Liquid Photochromic Filter for Welding Arc Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional photochromic filters used in imaging systems for monitoring high optical contrast areas, such as welding operations, face challenges with energy dissipation and longevity due to the absorption of high-intensity light, leading to potential damage and reduced effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A liquid photochromic filter is introduced, comprising a photochromic dye in a solvent solution housed between optical windows, allowing for adjustable attenuation and improved heat dissipation, with the option to replace the photochromic solution independently, thus extending the filter's lifespan and maintaining performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If a solid photochromic filter (silver halides in glass) is used, then the filter has good energy dissipation capability, but the filter has large mass and thickness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid photochromic filter instead of solid glass filters, applying hydraulic principles by containing the photochromic liquid in a cavity between optical windows. This liquid medium provides effective energy dissipation through its molecular structure while significantly reducing the overall mass and thickness compared to solid glass filters of equivalent performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the photochromic material from solid (glass matrix) to liquid state. This parameter change allows the filter to achieve comparable energy dissipation with reduced mass and thickness, as the liquid photochromic composition can be optimized for specific performance characteristics without the constraints of solid material density.
2Illumination intensity
If an organic photochromic dye is deposited on a plastic substrate, then the filter has improved darkening characteristics, but the energy absorption occurs on the surface leading to material damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a liquid photochromic composition contained in a cavity between optical windows, allowing the photochromic dye to be distributed throughout a three-dimensional volume rather than concentrated on a surface. This hydraulic containment enables improved darkening characteristics while the liquid medium facilitates heat dissipation, preventing the surface overheating and material damage that occurs with substrate-deposited dyes.
3Strength
If a thick solid photochromic filter is used to dissipate energy, then the filter can handle high-intensity light, but the filter becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a liquid photochromic filter system where the photochromic composition is contained in a cavity between optical windows, eliminating the need for thick solid glass structures. This hydraulic approach allows the filter to handle high-intensity light through the photochromic liquid's molecular properties while maintaining a thin, simple structure without the complexity and weight of thick solid filters.
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 liquid photochromic filter provides enhanced dynamic range, improved energy dissipation, and longer working life by distributing the impact of high-intensity light across the solution, enabling sharper attenuation and extended use in high optical contrast environments like welding arcs.
Implementation Method 1
Ultraviolet light from the welding arc activates the photochromic filter such that the photochromic filter filters incoming light, thereby reducing the dramatic contrasts in the light from the welding area
Implementation Method 2
The liquid photochromic filter may be used in an imaging system for sensing light in an area of high optical contrast. For example, the imaging system may be used for monitoring a welding operation where the liquid photochromic filter reduces the intensity of the light observed from the welding arc
Data Source
AI summary
A liquid photochromic filter for attenuating an image is disclosed. The liquid photochromic filter includes a photochromic dye in a liquid solution that is contained in a cavity defined by a housing with two optical windows. The liquid photochromic filter may be used in imaging system for sensing light in an area of high optical contrast. In some implementations, the imaging system is for monitoring a welding operation, whereby the liquid photochromic filter is used to reduce the intensity of the light observed from the welding arc.