Thermal Instrument Engine Shutter Temperature Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional infrared cameras face inaccuracies in temperature measurements due to self-heating and ambient temperature changes, which are not accurately accounted for, leading to poor imaging and radiometry results, especially with the shutter temperature not being accurately tracked.
Innovation Solution
A thermal instrument engine design that includes a temperature sensor board with sensors on opposing faces, a thermally conductive pad, and a shutter temperature sensor, providing accurate tracking of shutter temperature and heat flow, and a shield for thermal and electromagnetic shielding, maintaining an isothermal environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If offset compensation is performed using a shutter, then imaging capabilities are improved, but shutter temperature changes cause measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally conductive pad is introduced as an intermediary between the shutter and the temperature sensor board. The pad thermally couples the shutter to the sensor, allowing accurate temperature measurement without direct contact that would interfere with shutter operation. This mediator enables reliable temperature tracking while maintaining shutter functionality for offset compensation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the shutter and temperature sensor with a thermally conductive coupling system. Instead of mechanically attaching the sensor to the shutter (which would interfere with shutter movement), the system uses thermal conduction through the pad to transfer temperature information to the sensor located on the stationary sensor board.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are added to track heat flow, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensors are integrated onto a single sensor board that serves multiple functions. The sensor board combines temperature sensing capabilities with structural support and signal processing functions, reducing overall device complexity while enabling comprehensive temperature monitoring of different components including the shutter, FPA, and housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor board is designed as a multi-functional component that performs temperature sensing for multiple different components (shutter, FPA, housing) simultaneously. By making the sensor board universal rather than having separate dedicated sensors for each component, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining comprehensive temperature monitoring capabilities.
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
This design improves imaging capabilities by accurately compensating for temperature changes and providing precise temperature measurements, enhancing the accuracy and reliability of thermal imaging and radiometry.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive pad, and a shutter temperature sensor, where the shutter temperature sensor is placed in thermal communication with the shutter via the thermally conductive pad
Implementation Method 2
a thermal sensor that senses thermal or infrared radiation from a target scene
Implementation Method 3
a shield for thermal and electromagnetic shielding, maintaining an isothermal environment
Data Source
AI summary
An engine for use in a thermal instrument. The engine includes an infrared camera module and may also include a visible light camera module. The engine includes several temperature sensors mounted on a printed circuit board assembly that permit the engine to provide improved radiometry functionality and improved fine offset compensation capabilities.