NTC Temperature Sensing With Adaptive Voltage Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors using negative temperature coefficient of resistance (NTC) face challenges in accurately sensing temperature in high temperature sections due to non-linear and small resistance value changes, and fail to detect circuit failures effectively.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing apparatus with a first and second voltage generator, a voltage adjuster, and a controller, utilizing a first and second temperature sensor, adjusts voltage levels through a switch controlled by a control voltage to enhance sensing accuracy across all temperature ranges and detect sensor failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an NTC is used for temperature sensing, then temperature sensing is possible based on resistance value changes, but the resistance value changes non-linearly and the change is not large in high temperature sections, leading to reduced sensing accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the voltage applied to the NTC variable rather than constant. A voltage adjuster dynamically changes the voltage level based on temperature ranges, allowing the sensing system to adapt to different temperature conditions. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining large signal changes even in high temperature sections where NTC resistance changes are naturally small.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameter applied to the NTC sensor. By adjusting the voltage level according to temperature ranges (e.g., applying higher voltage in high temperature sections), the system compensates for the naturally small resistance changes in NTC at high temperatures, thereby maintaining measurement precision across all temperature ranges.
2Device complexity
If a single temperature sensor is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine sensor failure is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the temperature sensing system multi-functional by enabling it to perform both normal temperature sensing and failure detection using the same hardware components. The controller analyzes voltage patterns and resistance changes to distinguish between normal operation and sensor failure, eliminating the need for separate detection mechanisms while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the voltage and resistance characteristics of the NTC sensor. The controller compares measured values against expected ranges and patterns to detect anomalies indicating sensor failure, enabling reliable failure detection without adding extra sensors or complex detection hardware.
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 apparatus accurately senses temperature in all sections, maintains accuracy in high temperatures, and detects sensor failures without external control signals, ensuring reliable operation.
Implementation Method 1
A negative temperature coefficient of resistance (an NTC) is commonly used for the temperature sensors. Since a resistance value of the NTC changes depending on a temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensing apparatus includes a first voltage generator including a first resistor and a first temperature sensor, a second voltage generator that generates a control voltage, a voltage adjuster connected in parallel with the first resistor and that adjusts a voltage applied to the first temperature sensor based on the control voltage, and a controller that senses a temperature based on the voltage applied to the first temperature sensor, and the first temperature sensor is a device that converts a temperature into a voltage.