Thermoplane measuring device

Abstract

The present application relates to a temperature plateau measuring device, comprising: a support; a swing assembly arranged on the support; a heat flow source assembly arranged on the swing assembly; and a temperature plateau measuring assembly arranged on the heat flow source assembly. The temperature plateau measuring device of the present application is based on the principle of spring swing generating variable acceleration, so that the container of phase change working medium is in a swing state, and the container inputs or outputs heat flow. When the temperature is measured, the problem of working medium metastable state or uneven heat transfer is solved in a microgravity environment or an environment with constant gravitational potential. In addition, in order to reduce the overflow of vibration effect, the principle of positive parallel double crank motion of the hinge four-bar mechanism and the balance state of the overlap of the rotational inertia axis and the center of mass are used to reduce the vibration generated by the variable acceleration motion and transmitted to the external system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of metrology, and more specifically to a temperature plateau measuring device. Background Technology

[0002] In microgravity environments, or under conditions where the density gradient and centrifugal potential (or gravitational potential) are constant, the convective power of the working fluid weakens, making it prone to metastable phenomena. This manifests as a supercooled liquid phase that does not condense, and a superheated solid phase that does not melt, with uneven temperatures across different layers. This phenomenon is a major source of uncertainty in temperature plateau measurements. The temperature plateau temperature is a fixed temperature point defined by the International Temperature Scale (ITS-90), also known as the phase transition point. During the transition of the working fluid from liquid to solid or from solid to liquid, when the heat flow is stable, the temperature at which the second derivative on the temperature-time curve is zero is the temperature plateau point. If the mechanism of convective heat transfer is lost, in addition to metastable phenomena, uneven temperature distribution of the working fluid may occur, causing the point where the second derivative of the temperature-time curve is zero to not correspond to the actual phase transition point, leading to misjudgment. Especially in weightless environments, such as space stations and spacecraft, the measurement method for the phase transition point temperature plateau will differ from that under traditional static conditions. Furthermore, overcoming the spillover of vibration effects during variable acceleration motion is also a technical challenge.

[0003] According to the "Handbook of Scientific Experiment Resources for the Chinese Space Station" (April 2019, China Manned Space Engineering Office), "Under microgravity conditions, phenomena such as buoyancy convection, gravity settling, and liquid pressure gradients in fluids (gases, liquids, and melts) caused by the Earth's gravity effect largely disappear. Some secondary effects masked by the Earth's gravity effect become prominent, leading to significant changes in fluid morphology and physical (chemical) processes..." This indicates that microgravity conditions may lead to metastable states in phase transition processes.

[0004] Currently, the various fixed-point temperature standards specified in the International Temperature Scale (ITS-90) are reproduced by the phase transition point temperature plateaus of different working fluids. For example, the zero-degree Celsius temperature measurement standard is reproduced by a water triple point device. Metrologists from various countries have studied various mechanisms affecting the water triple point temperature, such as the isotope content of water (Meng Zhejian, Bao Fubing, et al., High-accuracy water triple point container [J]. Acta Metrologica Sinica, 2023, 44(2): 195-202), environmental thermal radiation (Yan Xiaoke. The influence of environment on water triple point temperature [J]. Metrology Technology, 2004(10): 31-33.), container materials (Yan Xiaoke, Duan Yuning, Ma Zhongfang. Comparison of water triple point containers from 4 different water sources [J]. Acta Metrologica Sinica, 2007, 28(2): 133-136.), etc. However, none of the above scholars have proposed the influence of metastable state effects on the water triple point temperature. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In microgravity environments, or under conditions of constant density gradient and centrifugal potential (or gravitational potential), the convective dynamics of the working fluid are weakened, easily leading to metastable phenomena. These phenomena manifest as supercooled liquid phases that do not condense, and superheated solid phases that do not melt, with uneven temperatures across different layers, resulting in inaccurate temperature plateau measurements. Particularly under microgravity conditions within spacecraft, the influence of convective heat transfer on the gas-liquid-solid phase transition state and process of the working fluid introduces measurement uncertainty into temperature metrology standards. This invention provides a working fluid phase transition temperature plateau measurement device based on a spring pendulum. Utilizing the interconversion of elastic potential energy and kinetic energy to obtain variable acceleration motion, it enhances the convective effect of the working fluid, thereby overcoming the metastable phenomena during the phase transition process.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives of the present invention, an embodiment of the present invention provides a temperature plateau measuring device, comprising: a support; a swing assembly disposed on the support; a heat flow source assembly disposed on the swing assembly; and a temperature plateau measuring assembly disposed on the heat flow source assembly and the support.

[0007] Furthermore, the swing assembly includes: two swing arms, both mounted on the bracket; a connecting rod connecting one end of the two swing arms; hinges the two swing arms to the bracket on a first axis and the two swing arms to the connecting rod on a second axis; and two hairsprings mounted on the first axis.

[0008] Furthermore, the swing assembly also includes a balance block disposed on the swing arm.

[0009] Furthermore, it also includes a torque component for driving the swing component to move relative to the support.

[0010] Furthermore, the torque assembly includes: a coil disposed on the bracket; a permanent magnet disposed at one end of the swing arm; and a detection circuit connected to the coil.

[0011] Furthermore, it also includes electrical connector assemblies.

[0012] Further, the electrical connector assembly includes: a first power pole disposed on the bracket; a second power pole disposed on the heat source assembly; a swing-end electrical connector disposed on the connecting rod or the second power pole; a fixed-end electrical connector disposed on the first power pole; and a ribbon cable connecting the swing-end electrical connector and the fixed-end electrical connector.

[0013] Furthermore, the heat source assembly includes: a convection heat exchange plate, movably connected to the swing arm assembly; a temperature difference power device, disposed on the convection heat exchange plate; a heat spreader, disposed on the temperature difference power device; a heat transfer bridge, disposed on the heat spreader; a container tile, disposed on the heat transfer bridge; and two temperature difference thermometers, respectively disposed on both sides of the heat transfer bridge.

[0014] Furthermore, the temperature plateau measurement assembly includes a thermometer to be measured, a phase change working fluid container, and a temperature plateau measurement unit.

[0015] Furthermore, the temperature plateau measurement unit includes a temperature signal conditioner, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, a power amplifier, a current reversing switch, a central processing unit, an oscillation mode control, and a communication interface.

[0016] The temperature plateau measuring device of this invention, based on the principle of variable acceleration generated by a spring pendulum, keeps the container of the phase change working fluid in a oscillating state while simultaneously inputting or outputting heat flow to the container. When used for temperature measurement, it solves the problems of metastable state or uneven heat transfer of the working fluid in microgravity environments or environments with constant gravitational potential. Furthermore, to reduce the spillover of vibration effects, it also utilizes the principle of parallel double-crank motion of a four-bar linkage and the equilibrium state of the overlapping of the rotational inertia axis and the center of mass, which can reduce the transmission of vibrations generated by variable acceleration motion to external systems. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of the temperature plateau measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0019] Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of the temperature plateau measuring device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0020] Figures 3(a)-3(c) Figure 3(a) shows the state of the support and swing arm according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein Figure 3(b) shows the left swing state, Figure 3(c) shows the balanced state, and Figure 3(c) shows the right swing state.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the torque component according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0022] Figures 5(a)-5(c) Figure 5(a) is a top view, Figure 5(b) is a side view, and Figure 5(c) is a bottom view.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the phase change temperature plateau measurement component according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0025] 1: Fixed frame 2: Swing arm 3: Hairspring 4: Balance weight 5: Coil 6: Permanent magnet block 7: Detection circuit 8: Swing end electrical connector 9: Fixed-end electrical connector 10: Ribbon cable 11: Convection heat exchange plate 12: Thermoelectric power devices 13: Heat Spreader 14: Differential Thermometer 15: Heat transfer bridge 16: Container tile 17: First utility pole 18: Thermometer being measured 19: Phase change working fluid container 20: Second utility pole 21: Temperature Measurement Unit 22: First Axis 23: Second Axis 24: Linkage 25: Thermometer Well 26: Thermal insulation materials 27: Temperature signal conditioner 28: Analog-to-Digital Converter 29: Digital-to-Analog Converter 30: Power Amplifier 31: Current reversing switch 32: Central Processing Unit 33: Swing Mode Control 34: Communication Interface Detailed Implementation

[0026] The description of the embodiments in this specification should be taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, which should form part of the complete specification. In the drawings, the shape or thickness of the embodiments may be exaggerated and may be indicated in a simplified or convenient manner. Furthermore, parts of the various structures in the drawings will be described separately; it is worth noting that elements not shown in the figures or not described in words are in a form known to those skilled in the art.

[0027] The descriptions of the embodiments herein, including any references to directions and orientations, are for ease of description only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The following description of preferred embodiments involves combinations of features, which may exist independently or in combination; the invention is not particularly limited to the preferred embodiments. The scope of the invention is defined by the claims.

[0028] like Figures 1-6 As shown, this embodiment of the invention provides a working fluid phase change temperature plateau measurement device based on a spring pendulum, including: a support 1, a pendulum assembly, a torque assembly, an electrical connector assembly, a heat flow source assembly, and a temperature plateau measurement assembly.

[0029] The swing assembly, which supports the swinging portion, ensures that the center of mass is on the axis of symmetry and can automatically return to the equilibrium position without relying on other forces. It includes: a swing arm 2, a hairspring 3, a balance block 4, a first shaft 22, a second shaft 23, and a connecting rod 24.

[0030] In one implementation, the support 1 has two axes, namely the first axes 22, with hinged swing arms 2 on each. The distance between the two first axes 22 is greater than the arm length of the swing arms 2. There are two swing arms 2 with identical structures. With the first axes 22 as the boundary, one end of each swing arm 2 has a counterweight 4, and the other end has a second axis 23. The second axis 23 is hinged together by a connecting rod 24, forming a four-bar linkage. During swinging, the two swing arms 2, the support 1, and the connecting rod 24 together form a parallel double-crank mechanism. The length of the connecting rod 24 is equal to the distance between the two first axes 22 on the support 1. The counterweight 4 is used to adjust the center of mass of the moving parts. Adjusting the distance of the counterweight 4 to the first axes 22, or adjusting the mass of the counterweight 4, allows the center of mass to be aligned with the line connecting the first axes 22. A hairspring spring 3 is mounted on the first shaft 22. One end of the hairspring spring 3 is fixed to the bracket 1, and the other end is fixed to the swing arm 2. Two hairspring springs 3 are respectively attached to the two swing arms 2. The hairspring springs 3 are helical, with the two helices in opposite directions. The preload of the hairspring springs 3 is adjustable to keep the oscillating component in a balanced position. A typical method is to ensure that the initial phase angles of the two swing arms 2 are equal and symmetrical about the line connecting the two first shafts 22 before the connecting rod 24 is installed. The larger the initial phase angle, the greater the preload.

[0031] The torque assembly generates oscillating torque and braking resistance. It includes: coil 5, permanent magnet 6, and detection circuit 7.

[0032] In one implementation, coil 5 is fixed to the support and connected to the detection circuit 7. A portion of the turns of coil 5 are used to sense the phase of the swing arm 2, while another portion is used to generate electromagnetic torque to drive the swing arm 2. The coil 5 utilizes both its sensing and electromagnet functions in a time-sharing manner. A typical application is to wrap coil 5 around a U-shaped magnetic core made of soft magnetic material, forming an electromagnet shape. A permanent magnet 6 is fixed to one end of the swing arm 2. A typical application is to place the N and S poles on the axis of symmetry, perpendicular to the support. When the swing arm is in the equilibrium position, the gap between the magnetic core and the permanent magnet is minimized. The detection circuit has two operating modes: a start-up mode and a braking mode, with the external voltage level selected for either. In the start-up mode, multiple pulse currents are first supplied to the coil until the coil senses a voltage pulse. Then, a pulse current is supplied to the coil, generating an electromagnet effect, and the magnetic field repels the permanent magnet away from the equilibrium position. In braking mode, the coil senses a voltage pulse, which in turn provides a pulse current to the coil, generating an electromagnet effect. The magnetic field attracts the permanent magnet block to stay in the equilibrium position. The energy storage capacitor discharges to excite the pulse current. When not discharging, the energy storage capacitor is in a charging state.

[0033] The electrical connector assembly connects the electrical signals and wires from the moving part to the fixed part. It includes: a swing-end electrical connector 8, a fixed-end electrical connector 9, a ribbon cable 10, a first utility pole 17, and a second utility pole 20.

[0034] In one implementation, the swing-end electrical connector 8 is mounted on one end of the connecting rod 24 via the first wire rod 17, or it can be mounted on the convection heat exchange plate 11, connecting the wires of the heat flow assembly and the temperature plateau measurement assembly within the electrical connector. The fixed-end electrical connector 9 is mounted on the bracket 1 via the second wire rod 20, with both electrical connectors equidistant from the surface of the bracket 1. A ribbon cable 24 connects the two electrical connectors, and the length of the ribbon cable is equal to the maximum distance between the first wire rod 17 and the second wire rod 20.

[0035] The heat source assembly generates cooling and heating effects during temperature plateau measurement, controls the stability of the heat flow, and has a reversible flow direction. It includes: a convection heat exchange plate 11, a differential temperature power device 12, a heat spreader 13, a differential temperature thermometer 14, a heat transfer bridge 15, and a container tile 16.

[0036] As one implementation, the convection heat exchange plate 11 can replace the connecting rod 24 and form a hinge relationship with the two second shafts 23. During the swinging process, the convection heat exchange plate 11 moves relative to the support 1. One pole of the thermoelectric power device 12 is in close contact with the convection heat exchange plate 11, and the other pole is in close contact with the heat spreader 13. Its wires are connected to the swing end electrical connector 8. Changing the polarity of the current can change the direction of the temperature difference between the two poles. The other side of the heat spreader 13 is in close contact with the heat transfer bridge 15. Through the phase change heat pipe principle, the heat of the thermoelectric power device 12 is transferred to the heat transfer bridge 15. The other side of the heat transfer bridge 15 is in close contact with the container tile 16. The heat transfer bridge 15 has a certain thermal resistance, and there is a temperature difference between the two ends when the heat flows through the heat transfer bridge 15. The thermometer 14 consists of two thermometers, which are installed on both sides of the heat transfer bridge 15 respectively. The thermometer wires are connected to the swing end electrical connector 8. The container tile 16 surrounds the phase change working fluid container 19 and is tightly connected. Through the principle of phase change heat pipe, the heat of the heat transfer bridge 15 is transferred to the wall of the phase change working fluid container 19.

[0037] The temperature plateau measurement component controls the freezing and thawing processes, measures the temperature of the thermometer under test, obtains the temperature plateau curve, or maintains the temperature plateau temperature. It includes: a thermometer under test 18, a phase change working fluid container 19, and a temperature plateau measurement unit 21.

[0038] In one implementation, the temperature plateau measurement unit connects the electrical signals of the thermometer being measured and the differential thermometer via an electrical connector assembly, which includes a signal conditioner, an analog-to-digital converter, a heat flux control unit, a central processing unit for control, a communication interface, and other components.

[0039] The heat flow control unit controls the magnitude and direction of the current output to the thermoelectric power device, keeping the heat flow stable and maintaining it at the target heat flow power set by the central processing unit. It measures the difference between the two thermometers and calculates the heat flow power through the heat transfer bridge.

[0040]

[0041] In the formula: Qc ΔT is the heat flow power through the heat bridge, in W; ΔT is the temperature difference, in K; R is a constant related to the thermal resistance of the heat bridge, in K / W.

[0042] The central processing unit performs the temperature plateau measurement function, measures the temperature value of the thermometer being measured, sets the heating and cooling parameters for the heat flow controller, and outputs the measurement results through the communication interface.

[0043] The temperature plateau measuring device of this invention, based on the principle of variable acceleration generated by a spring pendulum, keeps the container of the phase change working fluid in a oscillating state while simultaneously inputting or outputting heat flow to the container. When used for temperature measurement, it solves the problems of metastable state or uneven heat transfer of the working fluid in microgravity environments or environments with constant gravitational potential. Furthermore, to reduce the spillover of vibration effects, it also utilizes the principle of parallel double-crank motion of a four-bar linkage and the equilibrium state of the overlapping of the rotational inertia axis and the center of mass, which can reduce the transmission of vibrations generated by variable acceleration motion to external systems.

[0044] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A temperature plateau measuring device, characterized in that, include: support; A swing assembly is mounted on the bracket; A heat flow source assembly is disposed on the oscillating assembly; A temperature plateau measurement component is mounted on the heat flow source component.

2. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The swing component includes: Both swing arms are mounted on the bracket; A connecting rod connects one end of the two swing arms; The two swing arms are respectively hinged to the bracket at the first axis and the two swing arms are respectively hinged to the connecting rod at the second axis; Two spiral springs are respectively mounted on the first shaft.

3. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The swing assembly also includes a balance block disposed on the swing arm.

4. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes a torque component for driving the swing component to move relative to the support.

5. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The torque component includes: The coil is mounted on the bracket; A permanent magnet block is disposed at one end of the swing arm; A detection circuit is connected to the coil.

6. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 2, characterized in that, It also includes electrical connector assemblies.

7. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The electrical connector assembly includes: The first utility pole is mounted on the bracket; The second utility pole is mounted on the heat flow source assembly; A swing-end electrical connector is provided on the connecting rod or the second utility pole; A fixed-end electrical connector is installed on the first utility pole; A ribbon cable connects the swing-end electrical connector and the fixed-end electrical connector.

8. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heat source assembly includes: A convection heat exchange plate is movably connected to the swing assembly; A thermoelectric power device is disposed on the convection heat exchange plate; A heat spreader is disposed on the thermoelectric power device; A heat transfer bridge is provided on the heat exchange plate; The container tile is disposed on the heat transfer bridge; There are two differential thermometers, one on each side of the heat transfer bridge.

9. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature plateau measurement assembly includes a thermometer to be measured, a phase change working fluid container, and a temperature plateau measurement unit.

10. The temperature plateau measuring device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The temperature plateau measurement unit includes a temperature signal conditioner, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, a power amplifier, a current reversing switch, a central processing unit, an oscillation mode control, and a communication interface.

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