Contact Element Sensor Groove for Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing contact elements face issues with temperature measurement inaccuracies due to spatial deviations between the measurement point and the contact point, leading to potential failure from excessive heat, as prior art measures temperature at locations away from the contact point.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an optical fiber with a Bragg grating into a groove that runs directly through the contact point, allowing for direct temperature and humidity measurement at the contact point, with the fiber being pressed or glued into the groove for secure placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature is measured at a location away from the contact point using prior art sensors, then the measurement device can be integrated into the contact element, but the measurement precision deteriorates due to spatial deviation from the actual contact point
Solution Approach 1:
The optical fiber sensor is positioned to measure temperature specifically at the contact point location, creating a localized measurement capability. The groove is designed to route the optical fiber directly through or adjacent to the contact point, ensuring the sensor measures the exact local temperature where heat generation occurs, rather than an averaged or distant temperature reading
Solution Approach 2:
An optical fiber with Bragg grating serves as an intermediary sensing element that can be precisely positioned at the contact point without interfering with the electrical contact function. The optical fiber acts as a mediator that translates temperature changes at the contact point into measurable optical signals, enabling direct measurement without compromising the contact element's primary function
2Measurement precision
If a groove is created in the contact element to accommodate the optical fiber, then direct measurement at the contact point is enabled, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The contact element is segmented by creating a groove that separates the optical fiber path from the bulk contact material. This groove acts as a dedicated channel that guides the optical fiber precisely to the contact point, simplifying the integration process and enabling standardized manufacturing procedures for incorporating the sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The groove is pre-formed in the contact element during manufacturing, before the optical fiber is installed. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that the optical fiber can be easily routed and positioned at the correct location, reducing assembly complexity and enabling precise sensor placement without requiring complex post-manufacturing adjustments
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 precise temperature measurement at the contact point, reducing the risk of failure from overheating and providing accurate monitoring of conditions at the point of contact.
Implementation Method 1
The optical fiber has a so-called Bragg grating. The Bragg grating serves as an optical interference filter within the optical fiber. This causes wavelengths within a specific filter bandwidth to be reflected.
Implementation Method 2
The Bragg grating serves as an optical interference filter within the optical fiber. This causes wavelengths within a specific filter bandwidth to be reflected.
Data Source
Figure 1~6
AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical contact element comprising an integrated sensor; said contact element (1) has a groove (2), at least a portion of which extends on a plug-in side (1.1) of the contact element (1). An optical fiber (3) is provided in the groove (2), said optical fiber (3) being designed in such a way as to be suitable as a sensor for measuring the temperature or the air humidity.