Creeping Tension Beam for Energy-Autonomous Temperature-Time Integral Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature-time integral measurement devices face challenges such as the need for continuous electrical energy supply, complex electronic evaluation, and unsuitability for long-term measurements, particularly in monitoring the aging of perishable goods and technological processes.
Innovation Solution
A micromechanical measuring system comprising a creepable tension beam and a force generator that applies constant tensile stress, allowing for continuous measurement and storage of the temperature-time integral without electrical energy, with the ability to convert the result into an electrical signal independent of the sensor's temperature, and can be manufactured using microsystem technology.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If enzyme-based TTI sensors are used to measure temperature-time integral, then the TTI can be determined visually through color change, but the sensor does not provide a discrete electrical signal and requires complex electronic evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces chemical/enzymatic systems with a purely mechanical system. A creeping drawbar made of viscoelastic material undergoes creep deformation under constant tensile stress, converting the temperature-time integral directly into mechanical displacement. This eliminates the need for electronic evaluation of chemical reactions while providing both visual readability and potential for simple electrical measurement through displacement sensing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a mechanical copy of the temperature-time integral effect. The creep deformation of the viscoelastic drawbar replicates the integration function in the physical domain, producing a displacement that directly represents the TTI value. This mechanical copy can be read visually or converted to electrical signals without complex processing.
2Ease of operation
If TTI indicators based on electrical material properties are used, then electrical reading is possible, but the measurement requires knowledge of current temperature or compensation mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrical material property changes with mechanical creep deformation. The viscoelastic drawbar's creep is inherently integrated over time and temperature, producing a displacement that already accounts for the temperature history. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for separate temperature compensation mechanisms when converting to electrical signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from electrical properties (which are temperature-dependent) to mechanical displacement (which is not temperature-dependent for reading). The creep deformation process itself integrates the temperature effect, so the final displacement can be measured electrically without needing to know or compensate for the current temperature.
3Ease of manufacture
If microfluidic temperature-time integrators are used, then the sensor can be manufactured using microsystems technology, but the liquid stagnates in the capillary at low flow rates making it unsuitable for long-term measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a solid viscoelastic drawbar instead of liquid, eliminating stagnation issues. The creep deformation continues progressively over extended periods without requiring flow, enabling long-term measurements. The solid material maintains its creep capability throughout the measurement period without the flow rate problems that limit liquid-based systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the liquid flow mechanism with solid creep deformation. The viscoelastic drawbar undergoes time-dependent deformation under constant stress, which continues indefinitely at appropriate rates. This mechanical substitution eliminates the flow stagnation problem inherent in liquid-based microfluidic systems while maintaining compatibility with microsystems manufacturing.
4Use of energy by moving object
If a micromechanical system with creeping drawbar is used, then continuous measurement and storage of temperature-time integral is achieved without electrical energy, but the system requires conversion of mechanical displacement to electrical signal
Solution Approach 1:
The system is self-powered through the creep process itself. The viscoelastic drawbar under constant tensile stress automatically converts the temperature-time integral into mechanical displacement without requiring external energy input. The creep deformation is driven by the temperature history and applied stress, making the system energy-autonomous while producing a measurable output.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electromechanical transducer as an intermediary to convert the mechanical displacement into an electrical signal. This transducer acts as a mediator between the passive mechanical creep process and electrical readout systems, enabling energy-autonomous operation while providing electrical output for further processing or storage.
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 continuous, energy-independent monitoring of temperature-time integral over extended periods, providing a mechanical displacement signal that can be optically or electronically read, suitable for long-term applications without the need for liquids or complex electronic compensation.
Implementation Method 1
a creeping drawbar (400) which is connected on one side directly or indirectly to a force generator (500) and further to a mechanical path amplifier (600) and an electromechanical transducer (700)
Implementation Method 2
a force generator (500) configured to impose a constant and at least partially displacement-independent tensile stress on the creeping drawbar (400)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4
AI summary
The invention relates to a micromechanical measuring system (100) for measuring and storing a temperature-time integral, comprising a creeping tension beam (400) and a force generator (500) configured to apply a constant and at least partially displacement-independent tensile stress to the creeping tension beam (400), so that it provides a displacement signal. In this way, a system is provided for reliably and easily acquiring the temperature-time integral of a test object under observation.