Explosion-proof thermal imaging window segmentation and guard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared cameras used in hazardous environments face challenges due to the fragility of optical windows in explosion-proof housings, which can be damaged by impacts and contamination, leading to reduced effectiveness and safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A reference temperature sensor and high emissivity target are placed outside the window but within the camera's field of view, allowing for compensation of signal attenuation and damage detection, ensuring accurate temperature measurements and maintaining camera functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a thick window is used to withstand explosive pressure, then the strength and reliability of the housing is improved, but the transmission of infrared energy is restricted and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two distinct parts: a thick explosion-proof housing for strength and a separate thin optical window for infrared transmission. The thin window is mounted within the thick housing structure, allowing each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromise.
2Reliability
If a guard is placed in front of the window to protect it, then the reliability of the window is improved, but the transmission of infrared energy is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective function is extracted from the window itself and assigned to a separate guard structure. The guard is positioned in front of the thin optical window to absorb impacts, while the window remains thin and unobstructed for optimal infrared transmission.
3Reliability
If a thick window is used to contain explosive pressure, then the explosion-proof capability is improved, but the measurement precision of temperature is reduced due to signal attenuation
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into a thick explosion-proof housing and a separate thin optical window. The thin window minimizes infrared signal attenuation for accurate temperature measurement, while the thick housing provides explosion containment capability.
4Ease of manufacture
If the window is made thin to allow infrared transmission, then the infrared transmission is improved, but the window becomes fragile and cannot withstand impact
Solution Approach 1:
The housing structure is segmented into a thick explosion-proof enclosure and a separate thin optical window. The thin window optimizes infrared transmission while the thick housing provides mechanical strength and explosion containment.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective guard is positioned in front of the thin optical window to absorb impacts before they reach the window. This beforehand protection allows the window to remain thin for optimal infrared transmission without compromising durability.
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 enables the infrared camera to maintain accuracy and safety by compensating for window damage and contamination, providing reliable thermal imaging in hazardous environments.
Implementation Method 1
the enclosure must accommodate a transparent window of some sort in order to allow the infrared camera to view the environment. Typical window materials used to allow infrared energy to pass through
Implementation Method 2
A reference temperature sensor and high emissivity target are placed outside the window but within the camera's field of view
Implementation Method 3
A reference temperature sensor and high emissivity target are placed outside the window but within the camera's field of view, allowing for compensation of signal attenuation and damage detection
Data Source
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AI summary
An explosion-proof thermal imaging system (100; 200) is provided. The system include an explosion-proof housing (104; 202) having a window (106; 204) that is configured to allow thermal radiation therethrough. An infrared camera (102; 206) is positioned within the explosion-proof housing (104; 202) and is disposed to receive and image thermal radiation that passes through the window(106; 204). An emissivity target (112) is disposed within a field of view of the infrared camera (102; 206), but on an opposite side of the window (106; 204) from the infrared camera(102; 206). A temperature sensor (212) is operably coupled to the infrared camera (102; 206) and is configured to provide an indication of temperature proximate the emissivity target (112).