Thermal Imaging Enclosure Window Radiation Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Thermal imaging devices in industrial environments face contamination and overheating issues, and existing enclosures do not effectively account for radiation emission from windows, leading to errors in temperature and image data due to high emissivity materials.

Innovation Solution

A protective enclosure with a window assembly that includes a temperature sensor to measure and correct for radiation emissions from the window, using materials like silicon or plastic, and a design allowing for easy maintenance and replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a protective enclosure with a window is used to protect the thermal imaging device from contamination and heat, then the device reliability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to radiation emission from the window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice protectionVSAvoidtemperature measurement accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

A temperature sensor is installed on the window to continuously monitor the window temperature. The system uses this temperature data to calculate radiation emissions from the window and automatically compensates for these emissions in the thermal imaging data processing, thereby eliminating the measurement error caused by the window's radiation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature sensor acts as an intermediary element that measures the window temperature and provides data for radiation compensation calculations. This intermediary measurement allows the system to separate and correct the window's radiation contribution from the target's thermal signal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the enclosure is designed to be fully sealed for protection, then contamination resistance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in maintenance and component replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontamination resistanceVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure is divided into separate modular sections with removable panels or access points. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to access internal components such as the thermal imaging device, cooling system, and window for cleaning or replacement without compromising the overall sealed structure's protection against contamination

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The enclosure incorporates dynamic access mechanisms such as removable panels, hinged doors, or quick-release latches that allow temporary opening for maintenance and then secure closing to restore the sealed protective environment. This dynamic design balances protection needs with maintenance requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If active cooling is added to maintain device temperature, then device reliability is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice temperature controlVSAvoidcooling energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The enclosure utilizes passive cooling features such as thermally conductive materials, heat sinks, and radiation barriers that automatically dissipate heat from the thermal imaging device without requiring external power input. The structure itself provides cooling through its material properties and geometric design, eliminating the need for energy-consuming active cooling systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical active cooling systems (such as powered fans or compressed gas systems) with passive thermal management approaches using conductive, convective, and radiative heat transfer through the enclosure structure and internal heat sinks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 effectively maintains the integrity of thermal imaging data by compensating for radiation errors and ensuring the enclosure remains contamination-free, with minimal maintenance disruption.

Implementation Method 1

A protective enclosure with a window assembly that includes a temperature sensor to measure and correct for radiation emissions from the window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP2267423B1Protective enclosure for a thermal imaging device of an industrial monitoring system

Publication Date: 2017.02.22 FLUKE CORP

AI summary

A thermal imaging device, which may be incorporated in an industrial monitoring system, is contained and protected by an enclosure that includes a window assembly. The window assembly includes a removable window and a temperature sensor, wherein the window provides a passage for infrared radiation to the imaging device, within the enclosure, and the temperature sensor is positioned, within the enclosure, for measuring a temperature of the removable window, and is adapted to communicate with circuitry of the imaging device. The window assembly may further include a removable retaining ring and a mounting plate. The mounting plate may include a bezel and an outer shoulder formed in a first side thereof, wherein the bezel receives the removable window and the outer shoulder receives the retaining ring, so that the retaining ring may hold the window against the bezel.