Infrared Sensor Thermal Control for Stable Radiometric Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared sensors installed in aircraft face challenges in accurately measuring radiometric properties due to unstable calibration caused by varying ambient temperatures during flight, which affects the detection of subtle temperature changes in environments like ocean surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermoelectric module proximate to the infrared detection module within a sensor housing, with a sensor processor external to the housing, to provide thermal control by adjusting the temperature of the infrared detection module using pulse-width modulated power signals, maintaining it at a designated target temperature for stable radiometric calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the infrared sensor is used in varying ambient temperature conditions during aircraft flight, then the sensor can operate in different environmental conditions, but the radiometric calibration becomes unstable and measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by actively adjusting the temperature parameter of the infrared detection module through the thermoelectric module. The system monitors temperature and dynamically changes the thermal state of the detection module to maintain optimal operating conditions, thereby stabilizing radiometric calibration across varying environmental conditions while preserving operational versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the temperature monitor to continuously measure the temperature of the infrared detection module and feed this information back to the sensor processor. The sensor processor then adjusts the thermoelectric module accordingly to maintain target temperature, creating a closed-loop control system that stabilizes calibration while allowing operation in varying environments.
2Measurement precision
If a thermoelectric module is added to provide thermal control to the infrared detection module, then measurement accuracy and calibration stability improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the thermoelectric module directly into the sensor housing alongside the infrared detection module. This combination allows the thermal control function to be incorporated within the existing device architecture, minimizing additional complexity while achieving improved measurement accuracy through coordinated operation of the merged components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the thermoelectric module as an intermediary between the power source and the infrared detection module. This intermediary component enables precise temperature control without requiring direct complex control circuits, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining measurement precision through controlled thermal coupling.
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor processor is located external to the sensor housing to reduce size, then the housing size is reduced, but the thermal control capability and measurement stability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the sensor processor from the sensor housing while maintaining functional integrity. The sensor housing contains only the essential thermal control components (thermoelectric module and temperature monitor), while the sensor processor is positioned externally. This segmentation reduces housing size while preserving thermal control reliability through optimized signal transmission and control architecture.
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
Stabilizes radiometric calibration and ensures accurate infrared radiation measurements by maintaining the infrared detection module at a consistent temperature, enhancing the sensor's performance in dynamic temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric module is configured to provide thermal control to the infrared detection module based on a modulated power signal
Data Source
AI summary
A system includes a sensor housing and a sensor processor external to the sensor housing. The sensor housing includes an infrared detection module and a thermoelectric module proximate to the infrared detection module. The infrared detection module is configured to detect infrared radiation of a scene and generate a measurement associated with the infrared radiation. The thermoelectric module is configured to provide thermal control to the infrared detection module based on a modulated power signal. An accuracy of the measurement is based on the thermal control provided to the infrared detection module. The sensor processor is configured to transmit a power signal to the infrared detection module and transmit a direct current power signal to the thermoelectric module. The direct current power signal is based on the modulated power signal.