Optical Relay for Thermal Imaging in Wearable Apparatuses
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Solution Overview
Problem
Wearable devices, such as SCBA and welding masks, lack integrated thermal imaging capabilities that allow users to view thermal images of their environment without compromising the device's protective functionality or requiring significant design modifications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an infrared sensor assembly and an optical relay component that captures thermal images and relays them to the user within the wearable apparatus, using a divided eyepiece system to minimize space requirements and maintain existing device designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If thermal imaging components are integrated into wearable apparatus, then users can view thermal images of their environment, but the protective functionality and design integrity of the device is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the thermal imaging functionality into separate modular components: an external attachment unit containing the infrared sensor assembly and a separate optical relay component that interfaces with the wearable apparatus. This segmentation allows thermal imaging to be added without modifying the core protective device structure, maintaining its integrity and protective functionality while enabling new capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical relay component acts as an intermediary between the external infrared sensor assembly and the user's eye. It receives thermal image data from the external attachment and relays it through the wearable apparatus structure, enabling thermal viewing without direct integration of sensor components into the protective device, thus preserving the device's protective integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermal imaging components are integrated into wearable apparatus, then users can view thermal images, but design and manufacturing costs increase due to required modifications
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the thermal imaging system into external and internal components, the patent avoids the need to modify the existing wearable apparatus manufacturing process. The external attachment can be manufactured separately using different processes, and the optical relay component interfaces with existing device features, thereby reducing overall design and manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The optical relay component is designed to interface with the wearable apparatus structure in a universal manner, allowing the same component to work with different protective device models without requiring custom modifications. This multi-functionality approach reduces manufacturing costs by using standardized components across different device variants.
3Adaptability or versatility
If space is allocated for thermal imaging components within wearable apparatus, then thermal images can be viewed, but the device design is significantly modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the bulk of the thermal imaging components (infrared sensor assembly) from the wearable apparatus, placing them in an external attachment. Only a minimal optical relay component needs to be integrated with the device, significantly reducing design modifications compared to full integration approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves the primary thermal imaging components from the internal three-dimensional space constraint of the wearable apparatus to an external attachment configuration. This dimensional shift allows the infrared sensor assembly to be positioned outside the device volume, reducing space requirements within the protective apparatus and minimizing design modifications.
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 users to view thermal images while maintaining the protective integrity of the wearable device, reducing design and manufacturing costs by avoiding modifications to the existing apparatus and allowing for flexible positioning of components.
Implementation Method 1
an infrared sensor assembly configured to capture a thermal image of a scene
Implementation Method 2
an optical relay component configured to receive the data from the display component and relay the data within the wearable apparatus to facilitate presenting the data for viewing by a user
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are disclosed for facilitating image relay for wearable devices with thermal imaging devices attached thereto. In one example, a system includes an attachment configured to releasably couple to an exterior surface of a wearable apparatus. The attachment includes an infrared sensor assembly configured to capture a thermal image of a scene. The attachment further includes a display component configured to provide data indicative of the thermal image. The system further includes an optical relay component configured to couple to an interior surface of the wearable apparatus. The optical relay component is further configured to receive the data from the display component and relay the data within the wearable apparatus to facilitate presenting the data for viewing by a user while wearing the wearable apparatus. Related devices and methods are also provided.