Dew Point Sensor with Integrated Condensation Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for determining the dew point of a gas in a process chamber are limited by their inability to provide real-time monitoring, are difficult to miniaturize, and often require post-process verification, which can lead to incomplete sterilization due to uneven steam distribution, especially in hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a temperature control element and a temperature sensor in direct, thermally conductive contact, where the temperature sensor itself serves as the condensation-facilitating surface, allowing for active heating and cooling to detect dew point through condensation heat-induced discontinuities in the temperature curve, enabling miniaturization and real-time monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate thermally conductive body is used for condensation, then condensation can be facilitated, but the device cannot be miniaturized and must be arranged partially outside the process chamber
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the temperature sensor and the condensation-facilitating body into a single integrated component. The temperature sensor housing itself serves as the condensation surface, eliminating the need for a separate thermally conductive body. This integration enables miniaturization while maintaining condensation facilitation capability, as the sensor housing is sufficiently thermally conductive to serve dual purposes.
2Reliability
If color change sensors are used to verify sterilization, then temperature reach can be confirmed, but monitoring is only possible after the whole process is completed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback monitoring by measuring the temperature curve of the integrated sensor-housing assembly in real-time during the sterilization process. When condensation occurs on the housing surface, it releases condensation heat that creates a detectable discontinuity or plateau in the temperature curve, providing immediate feedback that the dew point has been reached and sterilization conditions are met, without waiting for post-process verification.
3Measurement precision
If a separate second temperature sensor is added to measure temperature at the temperature control element, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor's own housing serves as both the measurement target and the condensation-facilitating body. The first temperature sensor measures the temperature of its own housing, eliminating the need for a separate second temperature sensor. The housing's thermal mass is sufficient for condensation facilitation while the integrated temperature measurement provides adequate precision for detecting condensation-induced temperature changes.
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 real-time monitoring of dew point, ensuring effective sterilization by detecting condensation heat-induced temperature changes, thereby improving process reliability and reducing energy costs by allowing for immediate intervention if conditions are not met.
Implementation Method 1
condensation of the process gas is created at the body itself, wherein the condensation heat that is released causes a discontinuity in the cooling curve of the body
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor for determining the temperature in the process chamber, which is in operative, thermally conductive connection with the temperature control element
Data Source
AI summary
A device (1) for determining the dew point of a gas in a process chamber (2) which comprises a temperature control element (3) and a temperature sensor (4) for determining the temperature in the process chamber (2). The temperature sensor is in a thermally conductive functional connection with the temperature control element (3), and the temperature control element (3) is designed to actively heat and cool the temperature sensor (4). The temperature sensor is arranged in direct contact with the temperature control element (3).