Diagnostic Thermometer for Thermal Coupling Correction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermometers face issues with temperature gradients and thermal resistances that lead to measurement inaccuracies, which are not effectively addressed by existing methods such as using multiple sensors or complex constructions.
Innovation Solution
A thermometer with a diagnostic unit that varies the power of an input signal to determine thermal coupling with the medium, allowing for correction of temperature measurements based on thermal gradients and heat conduction effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is separated from the medium by protective tubes and measuring inserts, then the sensor is protected from environmental damage, but thermal resistances increase causing temperature gradients and measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/thermal coupling methods with electrical signal processing. Instead of relying on thermal conduction through protective tubes, the system uses electrical excitation signals and measures the electrical response (impedance, phase) of the temperature sensor to determine temperature, thereby eliminating the thermal resistance problem while maintaining sensor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the measurement parameter from direct thermal measurement to electrical parameter measurement. By measuring electrical impedance and phase shifts of the temperature sensor element instead of relying on thermal equilibrium, the system can accurately determine temperature without being affected by thermal resistances in protective tubes and measuring inserts.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used to compensate for thermal gradients, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of using multiple physical temperature sensors with an electrical measurement system. A single temperature sensor element is electrically excited and its electrical response characteristics (impedance, phase angle) are measured to determine temperature, eliminating the need for multiple sensors while achieving comparable or superior accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the temperature sensor element serve multiple functions: it acts as both the sensing element and the measurement transducer. The same sensor element that detects temperature also provides the electrical signal characteristics (impedance, phase) that are measured to determine temperature, eliminating the need for separate measurement devices.
3Reliability
If the protective tube and measuring insert are made longer to improve thermal balance, then thermal coupling to the medium improves, but temperature gradients increase due to greater thermal mass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces thermal balance methods with electrical measurement methods. Instead of relying on thermal equilibrium achieved through long protective tubes and measuring inserts, the system uses electrical excitation and measures the electrical response of the sensor element to determine temperature instantaneously, eliminating the thermal gradient problem while maintaining sensor protection.
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 temperature measurement by directly accounting for thermal coupling factors, correcting for both static and dynamic measurement deviations, and monitoring thermal conditions continuously.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature dependence of the respective internal resistance is utilized, and the temperature is determined, for example, on the basis of the reverse current or the forward voltage
Implementation Method 2
the thermoelectric effect in the case of thermocouples
Implementation Method 3
thermal resistances come about, for example, as a result of the individual components of the thermometer and possibly as a result of the container in which the medium is located
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining and/or monitoring the temperature of a medium includes a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature and an electronics module, wherein the temperature sensor includes a temperature-sensitive sensor element in electrical contact with the electronics module via at least one connection line. The device further includes a diagnostic unit with a separate device for temporal variation of a power of an input signal, by which the temperature sensor or at least one component of the device can be acted upon, and which diagnostic unit is configured to determine, based on an output signal of the temperature sensor in response to the input signal, a statement about a thermal coupling of the device to the medium. A method for operating the corresponding device is also disclosed.