Anisotropic Substrate Resistance Temperature Sensor
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing resistance temperature sensors require complex wiring and increased space due to separate temperature sensors, making them unsuitable for miniaturization and self-monitoring in process automation, where they should not disturb the actual process, and are costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
A resistance temperature sensor with two temperature sensor elements on a substrate with anisotropic thermal expansion, where the measuring paths differ in projection on the expansion directions, allowing for self-calibration and monitoring, and enabling continued temperature determination if one sensor fails.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two temperature sensor elements into a single integrated sensor head, where both sensor elements are thermally coupled to the same measuring medium and share common wiring connections. This merging approach maintains the ability to perform temperature measurement while reducing wiring complexity and space requirements compared to using completely separate sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor elements serve multiple functions: they can be used individually for temperature measurement, together for self-monitoring through drift comparison, and for self-calibration purposes. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve enhanced measurement capability without proportionally increasing device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If separate temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement capability is improved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where two sensor elements are integrated within a single sensor head assembly. The elements are positioned in parallel planes and thermally coupled to the same measuring medium, allowing them to occupy shared space rather than requiring separate mounting locations. This nesting approach maintains measurement capability while significantly reducing the overall space footprint.
3Reliability
If drift monitoring is implemented, then sensor reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-monitoring system where the sensor elements monitor each other's performance. By comparing the resistance values of the two elements, the system can detect drift or failures automatically without requiring external monitoring equipment. This self-service approach improves reliability while avoiding the complexity of separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the resistance values of both sensor elements are continuously compared. When drift or failure is detected in one element, the system can identify the issue and switch to using the other element for temperature measurement. This feedback loop enhances reliability while maintaining relatively simple system architecture.
4Area of stationary object
If miniaturization is pursued, then space requirements are reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the sensor into distinct elements arranged in parallel planes, with each element having its own measuring path. This segmentation allows for modular manufacturing where each element can be fabricated separately using thin film technology and then integrated into the final sensor assembly. The anisotropic substrate with different expansion coefficients in different directions enables this segmented structure while maintaining compact dimensions.
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 solution provides a compact, self-calibrating temperature measurement system that reduces manufacturing costs and minimizes space requirements while ensuring continuous temperature measurement and fault diagnosis.
Implementation Method 1
the substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions
Data Source
AI summary
A resistance temperature sensor with a first temperature sensor element and a second temperature sensor element, wherein the first temperature sensor element comprises a first measuring path and the second temperature sensor element a second measuring path, wherein the first and the second measuring paths extend on a substrate, wherein the substrate has an anisotropic thermal expansion with at least two mutually differing expansion directions (a, c), and wherein a projection of the first measuring path on the expansion directions (a) differs from a projection of the second measuring path on the expansion directions (c).