Infrared Window Assembly with Movable Protective Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared window assemblies for monitoring electrical installations are costly due to materials that allow infrared radiation transmission but offer limited resistance to adverse conditions, leading to dirt ingress and damage, and are difficult to clean or protect when not in use due to limited access.
Innovation Solution
An infrared window assembly with external and internal covers that pivot or slide to protect the lens, secured in a closed position and accessible only by authorized personnel, using a frame-mounted system with locking mechanisms and grilles for protection and visibility control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the lens is left exposed for thermal imaging, then the imaging function is available, but the lens becomes susceptible to dirt ingress and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed to be movable between open and closed positions, allowing the lens to be exposed when imaging is required and protected when not in use. The dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between protection and accessibility states.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective cover is divided into multiple segments or panels that can move independently or in coordination. This segmentation allows the cover to open sufficiently for imaging while maintaining protection, and enables easier access for cleaning operations.
2Ease of repair
If the housing is made accessible for cleaning the internal lens surface, then cleaning can be performed, but safety considerations are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cleaning function is extracted from the housing interior to the exterior. The removable cover allows cleaning of the internal lens surface to be performed from outside the housing, eliminating the need to open the housing and exposing personnel to electrical hazards.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover acts as an intermediary element that provides access to the lens surface for cleaning without requiring access to the housing interior. It mediates between the need for cleaning and the safety requirements by allowing external cleaning operations.
3Reliability
If the lens is constantly protected by a cover, then the lens is protected from damage and dirt, but the imaging function cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is designed with movable components that allow it to be dynamically opened when imaging is required and closed when protection is needed. This dynamic configuration enables the system to switch between protection and imaging modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover is opened periodically only when imaging operations are required, and remains closed during normal operation to provide continuous protection. This periodic action minimizes exposure time while maintaining protection during non-operational periods.
4Reliability
If high-cost materials are used for the lens, then infrared transmission is improved, but the cost and vulnerability to adverse conditions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cover is positioned in advance to shield the lens from adverse environmental conditions such as dust, moisture, and physical damage. This prior protection prevents degradation of the expensive lens materials from exposure to harmful factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover provides preliminary protection against dirt and contaminants that would otherwise accumulate on the lens surface and degrade its performance. By preventing contamination before it occurs, the expensive lens materials maintain their infrared transmission properties longer.
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
The solution effectively protects the lens from damage and dirt, allowing easy access for cleaning and secure operation, reducing maintenance costs and ensuring authorized access, while maintaining infrared visibility.
Implementation Method 1
a lens through which thermal imagery of apparatus within a housing is performed
Implementation Method 2
external and internal covers lying when closed in planes generally parallel to the plane of the frame... arranged to move in unison between a closed position whereat the lens is substantially concealed and an open position whereat the lens is substantially visible
Implementation Method 3
where the covers are coupled to one another and mounted on or adjacent the frame and arranged to move in unison
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared window assembly, comprising: a lens through which thermal imagery of apparatus within a housing is performed; a frame adapted to be mounted in the housing and arranged to support the lens; and external and internal covers lying when closed in planes generally parallel to the plane of the frame, the external cover being located on the exterior of the housing, wherein the covers are coupled to one another and mounted on or adjacent the frame and arranged to move in unison between a closed position whereat the lens is substantially concealed and an open position whereat the lens is substantially visible.