Infrared Shield Beads Baffle Parasite Radiation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Infrared imagery devices face challenges in effectively shielding against parasite infrared radiation, particularly lateral radiation that can penetrate between the detector and optical components, which affects image quality and signal-to-noise ratio, especially in miniaturized cryogenic camera systems where space and mass are limited.

Innovation Solution

The use of a shield assembly comprising continuous beads with vents, made of diffusing materials, that extend from the support to the optical device, forming a baffle system to attenuate lateral parasite radiation, while avoiding the need for hermetic seals and glues, and incorporating a layer on the optical device to block frontal radiation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cold shield is used to block parasite infrared radiation, then radiation protection is improved, but the device volume and mass increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparasite infrared radiationVSAvoiddevice volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a nested shield structure where multiple cylindrical shields with progressively smaller diameters are stacked concentrically around the optical path. Each shield is positioned at different axial locations and nested within the previous shield, creating a compact multi-layer radiation barrier without requiring large lateral space. This nesting approach blocks parasite radiation from multiple angles while maintaining a small overall device footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a single-planar shield to a three-dimensional nested cylindrical arrangement. By extending the radiation protection into the axial dimension with multiple stacked shields at different positions, the system achieves comprehensive radiation blocking without increasing the lateral footprint. The shields are arranged along the optical axis, utilizing the third dimension to provide robust protection in a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple shields are stacked to improve radiation blocking, then radiation attenuation is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelateral parasite radiationVSAvoidshield assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radiation shield is divided into multiple discrete cylindrical segments stacked in sequence along the optical axis. Each segment is an independent component with a simple cylindrical geometry, making them individually easy to manufacture. The segmented approach allows each shield to be produced separately using standard machining or molding processes, then assembled through simple stacking with minimal alignment requirements, significantly reducing overall manufacturing complexity compared to a single complex monolithic shield.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution achieves over 80% attenuation of lateral parasite radiation, reduces the complexity of component integration, and allows for miniaturization of optronic systems, enabling better optical and radiometric performance in compact devices like those for light aircraft applications.

Implementation Method 1

made of diffusing materials, that extend from the support to the optical device, forming a baffle system to attenuate lateral parasite radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 2

achieves over 80% attenuation of lateral parasite radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 3

incorporating a layer on the optical device to block frontal radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 4

made of aluminium that is a light metal and a good conductor of heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectReflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 5

the infrared detector of a camera of this type is cooled to reduce the thermal noise of the images that it outputs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCryogenics: Cryogenics

Implementation Method 6

reduce the thermal noise of the images that it outputs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal noise:

Data Source

PatentUS8941068B2Infrared imagery device with integrated shield against parasite infrared radiation and method of manufacturing the device

Publication Date: 2015.01.27 COMMISSARIAT A LENERGIE ATOMIQUE ET AUX ENERGIES ALTERNATIVES

AI summary

Infrared imagery device with integrated shield against parasite infrared radiation, and method of manufacturing the device. This device comprises a support provided with an infrared radiation detector, at least one optical device facing the detector, and a shield against parasite radiation. The shield comprises at least two continuous beads, spaced from each other, extending from the support as far as the optical device, provided with vents and made of a material that significantly attenuates parasite radiation, penetrating laterally between the support and the optical device. The two beads with their vents 15 form a baffle. The device is manufactured using the flip chip technique.