Thermal Imaging Lens Cleaning Assembly for Sludge Exposure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal imaging cameras in dusty and moist environments, such as ship loaders, are prone to lens obstruction by sludge, leading to operational inefficiencies and downtime due to the need for manual cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A thermal imaging assembly with integrated gas and fluid injection systems that create an air cushion and direct fluid onto the lens to remove sludge, utilizing a sealed housing to protect internal components and allow for robust, automated cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the thermal imaging camera is exposed to the external environment for cleaning purposes, then the lens can be cleaned effectively, but electrical and mechanical components are exposed to dust and moisture
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is divided into two separate chambers: a first chamber that opens to the external environment for lens cleaning, and a second chamber that houses and protects the electrical and mechanical components. The internal wall with a sealed aperture connects these chambers, allowing the lens to be accessible while keeping sensitive components isolated from dust and moisture.
Solution Approach 2:
A sealed aperture in the internal wall acts as an intermediary between the first and second chambers. This aperture allows the camera lens to extend into the first chamber for cleaning while maintaining a sealed barrier that prevents environmental contaminants from reaching the protected components in the second chamber.
2Ease of operation
If manual cleaning is performed by moving the ship loader to a maintenance position, then the lens can be cleaned, but operational downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service cleaning of the lens through integrated fluid and gas injection portions. The camera assembly cleans itself by directing fluid onto the lens and using gas to create an air cushion that prevents sludge accumulation, eliminating the need to move the ship loader to a maintenance position and thereby maintaining continuous operational productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas injection portion creates an air cushion around the lens before sludge can accumulate, preventing obstruction proactively. The fluid injection system is ready to clean the lens on demand, allowing immediate cleaning without requiring maintenance positions or operational shutdowns.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the camera lens is exposed to sludge-prone environments, then thermal imaging can be performed in harsh conditions, but lens obstruction occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The gas injection portion uses pneumatic principles to create an air cushion around the lens that repels sludge and prevents obstruction. The fluid injection portion uses hydraulic principles to direct cleaning fluid onto the lens, effectively removing accumulated sludge and maintaining optical clarity in harsh dusty and moist conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas injection system applies preliminary anti-action by creating an air cushion that actively prevents sludge from adhering to the lens before obstruction can occur. This proactive measure counteracts the harmful effect of sludge accumulation, allowing the camera to maintain functionality in environments where sludge is prevalent.
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 assembly effectively prevents and reduces lens obstruction, maintaining camera functionality in harsh conditions without exposing electrical or mechanical components, ensuring continuous operation and reducing maintenance downtime.
Implementation Method 1
a gas injection portion connected to the first internal chamber, the gas injection portion comprising a first gas intake channel configured to direct gas into the first chamber
Implementation Method 2
a fluid injection portion connected to the first internal chamber, the fluid injection portion comprising a fluid intake channel configured to direct fluid towards the camera lens to clean the camera lens
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise; a housing; a camera mounted within the housing; a gas injection portion; and a fluid injection portion. The apparatus provides an effective cleaning system for a camera used in a dirty and moist environment.