Temperature control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostats are limited by fixed calibration ranges and are not easily adaptable to different temperature sensors or applications, leading to accuracy issues due to aging and environmental changes.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow for adjustable temperature control by associating settings with temperature signal values, using a temperature sensor to measure and define a set-point temperature signal value within a selected or defined temperature range, enabling flexible temperature control across various applications and reducing the effects of sensor drift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thermostat is calibrated for a predetermined temperature range, then it can maintain temperature control within that range, but it cannot be readily re-defined for different temperature ranges or sensors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by storing multiple calibration datasets corresponding to different temperature ranges and sensors in memory, and dynamically selecting and applying the appropriate calibration parameters based on the current temperature sensor and range being used. This allows the thermostat to adapt to different temperature ranges without physical recalibration, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a single thermostat device that can work with multiple types of temperature sensors and multiple temperature ranges through software-based calibration selection. The system universally supports various sensors (thermocouples, RTDs, thermistors) and temperature ranges by loading appropriate calibration data, eliminating the need for multiple dedicated devices.
2Reliability
If a mechanical thermostat is used, then it can provide temperature control, but it suffers from drift in accuracy as a result of ageing and requires specialist calibration equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical calibration system with an electronic/digital system. Instead of mechanical adjustment mechanisms that drift with age, the system uses digital memory to store calibration parameters and microprocessor-based temperature sensing and control. This substitution eliminates mechanical wear and drift issues, improving reliability while making recalibration as simple as loading new calibration data from a file.
3Measurement precision
If a digital electronic thermostat with stored calibration data is used, then it can maintain accuracy for a predetermined sensor, but the operating temperature range is fixed and cannot be re-defined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the calibration parameters dynamic rather than fixed. The system can load different calibration datasets from memory corresponding to different temperature ranges and sensors, allowing the calibration characteristics to change dynamically based on the application requirements. This enables the same hardware to maintain high measurement precision across multiple temperature ranges by selecting the appropriate calibration data.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for use in temperature control includes a step of associating a first setting of an adjustable device with a first temperature. The method may include a step of associating a second setting of the adjustable device with a second temperature. The method may include a step of determining a set-point temperature from a set-point setting of the adjustable device, the first and second settings of the adjustable device, and the first and second temperatures. The first and second temperatures may define a temperature range over which temperature is to be controlled. Such a method may allow a user to select or define a temperature range over which an object, system or environment is to be controlled from within a maximum operating temperature range of a temperature sensor. Such a method may allow a user to select or define a set-point temperature from within the selected temperature range.