Resilient Light Guide Mounting for High-Temperature Flame Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spark and/or flame detectors fail to operate in environments with existing technologies fail to operate in environments with existing technologies fail to operate in environments with existing technologies fail to operate in environments with existing technologies fail to address the challenges of existing technologies fail to address the challenges of existing technologies fail to operate in environments with high temperatures, such as those found in material dryers or drying chambers, where sparks or flames can occur, leading to detector malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A light guide arrangement with a resiliently mounted light guide rod and air gap between the rod and housing, allowing for thermal decoupling and shock absorption, coupled with protective optics and cooling elements, enables reliable detection of sparks and flames in high-temperature environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the detector is placed directly in the high-temperature monitoring area, then the detection capability is improved, but the detector cannot operate due to excessive temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The detector is divided into two separate parts: a light guide rod that can be placed in the high-temperature monitoring area to detect sparks and flames, and a sensor head that remains in a cooler environment. The light guide rod transmits optical signals from the monitoring area to the sensor head, enabling detection without exposing the entire detector to excessive temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
A light guide rod acts as an intermediary between the high-temperature monitoring area and the sensor head. It transmits optical radiation (light signals) from the monitoring area to the sensor, allowing the sensor to detect sparks and flames without being directly exposed to the harsh thermal environment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the light guide rod is rigidly mounted in the housing, then the structural stability is improved, but thermal expansion and shocks cause stress and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The light guide rod is resiliently mounted using spring elements instead of rigid fixation. This dynamic mounting allows the light guide rod to move slightly in response to thermal expansion and mechanical shocks, absorbing these stresses without causing damage to the light guide rod or the housing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Spring elements are used to resiliently mount the light guide rod, providing beforehand cushioning against thermal expansion and mechanical shocks. These elastic elements absorb and dissipate stress before it can reach critical levels that would cause damage to the light guide rod or surrounding structure.
3Temperature
If cooling elements are added to the housing, then the temperature control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Cooling elements in the housing utilize phase transition (evaporation/condensation) of a cooling medium to absorb and dissipate heat from the light guide rod and sensor head. This passive cooling mechanism effectively controls temperature without requiring complex active cooling systems, maintaining simplicity while achieving temperature regulation.
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 ensures continued operation and reliable detection of sparks and flames even in extreme temperatures, protecting the detector from stress and environmental interference, thus maintaining functionality and accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide arrangement (1) for transmitting electromagnetic radiation... the light guide rod (20) being arranged in the housing (10) between the light inlet opening (12) and the light outlet opening (14)
Implementation Method 2
the light guide rod (20) being resiliently mounted... in order to absorb different thermal expansions between the light guide rod and the housing
Implementation Method 3
spring elements (32, 34, 36)... allow the light guide rod (20) to expand relative to the housing (10) without causing stress
Implementation Method 4
cooling elements (18) arranged on an outer side of the housing (10)... improve heat dissipation from the housing
Implementation Method 5
cooling elements (18)... improve heat dissipation from the housing (10)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a light guiding arrangement (1) for transmitting electromagnetic radiation, in particular ultraviolet and/or infrared radiation, and a spark and/or flame detector that uses same. The light guiding arrangement (1) comprises a housing (10) and a light guiding rod (20), wherein the housing (10) has a light entrance opening (12) and a light exit opening (14) situated opposite, wherein the light guiding rod (20) is arranged in the housing (10) between the light entrance opening (12) and the light exit opening (14), wherein the light guiding rod (20) is mounted resiliently on at least one side in the housing (10).