Connector Terminal Temperature Sensor With Integrated Heat Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature detection devices in connectors are complex, large in size, and difficult to install, hindering the miniaturization of connectors.
Innovation Solution
A temperature detector with a heat conducting member and a temperature sensor, featuring a cylindrical portion and a connecting tab, allows for thermal contact with the terminal through a bolt, and is easy to install and compact in size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature detection device is installed in the connector to detect terminal temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the device structure becomes complex and size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature detection function with the heat dissipation structure by integrating a temperature sensor into the heat dissipation component. The sensor is positioned to detect temperature at the terminal connection point, merging two separate functions (temperature detection and heat dissipation) into a single integrated structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining monitoring capability
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is nested within the heat dissipation component structure. The sensor is installed in a groove or cavity formed in the heat dissipation component, allowing the detection function to be embedded within the existing structural framework rather than adding a separate external detection device, thus reducing overall device size and complexity
2Reliability
If a temperature detection device is installed in the connector to detect terminal temperature, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but the connector size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection function is merged with the heat dissipation component, allowing the sensor to be housed within the existing structural footprint of the connector rather than adding a separate detection module. This integration ensures that the monitoring capability is achieved without proportionally increasing the overall connector volume
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensor is nested within the heat dissipation component's internal structure, specifically within a groove or cavity that is part of the existing component geometry. This nesting approach allows the detection function to be accommodated within the existing volume allocation for the heat dissipation system, minimizing additional space requirements
3Measurement precision
If a temperature detection device with complex structure is used, then temperature detection accuracy may be improved, but installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat dissipation component is pre-formed with a groove or cavity during manufacturing that is specifically designed to accommodate the temperature sensor. This preliminary preparation of the mounting structure eliminates the need for complex post-assembly installation procedures, allowing the sensor to be easily positioned and secured while maintaining accurate thermal contact with the terminal
Solution Approach 2:
The groove or cavity in the heat dissipation component is specifically designed with local geometric features that ensure optimal thermal contact between the sensor and the terminal. The local structure includes features such as increased surface area contact regions or thermal interface material pockets, which enhance detection accuracy without requiring complex installation procedures
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 effective temperature detection with a simple and compact design, facilitating connector miniaturization and preventing overheating by controlling power based on detected temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The connecting tab has a through hole receiving a bolt that fastens the heat conducting member to the terminal to create thermal contact between the heat conducting member and the terminal
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature detector for detecting a temperature of a terminal of a connector includes a heat conducting member including a cylindrical portion and a connecting tab connected to the cylindrical portion, and a temperature sensor inserted into the cylindrical portion of the heat conducting member. The connecting tab has a through hole receiving a bolt that fastens the heat conducting member to the terminal to create thermal contact between the heat conducting member and the terminal. The temperature sensor is in thermal contact with an inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the heat conducting member or is thermally connected to the inner peripheral wall of the cylindrical portion of the heat conducting member by a thermally conductive adhesive.