Thermal Imaging Camera Mold Risk Assessment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for assessing the risk of mold formation in environments are limited, as they primarily focus on condensation risks rather than the actual mold formation process, providing less precise and reliable information for preventing mold growth.
Innovation Solution
A hand-held thermal imaging camera equipped with an infrared detector array and an evaluation device uses a mold growth model to calculate two-dimensional information on mold risk by integrating ambient air humidity, ambient air temperature, and two-dimensional temperature information, allowing for a more precise assessment of mold formation risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing methods focus on condensation risk assessment using dew point temperature comparison, then the assessment process is simple, but the precision and reliability of mold formation risk information is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the assessment parameters from simple dew point temperature comparison to a comprehensive mold growth model that incorporates temperature, humidity, and time parameters. The evaluation device calculates a mold risk value based on multiple environmental parameters rather than relying solely on temperature-dew point differential, thereby improving assessment precision while managing complexity through integrated computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional temperature-based assessment to multi-dimensional assessment by incorporating humidity, temperature, and time dimensions into the mold growth model. This allows the system to evaluate mold risk based on cumulative environmental exposure rather than instantaneous conditions, significantly improving prediction accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If a handheld thermal imaging camera is used for non-contact temperature measurement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases compared to fixed pyrometers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the thermal imaging camera, humidity sensor, temperature sensor, and mold risk evaluation device into a single integrated handheld unit. This combination allows the operator to capture temperature data, humidity data, and perform mold risk assessment all in one device, improving ease of operation while the internal integration manages the complexity through unified system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld device performs multiple functions including thermal imaging, humidity measurement, temperature monitoring, and mold risk evaluation simultaneously. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate devices into one universal tool, enhancing operational convenience while the integrated design handles the inherent complexity.
3Reliability
If mold growth model calculation is performed using multiple sensors and evaluation devices, then the reliability of mold risk information is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and processing by capturing temperature and humidity data continuously before mold growth occurs. The evaluation device pre-calculates mold risk values based on accumulated environmental data, allowing for early warning and prevention. This preliminary action approach improves reliability by basing assessments on historical trends rather than instantaneous readings alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the evaluation device continuously monitors environmental parameters and adjusts mold risk assessments based on changing conditions. The calculated mold risk values provide feedback that can trigger alerts or recommendations, creating a closed-loop system that improves reliability through continuous validation and adjustment of assessments.
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 approach provides more accurate and reliable information on mold formation risks, enabling effective prevention and protection against mold growth in various environments by considering moisture levels beyond saturation points and accounting for surface characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a handheld thermal imaging camera for the non-contact determination of two-dimensional temperature information of a scene... at least one infrared detector array consisting of a plurality of pixels sensitive to infrared radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for operating a thermal imaging camera (10) is proposed, comprising at least the following method steps: • measuring a two-dimensional temperature information (12a) by means of an infrared detector array (48) of the thermal imaging camera (10), • providing ambient air humidity information and/or ambient air temperature information. According to the invention, a two-dimensional information (12b) regarding a mold formation risk is calculated by means of an evaluation device (46) using a mold growth model and using the two-dimensional temperature information, the ambient air humidity information and the ambient air temperature information. Furthermore, the invention relates to a corresponding thermal imaging camera (10).