CFRP Temperature Sensor Tube for Accurate Beverage Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensor systems for measuring carbon dioxide in beverages are inaccurate due to thermal conductivity issues and mechanical instability, leading to false readings and sensor damage during insertion.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor system with a low thermal conductivity tube made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic and a thermally conductive element, such as silver, to accurately measure container temperatures while maintaining mechanical stability, using a ceramic chip sensor and a thermally conductive adhesive for precise temperature transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a metal tube is used to hold the temperature sensor, then the sensor is mechanically protected and stable, but the metal tube conducts heat away from the container interior, causing inaccurate temperature measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The tube is made of carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP), a composite material that combines the mechanical strength and rigidity needed for stable sensor positioning with low thermal conductivity to minimize heat transfer. This resolves the contradiction by providing both structural integrity and thermal isolation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the thermal conductivity parameter of the tube material from high (metal) to low (carbon fiber reinforced plastic with thermal conductivity below 12 W/(m*K), preferably below 5 W/(m*K)). This parameter change allows the tube to maintain mechanical stability while reducing heat conduction to acceptable levels.
2Strength
If a metal tube is used to hold the temperature sensor, then the sensor is mechanically protected, but the large mass of the metal tube requires more energy to heat or cool, slowing down the measurement response
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon fiber reinforced plastic tube provides mechanical protection while having significantly lower mass and thermal mass than a metal tube. This reduces the energy required to heat or cool the tube, allowing faster thermal response to container temperature changes.
3Ease of operation
If the temperature sensor is inserted directly into the container, then the measurement is simple and quick, but the sensor or mounting tube is damaged due to bending during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the mechanical properties of the tube by using carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which has high specific stiffness and strength. This allows the tube to be thin-walled and flexible enough for easy insertion while remaining rigid enough to protect the sensor from damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The carbon fiber reinforced plastic tube can be designed as a thin-walled structure that is flexible during insertion to navigate container openings, yet maintains sufficient rigidity to protect the sensor once positioned. This resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and sensor protection.
4Ease of manufacture
If elements of the temperature sensor system influence the temperature measurement, then the system is simple to construct, but the measurements are falsified and require readjustment over time
Solution Approach 1:
The carbon fiber reinforced plastic tube provides thermal isolation with minimal complexity, preventing heat conduction from external elements to the sensor while maintaining a simple overall structure. This achieves measurement accuracy without complicating the manufacturing process.
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 system provides precise and accurate temperature measurements within containers, preventing mechanical deformation and sensor damage, with minimal measurement errors and no need for readjustment over time.
Implementation Method 1
the tube having a low thermal conductivity. The tube has carbon fiber reinforced plastic
Implementation Method 2
a thermally conductive element which is arranged at an opening of the first end of the tube
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a temperature sensor system (10) for the beverage and/or packaging industry. According to the invention, the system (10) has the following features: - a tube (11) with a first (11.1) and a second end (11.2) having low thermal conductivity, - a temperature sensor (12) arranged inside the tube (11), preferably in the region of the first end (11.1) of the tube (11), and - a thermally conductive element (1) arranged at an opening (11.3) of the first end (11.1) of the tube (11).