Dry Block Calibrator Tilt and Overheat Safety Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature dry blocks in temperature calibrators pose safety risks due to potential fires and injuries from overheating, with existing safety mechanisms being inadequate and not meeting comprehensive safety standards.
Innovation Solution
Implementing advanced safety mechanisms, including inclination angle sensing using accelerometers, internal temperature monitoring, and automated dry-out processes, to prevent overheating and ensure safe operation, such as stopping heating if the device is tilted and activating cooling fans or warning users of high temperatures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If advanced safety mechanisms are implemented, then safety against fires and injuries is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is divided into separate functional modules: inclination sensing (accelerometer), temperature monitoring (temperature sensor), moisture detection (leakage current measurement), and control execution (heating element control, fan control). Each module operates independently but contributes to the overall safety function, making the complex safety system more manageable and maintainable while achieving comprehensive protection
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the device monitors inclination angle to prevent tilting, then safety against fires is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical inclination detection method is replaced with an electronic accelerometer-based sensing system. The accelerometer electronically detects the inclination angle and provides signals to the control unit, which then automatically controls the heating element. This substitution enables more precise and reliable fire prevention while integrating the function into the existing electronic control architecture
3Reliability
If the device automatically manages moisture through leakage current monitoring, then safety against high leakage currents is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors leakage current as a feedback parameter indicating moisture levels in the heating element. When the leakage current exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit automatically reduces power to the heating element, thereby controlling moisture accumulation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism provides automatic electrical safety without requiring manual intervention or complex additional hardware
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
Significantly reduces the risk of fires and injuries by ensuring the dry block is used upright, preventing overheating, and automatically managing moisture to prevent high leakage currents, exceeding standard safety requirements.
Implementation Method 1
sensing means for sensing the inclination angle of the dry block
Implementation Method 2
sensing means for sensing the inclination angle of the dry block, wherein the method comprises stopping heating of the dry block if the sensed inclination angle indicates that the dry block is tilted
Implementation Method 3
heating element for heating the dry block
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
AI summary
The present invention discloses a temperature calibrator (11), which comprises or has an externally attached inclination angle sensing means (14). A temperature sensor (15) and an internal battery (17) is applied as well, together with a fan (18). The temperature calibrator (11) comprises regular heating elements (19), a processor (21), and a User Interface (22). The system measures the inclination angle and internal temperature of the temperature calibrator (11). If the angle or temperature value or both exceed a certain threshold value, the system is configured to switch off the heating elements (19) immediately, and to show or send a warning indicator or signal to the user (23) or manager (24) of the device via the UI 22, e.g. through a red LED light, a beeping sound or a warning message on the screen of the temperature calibrator (11) or of the remote device (25).