Container Sensor Thermal Protection via Intermediary
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional container content monitoring devices face challenges due to harsh conditions, such as extreme temperatures, which can lead to early failure of temperature sensors, compromising the monitoring protocol.
Innovation Solution
A container content monitoring device comprising a top plate connected to a housing, a weight sensor, a temperature sensor, a transmitter, and a controller, which communicates with a cloud server to monitor the weight and temperature of containers and alert users to any deviations from set thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is used to monitor container contents, then temperature monitoring capability is provided, but the sensor may fail early due to harsh temperature conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal interface material as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the container. This material serves as a thermal conductor that transfers heat from the container to the sensor while providing thermal insulation and shock absorption, thereby protecting the sensor from direct thermal stress and extending its operational life in harsh conditions
2Reliability
If the temperature sensor is designed to be robust to withstand thermal stresses, then sensor reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material structures in the sensor housing and mounting mechanism. The housing incorporates multi-layer composite construction with different thermal expansion coefficients and thermal conductivities, creating a thermally adaptive structure that withstands thermal cycling without requiring complex active cooling or heating systems, thus improving reliability while controlling complexity
3Ease of operation
If frequent access to the container is required, then operational flexibility is maintained, but connection flexing and thermal stress increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic mounting mechanism that allows the temperature sensor to move and flex with the container during repeated access operations. The sensor is mounted on a flexible arm or spring-loaded structure that returns to its original position after deformation, enabling frequent access while preventing permanent damage to connections through controlled elastic deformation
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 solution effectively monitors container contents, providing real-time data and alerts, thereby enhancing the reliability and longevity of the monitoring system even under harsh conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a weight sensor configured to detect a weight of an container arranged on the top plate
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the container where the container contacts the top plate
Data Source
AI summary
A container content monitoring system includes at least one container content monitoring device including a housing, a weight sensor configured to detect a weight of an container, a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the container, a lid sensor to determine presence or removal of the lid, a transceiver, and a controller operatively connected to the temperature sensor, the weight sensor, the lid sensor and the transceiver. The transceiver may be configured to communicate with a cloud server remote from the container content monitoring device. The container content monitoring system further includes a router device configured to communicate with the at least one container content monitoring device, a cloud server remote from the at least one container content monitoring device, and a first user device configured to communicate with the cloud server.