Telescopic Hot Stick Thermal Sensor for Remote Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handheld non-contact temperature measurement devices are not suitable for situations where the user cannot be in close proximity to the object being measured or where physical proximity poses a risk, as they require direct operation and physical contact or proximity.

Innovation Solution

A non-contact temperature measurement system comprising a head unit with a directional non-contact thermal sensor and a remote unit, allowing wireless transmission of temperature data and featuring a direction pointing protrusion for accurate targeting and a telescopic hot-stick for extended reach, enabling safe and remote temperature measurement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If a handheld non-contact temperature measurement device is used, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but the user cannot measure objects from a distance or when physical proximity poses a risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement distanceVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into two separate functional units: a head unit containing the thermal sensor and mounted on an extended pole, and a remote unit containing the display and control interface held by the user. This segmentation allows the sensing element to be positioned at a safe distance from hazardous objects while the user interacts with the remote unit from a comfortable position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An extended pole or hot-stick serves as an intermediary mechanical linkage between the user and the thermal sensor. This intermediary allows the sensor to reach distant or hazardous targets while keeping the user at a safe distance, effectively mediating the measurement process between the user and the object of interest.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the user operates the device from a distance, then safety is improved, but targeting precision and measurement accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperator safetyVSAvoidtargeting accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The head unit features an asymmetric design with a directional protrusion that extends in the direction of the thermal sensor's field of view. This asymmetric feature serves as a visual aiming aid, creating a clear reference point that helps the user align the sensor precisely with the target object, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite the extended measurement distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The directional protrusion may incorporate visual indicators such as colored markings or reflective surfaces that enhance visibility and provide clear directional cues. These visual features help the user accurately target the sensor at a distance by creating a conspicuous aiming reference that stands out against the background.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

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 safe and accurate remote temperature measurement from a distance, reducing operator risk and fatigue, with the system capable of continuous data transmission and battery level monitoring, ensuring reliable operation.

Implementation Method 1

a directional non-contact thermal sensor positioned at a distal end of the pole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation detection: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentUS10502634B2Temperature measuring head unit for a hot stick
Publication Date: 2019.12.10 HASTINGS FIBER GLASS PRODS
  • US10502634B2 patent drawing
  • US10502634B2 patent drawing
  • US10502634B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A temperature sensing system including a head unit comprising a thermal sensor for acquiring thermal data from a surface, a wireless transmitter wirelessly transmitting the thermal data, and a mounting interface; and a non-conductive pole connected to the mounting interface of the head unit.