Detached Temperature Indicator Using Magnetic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature indicators often incorporate sensing and display units in a single unit, making it inconvenient to accurately monitor the temperature of perishable goods without disturbing the environment, and they require power sources, which is not suitable for all applications.
Innovation Solution
A detached-type temperature indicator comprising a temperature sensing module with a tubular body filled with eutectic material and magnet balls, and a separate temperature display module with magnetic sensing substances, allowing for visual interpretation of temperature changes without electricity by aligning the modules on opposite sides of a wall, using magnetic attraction to display temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature indicator is placed in the cold box or packing container to obtain accurate temperature, then the temperature measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to frequent unpacking required to read the indicator
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature indicator is divided into two separate modules: a temperature sensing module placed inside the cold box and a temperature display module placed outside. This segmentation allows the sensing module to accurately measure the internal temperature while the display module provides easy external reading, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
A wall is introduced as an intermediary structure between the cold box interior and exterior. The temperature sensing module is attached to the inner side of the wall while the display module is attached to the outer side, allowing temperature information to be transmitted through the wall without requiring opening the box. This intermediary structure enables both accurate internal sensing and easy external reading simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If the temperature indicator is placed on clearly visible positions for easy reading, then the ease of operation is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates as it cannot correctly reflect the actual ambient temperature of the goods
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the indicator into separate sensing and display modules, the sensing module can be positioned in the optimal location for accurate temperature measurement (inside the cold box on the wall), while the display module is positioned for optimal visibility outside the box. This resolves the contradiction by allowing each module to be optimized for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall serves as an intermediary that enables the sensing module to remain in the temperature-controlled environment for accurate measurement while allowing the display module to be accessible outside. The magnetic coupling through the wall transmits temperature information without requiring physical access to the internal sensing location.
3Device complexity
If a traditional temperature indicator with integrated sensing and display is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability deteriorates as it requires power sources and cannot be used in all applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electronic power-dependent systems with a passive magnetic coupling system. The temperature sensing module uses magnetic beads that passively respond to temperature changes through magnetic properties, eliminating the need for power sources, batteries, or electronic circuits. This substitution maintains simplicity while dramatically improving adaptability to applications where power is unavailable or undesirable.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing module autonomously senses temperature changes and automatically transmits this information to the display module through magnetic coupling without requiring external power or control systems. The system serves itself by using the inherent magnetic properties of materials to enable wireless communication of temperature data, enhancing versatility across different application scenarios.
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 accurate and visual monitoring of temperature changes without disturbing the environment and eliminates the need for power sources, making it suitable for warehousing, logistics, and retail industries, with low costs and reusable functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one chamber of the tubular body is filled with a eutectic material for low temperature energy storage
Implementation Method 2
the magnetic sensing substances have magnetic attraction with the first magnet ball and the second magnet ball to respectively show a first magnetic sensing pattern and a second magnetic sensing pattern
Data Source
AI summary
A detached-type temperature indicator and method for using the same is disclosed. The indicator includes a temperature sensing module and a temperature display module. These two modules are separated apart with a distance, and the temperature change sensed by the temperature sensing module can be displayed on the separate temperature display module without using any power sources. This indicator is suitable for observing the magnetic sensing patterns which reflect the temperature variations within the package from the exterior of the package without opening the package. Also, this indicator may be used repeatedly.