Compact Turbidity Sensor Layout With Integrated Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current turbidity and temperature sensors for household appliances require separate components and increased space and production costs due to the need for additional guides and seals, making it difficult to integrate a combined sensor without affecting the optical beam path or increasing the sensor's external dimensions.
Innovation Solution
A compact combination sensor design where the temperature sensor is positioned between the transmitter and receiver attachments, below the optical measuring section, within the housing of the turbidity sensor, eliminating the need for additional components and maintaining an unobstructed optical beam path, using a cylindrical base part with a printed circuit board and cost-effective components like LEDs and NTC resistors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the temperature sensor is arranged in a housing extension above one of the optoelectronic components, then the temperature sensor can be accommodated in the housing, but the sensor protrudes farther into the washing medium and requires additional guide frames and sealing measures
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is repositioned from a vertical arrangement (above optoelectronic components) to a horizontal arrangement (between transmitter and receiver attachments). This dimensional change allows the temperature sensor to be integrated into the existing housing footprint without requiring additional vertical space or protruding into the washing medium, thereby eliminating the need for extra guide frames and sealing measures.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned close to the optoelectronic components with heat-conducting paste, then thermal coupling is achieved, but special sealing and production measures are required
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is extracted from its traditional position close to the optoelectronic components and relocated to the space between the transmitter and receiver attachments. This extraction eliminates the need for heat-conducting paste and associated sealing measures, while the sensor maintains adequate thermal coupling to the housing for accurate temperature measurement through the liquid medium.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a combined sensor is designed with extended housing to accommodate temperature sensor, then temperature measurement is enabled, but the external dimensions increase beyond turbidity sensor alone
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor housing attachment is merged into the existing sensor housing structure, utilizing the space between the transmitter and receiver attachments. This integration allows the combined sensor to maintain the same external dimensions as the original turbidity sensor alone, enabling easy replacement without modifying the installation space in the washing machine.
4Adaptability or versatility
If two separate sensors are used for turbidity and temperature measurement, then measurement functionality is provided, but the effort and installation space are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature sensor and turbidity sensor (transmitter and receiver) into a single integrated housing structure. The temperature sensor is positioned between the transmitter and receiver attachments, sharing the same housing and mounting base. This merger reduces the system from two separate sensors to one combined sensor, decreasing the number of sealed mounts, cables, and plugs required.
Solution Approach 2:
The combined sensor housing serves multiple functions: it accommodates the transmitter, receiver, and temperature sensor within a single structure, provides mounting for all three components, and maintains the optical beam path while enabling thermal measurement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensor mounts and reduces installation complexity.
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
Enables cost-effective, space-efficient integration of turbidity and temperature measurement capabilities without increasing the sensor's external dimensions, allowing for easy replacement of existing turbidity sensors and secure thermal coupling without compromising measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a transmitter (5) and a receiver (6) for optical radiation
Implementation Method 2
the close proximity of the heat-conducting paste required for the thermal coupling of the temperature sensor to the housing wall
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (1), in particular for domestic appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers or the like, comprising a transmitter (5) and a receiver (6) for visible radiation, in particular for infrared radiation, for measuring the turbidity of a liquid. The sensor (1) also comprises a temperature sensor (7), in particular for measuring the temperature of the liquid. The sensor (1) has a housing (2) which is made up of a base part (3), in particular for accommodating electronics (8) for the evaluation of signals of the transmitter (5) and/or of the receiver (6) and/or of the temperature sensor (7), and also at least one attachment (4, 4') for accommodating the transmitter (5) and/or the receiver (6). The temperature sensor (7) is located in and/or on the base part (3).