Portable Active Infrared Thermography for Cable-Free Inspection
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing active thermography systems for inspection and defect detection are cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An active infrared thermography system with low-power excitation sources, an infrared camera, and a portable power source, integrated in a lightweight housing, along with a computer-implemented method for generating thermal images using cooling curves and heat maps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing active thermography systems are used for inspection and defect detection, then defect detection capability is achieved, but the system becomes cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components (excitation source, infrared camera, power source, and housing) into an integrated portable system. This merging eliminates the need for separate equipment and complex setup procedures, directly resolving the contradiction by making the system both functional for defect detection and convenient to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions: the excitation source provides thermal excitation, the infrared camera captures thermal emissions, the power source energizes components, and the housing provides structural support and protection. This multi-functionality in a single unit reduces device complexity while maintaining inspection capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If traditional thermography systems are used, then thermal imaging is achieved, but portability and cable-free operation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the power supply into a portable battery unit that can be independently positioned and recharged, separating it from the main inspection apparatus. This allows the infrared camera and excitation source to operate cable-free while the power source remains a manageable, replaceable component, achieving portability without compromising energy supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable battery acts as an intermediary energy source, mediating between external power outlets and the inspection components. This intermediary enables cable-free operation by providing onboard energy storage, resolving the contradiction between portability and power supply requirements.
3Measurement precision
If image processing is performed to generate cooling curves and heat maps, then defect detection accuracy is improved, but processing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary thermal excitation by activating the excitation source before full inspection begins. This preliminary action creates the thermal contrast needed for defect detection, allowing the infrared camera to capture meaningful data from the start and reducing the need for extended processing times to achieve accurate results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical processing with computational methods. Instead of physical manipulation or lengthy mechanical analysis, the system uses software to generate cooling curves and heat maps from infrared data, significantly reducing processing time while maintaining or improving defect detection accuracy.
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 convenient and efficient inspection and defect detection by allowing portable, cable-free operation, enhanced image processing, and fusion of thermal and visual images, suitable for various applications including aircraft and building inspections.
Implementation Method 1
activating one or more excitation sources to radiate the subject
Implementation Method 2
acquiring thermal image data on a subject
Data Source
AI summary
An active infrared thermography system and a computer-implemented method for generating a thermal image are provided. The active infrared thermography system includes one or more excitation sources, an infrared camera, one or more portable power sources arranged to power the one or more excitation sources and the infrared camera, and a housing, the one or more excitation sources and the one or more portable power sources being received in the housing.