Handheld Infrared Testing Device with Active Cooling Channels
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contactless and non-destructive testing devices are unable to evaluate physical properties of thin coatings on thick substrates or coatings with thicknesses beyond micrometers, and are not suitable for handheld use in field environments.
Innovation Solution
A device with electromagnetic radiation sources and a detector, featuring filter media with coolant channels for active cooling, a collimating mirror, and insulation walls to direct and cool excitation radiation, allowing for the measurement of infrared radiation from surfaces, enabling the determination of physical properties like thickness, thermal diffusivity, and composition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electromagnetic radiation sources are used to heat the surface for infrared measurement, then the measurement capability for coating thickness and thermal properties is improved, but the device generates excessive heat that requires active cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
A coolant channel with cooling fluid acts as an intermediary between the heat-generating electromagnetic radiation sources and the filter medium/detector assembly. The cooling fluid circulates through the channel to absorb excess heat, preventing thermal damage while allowing the excitation sources to operate at high power for accurate measurements
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct thermal zones: the electromagnetic radiation sources operate at high temperature to generate excitation, while the filter medium and detector are kept cool through the intermediate coolant channel. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its optimal temperature range
2Measurement precision
If the device is designed for laboratory use with stable mounting, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the device cannot be used for field testing of building structures
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic radiation sources, filter medium, coolant system, and detector are merged into a single integrated handheld unit. This consolidation maintains measurement accuracy while enabling portability for field testing of building structures and other large-scale applications
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with universal applicability for testing various materials (metal sheets, building structures, thick bodies) in different environments (laboratory and field conditions). The handheld design with active cooling enables the same device to function accurately across multiple application scenarios
3Measurement precision
If the radiation source and detector are positioned close to the surface for handheld measurement, then the measurement capability for thick bodies is improved, but the device experiences thermal interference from the excitation radiation
Solution Approach 1:
The filter medium serves as an intermediary that transmits the excitation radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source to the surface while blocking the infrared radiation emitted by the heated surface. The coolant channel positioned between the radiation source and filter medium provides thermal protection, allowing the device to be held close to the surface without thermal interference
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
Enables accurate evaluation of physical properties of coatings on various substrates, including thick bodies and those with thicknesses up to several millimeters, in a handheld, non-destructive, and contactless manner, suitable for field use.
Implementation Method 1
uses an excitation source for heating the surface to be tested... This method is called photothermy if electromagnetic radiation in the ultraviolet, optical or infrared range is used for excitation
Implementation Method 2
an infrared detector which measures the infrared radiation from the heated surface
Implementation Method 3
detection radiation is emitted by the surface to be tested and fed to the detector
Implementation Method 4
a space is provided between the first and the second filter medium creating a coolant channel for a cooling fluid circulation
Implementation Method 5
a collimating mirror as imaging device is arranged between the radiation source and the surface to be tested diverting the excitation beam towards the surface to be tested
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A device (100) for the contactless and non-destructive testing of a surface (106) by measuring its infrared radiation thereof comprises an electromagnetic radiation source (1) adapted to emit excitation radiation which can be directed onto the surface (106) to be tested (26), a detector (9) arranged on a detection axis (25) directed towards said surface (106) and a first IR filter medium (2) provided between the radiation source (1) and the surface (106). In response to radiation impinging onto the surface (106), detection radiation is emitted by the surface (106) and fed to the detector (9). At least a second filter medium (3) is provided between the first filter medium (2) and the surface (106) to be tested (26), wherein a space (24) is provided between the first and the second filter medium (2, 3) creating a coolant channel for a cooling fluid circulation (4) and wherein the coolant channel is connected to a coolant drive for actively exchanging the fluid for the cooling fluid circulation (4).