Large Area Temperature Sensor

Abstract

The present invention discloses a sensing device consisting of a network of nominally identical thermal resistors whose topology is equivalent to a network of square resistors. The device has terminals at which an average resistance value of the device can be measured. The resistors are supported on the substrate so that the size can be reduced compared to the original size without substantially changing the average resistance value. In a preferred embodiment, a pattern of contacts and conductive traces linking the contacts is printed on a substrate, and a material having a temperature-dependent resistance is applied to the contacts to define an interconnected thermistor. network. Alternatively, the material may be applied to the substrate first, and applied to the contacts and traces printed on the substrate.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates to temperature sensing devices and methods of making such devices. Background technique [0002] In many applications, such as engineering, health care, packaging and transportation, it is desirable to obtain the temperature of large irregularly shaped objects or complex structures whose shape or structure changes or is caused to change in different states quantitative information. For example, such an object may be made of a thin flexible material such as fabric, polymer film or paper, or may be a rigid or malleable part constructed of metal, plastic or a combination of materials. Optionally, sensors may be required to determine the average temperature over a specific portion, eg in a control room or chamber, or a larger area in a refrigeration unit. [0003] A common method used for this measurement is infrared or visible thermography, in which the thermal radiation emitted by the object is recorded by a digital camera...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

While an advantage, for some applications of non-contact measurements, this often has disadvantages due to factors such as extraneous radiation, low visibility and blurring of the field of view, transparency of materials, and variations in emissivity and reflectivity. Variety

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