D&R RTD Sensor Redundancy for Industrial Temperature Diagnostics
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors, such as RTDs, lack redundancy and diversity in measurement methods, which can lead to unreliable temperature readings and limited diagnostic capabilities in dynamic and extreme environments.
Innovation Solution
A diverse and redundant resistance temperature detector (D&R RTD) is designed with multiple sensing components and thermocouple junctions, providing redundant and diverse measurement methods to enhance diagnostics, including cross-calibration for improved dynamic response, calibration stability, and in-situ testability, using a combination of RTD and thermocouple techniques.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple sensing components and thermocouple junctions are added to provide redundancy and diversity, then measurement reliability and diagnostic capability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature detection system is segmented into multiple independent sensing components (RTD sensing element, first thermocouple junction, second thermocouple junction) that can independently measure temperature. Each component provides separate measurement channels, enabling redundancy and fault isolation without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements multi-functionality by integrating three different temperature sensing mechanisms (RTD and two thermocouple junctions) into a single detector assembly. This universal approach allows the same device to provide redundant measurements through multiple physical principles, improving reliability while maintaining a unified structural form
2Measurement precision
If multiple measurement methods (RTD and thermocouple techniques) are used to provide diverse measurements, then diagnostic capability and calibration stability are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges RTD sensing element and thermocouple junctions into a single integrated detector assembly where multiple measurement methods coexist. The RTD sensing element and thermocouple junctions are positioned in thermal contact with the same measurement environment, allowing combined RTD and thermocouple techniques to be implemented in one manufacturing process rather than separate devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermal conduction through the detector housing and mounting structure as an intermediary mechanism to transfer temperature from the measurement environment to all sensing components (RTD and thermocouple junctions). This intermediary thermal path ensures all components experience the same temperature conditions without requiring separate manufacturing assemblies
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 D&R RTD achieves reliable and accurate temperature measurements by providing redundancy and diversity in measurement methods, enabling enhanced diagnostics and fault tolerance, optimizing dynamic response, calibration stability, and in-situ testability, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
each RTD includes circuitry with electrical characteristics, e.g., resistance, that change depending on the ambient temperature of the RTD's environment
Implementation Method 2
a first pair of thermocouple wires is connected to a first lead of a sensing element at a first thermocouple junction and a second pair of the thermocouple wires is connected to a lead of the sensing element at a second thermocouple junction
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature detector and method of measuring temperature to obtain temperature readings in environments, such as fluids and gasses, by measuring electrical characteristics of the temperature detector that are influenced by the temperature. The temperature detector can be arranged such that a plurality of measurements can be obtained to provide sufficient diversity and redundancy of the measurements for enhanced diagnostics to be performed, such as optimization for fast dynamic response, calibration stability, in-situ response time testability, and in-situ calibration testability.