Infrared Ice Detection for Real-Time Phase Transition Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems for detecting ice formation are inefficient, costly, and lack real-time reliability, often leading to unnecessary energy usage and safety hazards due to delayed or inaccurate detection of ice formation in various mechanical and transportation systems.

Innovation Solution

The use of infrared imaging modules, logic devices, and communication modules to capture, process, and report phase transitions of water, enabling real-time detection of ice formation and melting, and triggering targeted mitigation measures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional ice detection systems are used, then ice formation can be detected, but the detection is delayed and not reliable in real-time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoiddetection delay

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical or contact-based ice detection systems with infrared imaging technology. The infrared imaging module detects thermal radiation patterns characteristic of ice formation without physical contact, enabling real-time, reliable detection without the delays and reliability issues of conventional systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system detects ice formation by monitoring changes in thermal radiation parameters (infrared signal intensity and temperature patterns) rather than relying on conventional sensors. This parameter-based detection approach enables continuous real-time monitoring with immediate detection of ice formation events.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of energy

If conventional mitigation systems are used, then ice can be removed, but substantial energy is wasted melting or removing ice after damage has occurred

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy wasteVSAvoidmitigation timing

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared detection system enables preliminary action by detecting ice formation at its earliest stages, allowing mitigation systems to activate before substantial ice accumulation occurs. This prevents the need for energy-intensive removal of large ice aggregates and avoids damage from delayed detection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides continuous feedback through real-time infrared imaging and processing, allowing the mitigation system to respond precisely when and where ice formation occurs. This feedback mechanism eliminates energy waste by activating mitigation only when needed and monitoring until the threat is resolved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional ice detection systems are used, then ice formation can be detected, but the systems are costly and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem costVSAvoiddetection efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The infrared imaging module serves multiple functions: detecting ice formation, monitoring temperature patterns, and providing real-time thermal imaging data. This multi-functionality reduces overall system cost by eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensors while maintaining high detection efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 allows for timely and efficient detection of ice formation, reducing energy consumption and enhancing safety by enabling precise and immediate responses to ice formation, thereby preventing accidents and operational disruptions.

Implementation Method 1

techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using infrared imaging modules to image and detect phase transitions of water

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation detection: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

detect phase transitions of water, such as ice formation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase transition: Phase Change

Data Source

PatentUS10018609B2Infrared-based ice formation detection systems and methods

Publication Date: 2018.07.10 TELEDYNE FLIR LLC

AI summary

Techniques are disclosed for systems and methods using infrared imaging modules to image and detect phase transitions of water, such as ice formation, in a scene. An ice formation detection system may include one or more infrared imaging modules, a logic device, and a communication module. The infrared imaging modules may be positioned to image a scene in which ice formation is to be detected. The logic device may be adapted to process captured infrared images to detect ice formation in the scene. The logic device may also be adapted to use the communication module to report detected ice formation to an indicator, a display, a user interface, and/or an ice formation mitigation system.