PCM Microbolometer Housing for Stable Satellite IR Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Uncooled microbolometers in small satellites like CubeSats require frequent calibration due to sensitivity to temperature changes, leading to significant 'dead time' during which they cannot be used for measurements.
Innovation Solution
A housing assembly containing a phase change material (PCM) within a container that encloses the microbolometer, providing passive temperature stabilization by absorbing heat and maintaining a stable temperature around its phase change point, reducing the need for calibration cycles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If frequent calibration is performed to maintain measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased dead time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase transition of phase change material (PCM) to stabilize the temperature of the microbolometer. The PCM absorbs or releases latent heat during phase transition, maintaining a stable temperature environment for the detector, thereby reducing temperature drift and the frequency of required calibration cycles, which improves measurement continuity while maintaining accuracy
2Use of energy by moving object
If passive temperature stabilization using PCM is implemented, then energy consumption is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional housing components
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material provides self-regulating temperature stabilization without requiring external power or control systems. The PCM automatically absorbs excess heat when temperature rises and releases heat when temperature drops, creating a passive, energy-free temperature control mechanism that reduces energy consumption while the added housing complexity is minimized through integrated design
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 PCM-based housing assembly minimizes energy consumption and reduces calibration-induced downtime by effectively stabilizing the microbolometer's temperature, allowing for more continuous operation.
Implementation Method 1
the PCM can be provided so as to allow for very good heat exchange with the microbolometer. Temperature fluctuations of the microbolometer can then be effectively prevented by the buffer effect of the PCM, which can passively absorb heat and stabilize temperatures around its melting point (i.e., phase change point, phase transition point)
Implementation Method 2
the PCM can be provided so as to allow for very good heat exchange with the microbolometer. Temperature fluctuations of the microbolometer can then be effectively prevented by the buffer effect of the PCM, which can passively absorb heat and stabilize temperatures around its melting point
Implementation Method 3
The container may comprise a base part and a lid part. The base part may include the wall portion. The cavity in the wall portion may be closed by the lid part when the lid part is mounted to the base part
Data Source
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AI summary
The application relates to a housing assembly 1 for housing a microbolometer 30 within a satellite, the housing assembly 1 comprising: a container 10 for at least partially enclosing the microbolometer 30, so as to exchange heat with the microbolometer 30; and a phase change material. The container 10 comprises a cavity 15 within a wall portion of the container 10. The cavity 15 contains the phase change material. The application further relates to a microbolometer assembly comprising the housing assembly, and to a satellite comprising the housing assembly and/or microbolometer assembly.