Handheld Thermal Imager Shock Absorption Buffer Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable thermal imagers face challenges in withstanding rough handling and impact without compromising their functionality, as existing designs often fail to adequately absorb and distribute shock forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
The thermal imager incorporates a resilient buffer system, including a ring-shaped buffer ring with radial extension members and rubber grommets, to support the lens barrel and thermal sensor within a housing assembly, minimizing the transfer of impact forces and enhancing shock resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the thermal imager uses a rigid housing structure to protect internal components, then structural strength is improved, but impact resistance deteriorates because shock forces are not adequately absorbed and distributed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a resilient buffer member positioned between the lens barrel and the housing to absorb impact forces before they reach fragile internal components. This cushioning element is pre-installed to provide shock absorption during drop or bump events, protecting the thermal sensor and other sensitive parts without compromising the overall structural integrity of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient buffer member acts as an intermediary element between the rigid housing and the fragile lens barrel/thermal sensor assembly. This intermediate component transfers impact forces through its resilient material, reducing the transmission of shock to internal components while maintaining the structural framework of the device.
2Device complexity
If the thermal imager uses minimal internal components to reduce device complexity, then device complexity is improved, but reliability deteriorates because components are more vulnerable to damage from rough handling
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient buffer member is pre-installed in the housing to provide protective cushioning for the thermal sensor and lens barrel. This simple yet effective measure enhances the reliability of the device by preventing damage from rough handling, drops, or bumps, without adding significant complexity to the overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient buffer serves as an intermediary protective layer between the housing and internal components. This intermediate element absorbs impact forces and protects fragile components like the thermal sensor and lens, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex protective mechanisms or additional structural elements.
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 significantly improves the device's impact resistance, protecting internal components and maintaining accurate temperature readings even when subjected to drops or bumps, ensuring reliable operation in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient buffer member supports the lens barrel within the cavity
Implementation Method 2
The resilient buffer system, including a ring-shaped buffer ring with radial extension members and rubber grommets, to support the lens barrel and thermal sensor within a housing assembly, minimizing the transfer of impact forces
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld thermal imager includes a housing defining a cavity. A lens barrel has a first end portion and a second end portion. The lens barrel is at least partially disposed within the cavity. A lens is coupled to the lens barrel first end portion. A resilient buffer member supports the lens barrel within the cavity. A thermal sensor is coupled to the lens barrel second end portion. A processing module receives signals from the thermal sensor. A display is coupled to the processing module for displaying a temperature characteristic of a scene.