Infrared Window Assembly with Protective Grille
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared window panes used for monitoring installations are costly due to their high sensitivity to infrared radiation transmission, which often results in limited resistance to environmental damage such as impact, water ingress, and contamination, leading to reduced accuracy in infrared measurements.
Innovation Solution
An infrared window assembly featuring a protective grille arrangement on both sides of the pane, with uniform, tessellating holes for enhanced strength and transmission, supported by a frame with alignment means and covers for protection, utilizing materials like infrared transmitting polymers or crystals, and made from materials like aluminum or non-ferrous metals for mechanical protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If infrared transmitting materials such as calcium fluoride or infrared transmitting polymer are used for the pane, then infrared radiation transmission is improved, but resistance to environmental damage such as impact and water ingress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A protective grille is introduced as an intermediary element between the infrared transmitting pane and the external environment. The grille acts as a mediator that absorbs mechanical impacts and prevents direct contact between the fragile pane and damaging agents such as debris, water, and physical contact, while allowing infrared radiation to pass through its open structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The assembly combines multiple materials with complementary properties: a fragile but highly transparent infrared transmitting material (calcium fluoride or infrared transmitting polymer) for the pane, and a robust protective material (grille) for environmental protection. This composite structure allows each material to perform its optimal function - the pane for infrared transmission and the grille for mechanical protection.
2Measurement precision
If the pane is made from calcium fluoride or infrared transmitting polymer to allow infrared transmission, then infrared measurement capability is improved, but susceptibility to scratching and contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective grille serves as a shield that intercepts harmful factors (debris, contaminants, scratching agents) before they can reach the infrared transmitting pane. The grille's protective function preserves the pane's surface integrity and optical properties, ensuring continuous accurate infrared measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The grille provides preventive protection by being positioned in front of the pane to absorb or deflect potential damage before it reaches the vulnerable infrared transmitting surface. This prior cushioning prevents scratching and contamination rather than attempting to repair damage after it occurs.
3Reliability
If a protective grille is added to the infrared window assembly, then protection against damage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is segmented into a separate grille component rather than being integrated into the pane itself. This segmentation allows the fragile infrared transmitting pane and the robust protective grille to be manufactured independently using optimal materials and processes for each function, then assembled together as a complete protective assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The grille structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical protection against impact, prevents water ingress, blocks contaminants, and maintains structural support for the pane. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 provides localized protection against damage, maintaining the pane's functionality while ensuring consistent infrared transmission and resistance to environmental factors, reducing maintenance costs and improving measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a pane (11) made of a material which enables electromagnetic radiation in the infrared range to pass therethrough
Implementation Method 2
first and second grilles (12, 13) arranged to lie against the opposed planar faces (14) of the pane (11)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention is a lens assembly (10) for an infrared window through which infrared inspection of apparatus within a housing is performed when the lens assembly is mounted in an aperture provided in the housing. The lens assembly comprises an infrared transmitting pane (11) having two generally opposed surfaces (14); and a first protective grille (12) lying against one of said opposed surfaces (14) and having an array of holes (20) formed therethrough that permit infrared inspection of the apparatus through the pane. A second protective grille (12) may be provided on the opposite face and there can be alignment means (21, 32) to ensure correct alignment of each with respect to the other.