Thermal Isolation Device for Infrared Camera

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal imaging systems face challenges in efficiently isolating thermal energy for infrared surveillance cameras, leading to excessive power consumption and parasitic heat loss, particularly when operating in low power conditions like the 802.3af Power over Ethernet standard.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a thermal isolation system using a multi-element structure with a high thermal conductivity mounting structure and a low thermal conductivity thermal isolator creates a thermal dam, allowing efficient heat transfer to the camera's front window while minimizing heat loss to the environment, thus preventing ice formation and optimizing power usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a single high thermal conductivity material is used for the mounting structure, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but parasitic heat loss to the environment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating efficiencyVSAvoidparasitic heat loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is divided into two distinct segments: a first portion made of high thermal conductivity material for efficient heat transfer to the camera, and a second portion made of low thermal conductivity material to minimize heat loss to the environment. This segmentation allows each portion to perform its specific thermal function optimally.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the mounting structure are assigned different thermal conductivity properties based on local requirements. The first portion adjacent to the camera uses high thermal conductivity material to maximize heat transfer, while the second portion exposed to the environment uses low thermal conductivity material to reduce parasitic heat loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Loss of energy

If thermal isolation is improved to reduce heat loss, then power consumption is reduced, but heat transfer to the front window may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat loss reductionVSAvoidheating effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is segmented into a first portion with high thermal conductivity material that ensures sufficient heat transfer to the front window, and a second portion with low thermal conductivity material that reduces heat loss to the environment, thereby resolving the contradiction between thermal isolation and heating effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting structure uses a composite construction combining materials with different thermal conductivity properties. The first portion uses high thermal conductivity material for effective heat transfer, while the second portion uses low thermal conductivity material for thermal isolation, achieving both heating effectiveness and heat loss reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Loss of energy

If a multi-element thermal dam structure is implemented, then thermal isolation performance is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal isolation performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting structure is divided into two functional segments with different thermal properties, creating a thermal dam that improves thermal isolation performance while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure that integrates seamlessly with the camera housing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 maximizes available power for heating, reduces parasitic heat loss, and maintains effective thermal imaging performance across a wide temperature range, even under low power conditions, by efficiently transferring heat to the camera's optics while preventing ice formation on the front window.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal isolator coupled to the mounting structure and characterized by a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a heating element coupled to the mounting structure... conducting heat from the heating element to the front window

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

embodiments of the present invention create a thermal dam between the heater and the outer housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS9386239B2Thermal isolation device for infrared surveillance camera

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 DRS NETWORK & IMAGING SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A thermal imaging system includes a mounting structure characterized by a first thermal conductivity and a focal plane array mounted to the mounting structure. The thermal imaging system also includes an optical system coupled to the mounting structure and a heating element coupled to the mounting structure. The thermal imaging system further includes a thermal isolator coupled to the mounting structure and characterized by a second thermal conductivity lower than the first thermal conductivity.