves the contradiction by decoupling the measurement position from the heating field.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser beam creates a visual copy or marker of the heating position on the object surface. The radiation thermometer can then be positioned to measure at this laser-marked location, effectively copying the reference point. This allows accurate temperature measurement at the heating zone without the thermometer being directly exposed to the infrared lamp's radiation, thus reducing measurement error while maintaining heating efficiency.
2Temperature
If the distance between the infrared lamp and the object is reduced to improve heating, then the heating effectiveness increases, but temperature control stability deteriorates due to hunting
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam is used to pre-establish the correct measurement position on the object surface before temperature control begins. By marking the heating spot with the laser, the radiation thermometer can be positioned accurately in advance, ensuring that temperature measurements are taken from the correct location. This preliminary positioning action prevents temperature control instability by ensuring accurate feedback from the heating zone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual or mechanical positioning methods with optical guidance using a laser beam. Instead of physically adjusting the thermometer position through mechanical means, the laser provides an optical reference that guides positioning. This substitution improves both heating effectiveness and temperature control stability by enabling precise, repeatable positioning without mechanical complexity.
3Measurement precision
If the distance between the infrared lamp and the object is increased to reduce lamp output requirements, then the measurement error decreases, but heating efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The laser beam acts as an intermediary that allows the radiation thermometer to be positioned at the correct measurement point regardless of the infrared lamp's distance from the object. The laser creates a fixed reference on the object surface that the thermometer can target, decoupling the thermometer's position from the lamp's position. This enables accurate measurement without requiring the thermometer to be close to the lamp, thus maintaining measurement accuracy while allowing optimal heating distance.
4Measurement precision
If contact thermometers are used to measure temperature accurately, then measurement precision is improved, but the object surface is contaminated with contact traces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical measurement (contact thermometers) with non-contact optical measurement (radiation thermometer guided by laser). The laser provides visual feedback for positioning without touching the object surface, and the radiation thermometer measures temperature remotely. This substitution eliminates surface contamination while maintaining measurement precision through optical rather than mechanical means.
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 configuration enables stable and accurate temperature control, reducing the time required for drying and curing processes and improving work efficiency in aircraft coating and sealant applications.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared irradiation means that irradiates infrared rays to an object to be heated to heat the object to be heated
Implementation Method 2
a noncontact temperature measurement means that is attached to the holding member and measures temperature of a surface of the object to be heated
Implementation Method 3
at least one pair of laser beam irradiation means that are attached to the holding member and irradiate laser beams to the surface of the object to be heated from different positions
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared heating device that appropriately sets positions of infrared lamps and a radiation thermometer relative to an object to be heated and is easily positioned includes: an infrared irradiator that irradiates infrared rays to an object to be heated to heat the object to be heated; a holding member that holds the infrared irradiator; a radiation thermometer that measures a temperature of a surface of the object; and a pair of laser pointers that irradiate laser beams to the surface of the object from different positions. The pair of laser pointers are disposed to cause the respective laser beams to be coincident in position with each other at one point on the surface of the object when a distance between the surface of the object and the infrared irradiator is a predetermined distance.