Bioreactor Temperature Sensor Thermal Insulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bioreactor temperature sensors are affected by ambient temperature, leading to unreliable measurements and requiring calibration of the tray holding the bioreactor, which complicates handling and accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor system with temperature sensors integrated into the base station, featuring a thermally conducting layer facing the surface, a thermally insulating layer surrounding the sensor, and a control system for ambient temperature compensation, minimizing ambient temperature influence and eliminating the need for tray calibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature sensors are provided outside the bioreactor, then noninvasive measurement is achieved, but ambient temperature affects the measured temperature
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally insulating layer is introduced as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the ambient environment. This layer acts as a thermal barrier that blocks heat transfer from the surroundings to the sensor, allowing the sensor to accurately measure bioreactor temperature without direct thermal coupling to ambient conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature measurement system is segmented into distinct functional layers: a thermally conducting layer that couples the sensor to the bioreactor, a thermally insulating layer that isolates the sensor from ambient temperature, and the sensor itself. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific thermal function independently.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensors are integrated into the base station with thermal insulation, then ambient temperature influence is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal insulation is implemented using thin film layers that can be integrated into the base station structure. These thin thermal management layers provide effective insulation without adding significant bulk or complexity to the device, maintaining a compact and simple overall design while achieving precise temperature measurements.
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
This configuration provides reliable temperature measurements with minimal ambient temperature interference and simplifies handling by isolating the calibration process to the base station, ensuring accurate and convenient operation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conducting layer (2) arranged to face the surface to be measured
Implementation Method 2
a thermally insulating layer (3) attached to the thermally conducting layer (2) on the opposite side to the surface to be measured
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3~4b
AI summary
A temperature sensor means (1) comprising a thermally conducting layer (2) arranged to face the surface to be measured,a thermally insulating layer (3) attached to the thermally conducting layer (2) on the opposite side to the surface to be measured, a temperature sensor (5) provided between the thermally conducting layer (2) and the thermally insulating layer (3) and being completely surrounded on all its sides by either the thermally conducting or the thermally insulating layers.