Thermographic Detection Device with Internal Pneumatic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermographic image detection devices for metallurgical plants, such as die casting, face limitations due to high compressed air consumption and suboptimal cooling, as well as external pneumatic system components that are prone to faults and restricted mobility due to pressure loss concerns.
Innovation Solution
A thermographic image detection device with a pneumatic system that includes a vortex tube for efficient air cooling and solenoid valves for controlled air distribution within the protective case, allowing for reduced air consumption and internal air management, eliminating the need for external pipes and enabling more flexible placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pneumatic system with external pipes and distribution unit is used to cool the radiation sensor, then the sensor can be cooled, but the compressed air consumption is relatively high and the system is prone to faults due to external components exposed to environmental disturbances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the air distribution function from the external environment into the protective case by integrating a distribution unit inside the case. This internal distribution unit receives compressed air through a sealed connection and distributes it to cooling outlets, eliminating the need for external pipes exposed to environmental disturbances and reducing compressed air consumption through optimized internal airflow paths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary sealed connection between the external compressed air source and the internal distribution unit. This intermediary connection allows compressed air to be transferred into the protective case without exposing internal components to environmental disturbances, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining efficient air distribution.
2Stress or pressure
If the distribution unit is positioned close to the case (within ten metres) to prevent excessive pressure losses, then pressure losses are minimized, but the possibility of setting up the control system is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pneumatic transmission system with an electrical control system. A control unit inside the protective case receives electrical signals from a remote control device and activates solenoid valves to control air distribution. This substitution allows the control system to be positioned remotely without being constrained by pneumatic pressure loss limitations, significantly improving setup flexibility.
3Temperature
If compressed air is continuously injected inside the case for cooling, then the radiation sensor is cooled, but the air consumption is relatively high and the cooling is not entirely optimum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by using a control unit that activates cooling outlets based on detected temperature conditions. Instead of continuous air injection, the system periodically activates specific cooling outlets when temperature thresholds are exceeded, optimizing cooling efficiency while significantly reducing compressed air consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing multiple cooling outlets at different locations within the protective case, each controllable independently. The control unit activates only the specific cooling outlets needed based on the thermal conditions of the radiation sensor, ensuring optimal cooling where required while minimizing overall air consumption.
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 reduces air consumption, enhances cooling efficiency, and increases the reliability and mobility of the device by managing air distribution internally, reducing the risk of faults and allowing for remote placement of the compressed air source.
Implementation Method 1
a pneumatic system (7) for supplying compressed air to the protective case (3) which comprises a vortex tube (14) for cooling the radiation sensor (2)
Implementation Method 2
solenoid valves for controlled air distribution within the protective case
Implementation Method 3
a radiation sensor, for example comprising a so-called thermal camera, which is directed at a respective half-die... sensitive in particular to infrared radiation
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a device (1) for detecting at least one thermographic image comprising a thermal camera (2) sensitive to infrared radiation for acquiring the thermographic image; a protective a case (3), inside which the thermal camera (2) is inserted, having a window through which the thermal camera (2) is able to acquire the thermographic image; a screen (5), positioned outside the protective case (3) and movable between a first operating position at which it is superposed on the window to protect it from environmental disturbances and a second operating position wherein it is shifted from the window, allowing the thermal camera (2) to acquire the thermographic image; a pneumatic system (7) for supplying air inside the protective case (3) having an inlet (8) outside the protective case (3); a computerised command and control unit (10); the pneumatic system (7) comprises means (12) for adjusting and distributing the air operating inside the protective case (3) and in communication with the external inlet (8) controlled by the computerised command and control unit (10).