Photodiode Clamp Measurement for Consumer Thermal Resistance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining a material's thermal resistance are cumbersome, expensive, and inaccessible to consumers, and the suitability of environments for sleep is typically assessed qualitatively rather than quantitatively.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, portable measurement device that uses non-thermal energy sources like acoustic and infrared measurements, along with environmental sensors, to determine thermal properties and environmental suitability for sleep, and can communicate with user equipment or cloud computing devices for analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory test equipment and procedures are used to determine thermal resistance, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex thermal measurement systems with acoustic and infrared sensing systems. The acoustic sensor detects sound wave transmission through the material, while the infrared sensor detects thermal radiation, allowing thermal resistance characterization without direct thermal contact or complex thermal conduction measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic waves and infrared radiation as intermediary measurement carriers. Instead of directly measuring thermal conduction (which requires complex equipment), the system uses acoustic transmission and infrared radiation detection as intermediaries to indirectly characterize thermal resistance properties.
2Measurement precision
If traditional laboratory test procedures are used, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases due to lengthy test procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic acoustic signaling and infrared detection cycles to rapidly characterize thermal properties. The system sends periodic acoustic pulses and measures transmission characteristics, or periodically samples infrared radiation, enabling quick measurements without the lengthy steady-state thermal equilibrium required by traditional methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary acoustic and infrared measurements to quickly estimate thermal resistance before more detailed analysis is needed. The system can provide immediate preliminary characterizations using acoustic transmission and infrared radiation detection, reducing the time required for complete material evaluation.
3Measurement precision
If traditional thermal resistance measurement methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as they are inaccessible to consumers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple sensing capabilities (acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, environmental sensors) into a single portable device that can characterize thermal resistance and assess sleep environment suitability. This multi-functional approach makes the technology accessible to consumers for both material evaluation and environmental assessment applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables consumers to perform thermal resistance measurements and sleep environment assessments independently using the portable device. The system includes built-in processing and display capabilities that allow end-users to obtain and interpret thermal characterization data without requiring laboratory facilities or technical expertise.
4Ease of operation
If acoustic and infrared sensors are used to measure thermal properties, then ease of operation is improved for consumer use, but device complexity increases due to multiple sensor types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines acoustic sensors, infrared sensors, and environmental sensors into a single integrated portable device. The sensor fusion approach allows the device to simultaneously perform acoustic transmission measurements, infrared radiation detection, and environmental monitoring, providing comprehensive thermal characterization in one compact system.
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 consumers to accurately measure thermal resistance and assess environmental suitability for sleep using affordable, user-friendly devices, providing quantitative data for selecting appropriate garments and ensuring comfortable sleeping conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic receiver disposed within the second member facing the first member. The measurement device can be used to determine properties, such as a thermal property, of a material sample
Implementation Method 2
an infrared sensor disposed within the second member facing the first member
Data Source
AI summary
Photodiode systems, methods, devices, and circuitries are provided for determining a material property and/or determining environmental characteristics. In one embodiment, a measurement device includes a first member, a second member rotatably coupled to the first member at a pivot that affixes the first member to the second member. The first member and the second member are configured to pivot between a closed position, where the first member and the second member contact one another, and an open position where the first member is rotatably separated from the second member. An infrared emitter is disposed within the first member, the infrared emitter faces the second member. An infrared sensor is disposed within the second member facing the first member, where when the first member and the second member are in the closed position, the infrared emitter and the infrared sensor are misaligned.