Infrared Thermometer Dummy Lens Contamination Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Infrared radiation thermometers used in thermography face measurement abnormalities due to contamination of the objective lens, especially in challenging environments like casting processes, where it is difficult to determine if the issue is contamination or a mechanical defect, leading to inaccurate temperature measurements.
Innovation Solution
A measurement abnormality detection device is introduced, featuring a dummy lens and a determination means that measures light attenuation to estimate contamination levels and differentiate between objective lens contamination and mechanical defects using a thermoelectric thermometer to compare temperature measurements with a dummy black body point.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the objective lens is cleaned frequently to prevent contamination, then measurement reliability is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time loss and operational interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy lens is positioned to receive contamination before it reaches the objective lens, serving as a sacrificial element that can be easily cleaned or replaced without affecting measurement operations. This preliminary protective action prevents the need for frequent objective lens cleaning interruptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy lens acts as an intermediary between the contaminated environment and the objective lens, absorbing the harmful contamination effects. By placing the dummy lens in the contamination path, it mediates the protection of the objective lens, allowing continuous measurement operations.
2Ease of operation
If the objective lens is protected with a detachable filter, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The dummy lens serves multiple functions: it acts as a protective barrier against contamination, a diagnostic indicator of contamination levels, and a replaceable component. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing several benefits from a single element.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy lens is designed as a inexpensive, easily replaceable component that can be discarded or cleaned frequently without affecting the overall system value. This allows the system to maintain simplicity while providing protection, as the dummy lens is much cheaper than the objective lens.
3Measurement precision
If the infrared radiation thermometer is positioned at a high location for optimal measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as the lens becomes difficult to access for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The lens system is segmented into two separate components: the objective lens for measurement and the dummy lens for protection. This segmentation allows the objective lens to be positioned optimally for measurement precision while the dummy lens can be positioned for easy access and cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The dummy lens serves as an intermediary that can be easily accessed and maintained, while the objective lens remains in its optimal measurement position. The dummy lens mediates the cleaning operation, allowing maintenance without moving or accessing the objective lens.
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 solution effectively detects and diagnoses measurement abnormalities, allowing for timely cleaning or maintenance of the objective lens and thermoelectric thermometer, preventing errors and ensuring accurate temperature readings in harsh environments.
Implementation Method 1
measuring received light quantity when receiving light reflected by the dummy lens, and calculating an attenuation rate of the projected light
Implementation Method 2
infrared radiation from a measurement object is condensed through a lens and focalized at a detecting element
Implementation Method 3
measuring, with a thermoelectric thermometer, temperature of a dummy black body point
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for an infrared radiation thermometer used for thermography detects measurement abnormality of the infrared radiation thermometer and estimates the causes of the measurement abnormality such as contamination of an objective lens and a malfunction in a mechanism section of the infrared radiation thermometer. The measurement abnormality detector has a dummy lens 21 placed in the periphery of the objective lens 11 of the thermometer 10 so as to be at a position and in an attitude that are more susceptible to contamination than the objective lens 11, a laser displacement meter 22 for projecting light to the dummy lens 21 at each predetermined time or at a predetermined timing, receiving the light reflected by the dummy lens 21, and measuring the quantity of the received light, and determination means 50 for calculating the attenuation rate of the projected light on the basis of the quantity of the received light measured by the laser displacement meter 22, estimating the degree of contamination of the dummy lens 21 on the basis of the calculated attenuation rate, and judging, on the basis of the degree of contamination of the dummy lens 21, the necessity of warning for contamination of the objective lens 11 and measurement abnormality of the thermometer 10.