Parallel Pipe Thermal Camouflage Device for Vehicle IR Masking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal camouflage devices for vehicles create visible thermal singularities due to temperature gradients, making them detectable by infrared detectors, and are prone to operational failures upon physical deterioration.
Innovation Solution
An infrared camouflage device featuring an array of parallel pipes with heat-transfer fluid flowing between interconnected manifolds, embedded in a substrate with alternating thermal insulation and conduction materials, and calibrated valves to maintain homogeneity and functionality in case of damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the heat-transfer fluid flows through pipes from inlet to outlet manifold, then the thermal signature of the vehicle is masked, but a temperature gradient forms creating visible thermal singularities
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple parallel pipes carrying fluid in alternating directions, with the inlet and outlet manifolds positioned in vicinity to create segmented thermal zones that cancel each other's thermal signature
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alternating flow directions in adjacent pipes (first series vs second series) to create asymmetric thermal patterns that cancel each other out, eliminating the temperature gradient singularity
Solution Approach 3:
Different regions of the device (inlet zone vs outlet zone) are designed with specific local thermal characteristics that, when combined, produce overall thermal homogeneity and mask the vehicle signature
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the pipes are arranged in parallel arrays with manifolds, then thermal masking is achieved, but the device becomes vulnerable to operational failures upon physical deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The pipe array is segmented into multiple independent parallel channels, so that damage to one pipe does not affect the operation of other pipes, maintaining thermal masking capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system can continue operating with damaged pipes by redirecting fluid flow through intact pipes, effectively discarding the damaged section and recovering full functionality through alternative pathways
3Ease of operation
If the inlet and outlet manifolds are positioned far apart, then fluid circulation is simplified, but temperature gradients increase creating thermal singularities
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning manifolds far apart in one dimension, the patent places them in vicinity in a different spatial arrangement, using alternating pipe series to achieve thermal homogeneity without requiring large separation distances
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 a homogeneous thermal signature, reducing detectability by infrared and ensuring operational integrity even under physical stress or damage.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid will enter the first manifold at a temperature supposed to represent the thermal environment of the vehicle and will flow in the pipes, thereby masking the signature of the vehicle. During the entire flow of the fluid in the device, it will exchange calories with the environment of the device.
Implementation Method 2
the pipes and the manifolds are embedded in a substrate homogenizing the thermal signature of the device. the first wall is intended to be oriented towards an outer face of the vehicle and is provided with a material improving the thermal insulation
Implementation Method 3
the second wall is provided with a material improving the thermal conduction and the face of this second wall which is oriented to the outside of the vehicle is provided with a conductive metal film
Implementation Method 4
a reflective film with a low thermal emissivity is provided on the face of this wall intended to be oriented towards the vehicle
Data Source
AI summary
An infrared camouflage device and a vehicle including such a device which includes an array of parallel pipes carrying a heat-transfer fluid for changing the thermal signature of a vehicle. This device is characterized in that it includes an inlet manifold, an intermediary manifold, a first series of first pipes connecting the inlet manifold to the intermediary manifold, a second series of second pipes connecting the intermediary manifold to an outlet manifold, each first pipe being located in the vicinity of a second pipe so as to form, at the device, an alternation of first and second parallel pipes, the inlet manifold and the outlet manifold being in the vicinity of each other.