Diagnostic Thermometer Using Heat-Flow Compensation for Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermometers face issues with temperature gradients at the sensor location due to thermal resistances and deposition/corrosion, leading to distorted measurements, which existing methods like using three equidistant sensors or differential thermocouples fail to accurately address.
Innovation Solution
A thermometer with a differential temperature sensor that includes a temperature-sensitive element connected via connection lines of different materials, allowing for the detection of heat flow and using a model to correct and compensate for temperature gradients, thereby improving measurement accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is separated from the medium by thermal resistances (protective tube, measuring insert, casing), then the sensor is protected and can be installed, but temperature gradients occur leading to distorted measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The connection line is segmented into multiple sections with different materials (first section with first material, second section with second material). This segmentation allows each section to serve different functions: the first section provides thermal coupling while the second section provides temperature gradient detection, resolving the contradiction between protection and measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection line acts as an intermediary element between the temperature sensor and the external circuit. By incorporating different materials in different sections, it mediates between the need for thermal coupling (first material) and the need for temperature gradient detection (second material), enabling both protection and accurate measurement.
2Measurement precision
If the protective tube and measuring insert are made shorter to reduce thermal resistances, then temperature gradients decrease, but the sensor becomes more vulnerable and harder to install
Solution Approach 1:
The connection line is divided into functional segments: a first section for thermal coupling and a second section for temperature gradient detection. This allows the protective tube and measuring insert to maintain adequate length for protection while the segmented connection line continues to enable accurate temperature measurement through gradient detection.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If deposition layers or corrosion form on the thermometer, then thermal coupling deteriorates, but these formations are difficult to detect and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature gradient detection capability provides feedback about the thermal coupling condition. By monitoring the temperature gradient along the connection line, the system can detect changes in thermal coupling caused by deposition or corrosion, enabling early detection and maintenance before severe measurement distortion occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The second section of the connection line acts as an intermediary detection element that senses thermal coupling changes. It mediates between the harmful effect of deposition/corrosion and the measurement system, providing detectable signals about the degradation state without requiring direct inspection of the sensor surface.
4Measurement precision
If three equidistant temperature sensors are used to avoid temperature gradient distortion, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature gradient detection function is extracted from the main temperature sensing function. Instead of using three sensors to measure temperature, the system uses a single temperature sensor combined with a segmented connection line that extracts temperature gradient information through the different material sections, reducing device complexity while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection line is given multiple functions: it provides electrical connection, thermal coupling (first section), and temperature gradient detection (second section). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors for each function, reducing overall device complexity while achieving accurate temperature measurement.
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 method enables precise correction of measured values by accounting for temperature gradients, enhancing measurement accuracy and providing comprehensive state monitoring of the thermometer's condition.
Implementation Method 1
the first section of the first connection line and at least a part of the second connection line form a first differential temperature sensor in the form of a thermocouple
Implementation Method 2
In the case of a temperature sensor in the form of a resistance element, so-called thin-film and thick-film sensors and so-called thermistors
Implementation Method 3
determining a heat flow, in particular heat dissipation, or a variable connected to the heat flow, in the region of the temperature sensor
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a method for determining and/or monitoring the temperature of a medium by means of a thermometer having at least one temperature sensor, the method including: determining a measured value for the temperature of the medium by means of a temperature sensor; determining a heat flow, in particular heat dissipation, in the region of the temperature sensor; and determining a measured value deviation for the measured value for the temperature on the basis of a model for heat dissipation in the region of the temperature sensor.