Oven Observation Camera with Integrated Thermoelectric Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing oven observing equipment faces challenges in precisely observing the inside of high-temperature coke ovens due to indirect imaging methods, large size, and inefficient cooling, which can lead to inaccurate observations and equipment instability.
Innovation Solution
A compact oven observing equipment with a housing containing an integrated image sensor, plate-like thermoelectric cooling elements, and cooling fins, along with a heat-insulating tubular structure and a hose for cooling air supply, allows for precise temperature control and stable operation, enabling precise observation of the oven interior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a camera cooled with water or air is inserted into an oven for direct observation, then observation precision is improved, but the equipment size and complexity increase due to cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the image sensor, thermoelectric cooling element, and heat dissipation structure into an integrated imaging device assembly. This merging reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall equipment structure while maintaining precise cooling capability for high-temperature observation
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging device is nested within the push-out ram structure, with the image sensor positioned at the tip to directly face the oven interior. The cooling element is nested around the image sensor, and the heat dissipation structure is integrated into the same assembly, creating a compact nested configuration that reduces equipment size
2Measurement precision
If reflecting mirrors and zoom lenses are used for indirect observation, then observation of deep oven areas is improved, but image stability deteriorates due to vibration sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the reflecting mirror and zoom lens components from the optical path. Instead of using indirect observation through mirrors, the image sensor is positioned to directly face the oven interior through an observation hole, creating a simplified optical path that is not sensitive to vibration
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using mirrors to bounce light from the oven wall to the camera, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the camera to directly view the oven interior through a dedicated observation hole, eliminating the need for reflective surfaces and complex optical paths
3Temperature
If thermoelectric cooling elements are arranged on the inner wall of the cooling tube, then temperature control is improved, but cooling efficiency decreases due to indirect cooling through air
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal conductor as an intermediary substance filled in the gap between the image sensor and the heat-absorbing faces of the thermoelectric cooling element. This thermal conductor mediator improves heat transfer efficiency from the image sensor to the cooling element, enabling more effective and direct cooling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the air-based indirect cooling system with a solid thermal conductor-based direct cooling system. The thermal conductor provides a more efficient thermal pathway compared to air convection, substituting a less efficient cooling mechanism with a superior one
4Adaptability or versatility
If the optical path is made long to use reflecting mirrors, then observation flexibility is improved, but equipment size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the reflecting mirror and zoom lens components from the system, eliminating the need for a long optical path. The image sensor directly faces the oven interior through a small observation hole, dramatically reducing the equipment size while maintaining observation capability
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of extending the optical path in one dimension using mirrors and lenses, the patent changes the approach by positioning the image sensor in a different spatial configuration that directly faces the observation target through a hole, eliminating the need for extended optical paths
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 enables precise observation of the oven interior, reduces equipment size, and enhances cooling efficiency, allowing for stable operation even in high-temperature environments.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of thermoelectric cooling elements 67 for generating Peltier effect are arranged on the inner wall of the cooling tube 62
Implementation Method 2
Cooling water or cooling air F is introduced into a passage between the outer cooling tube 60 and the inner cooling tube 61
Data Source
AI summary
An oven observing equipment capable of observing the inside of an oven turned to a high temperature precisely includes: a housing 13 having an intake part for cooling air, and a discharging part for discharging the cooling air after being used for cooling; and an imaging device 20 contained in this housing 13 near the discharge part. This imaging device 20 is composed of integrated combination of an image sensor 16; plate-like thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d arranged in a state that their heat-absorbing faces surround the periphery of a body of the image sensor; thermoconductive blocks 17a to 17d embedded in the gaps between the image sensor body and the thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d; and cooling fins 19a to 19d formed on the heat-radiating faces of the thermoelectric cooling elements 18a to 18d are integrated with each other.