Dry Block Calibrator Tilt and Overheat Shutdown Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-temperature dry blocks in temperature calibrators pose safety hazards due to the lack of effective safety mechanisms, risking burns, device damage, and potential fires, despite existing safety standards, which are not commonly implemented in prior art.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes inclination angle sensing and temperature monitoring to detect potential safety hazards, automatically switching off heating elements and providing warnings locally or remotely when thresholds are exceeded, incorporating accelerometers, temperature sensors, and a processor to manage safety protocols.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high temperatures are generated in the dry block for calibration purposes, then the calibration functionality is improved, but safety hazards such as burns, device damage, and fire risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary safety checks before heating by verifying the dry block is in upright position using inclination sensors. Warning messages are displayed in advance to alert operators of potential hazards before high temperatures are reached, preventing unsafe conditions rather than reacting to them after occurrence.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sensors continuously monitor temperature, inclination, and operational status, providing real-time feedback to the control system. When thresholds are exceeded or unsafe conditions detected, the system automatically adjusts heating power or shuts down, creating a closed-loop safety mechanism that responds dynamically to changing conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sophisticated safety mechanisms are implemented in the dry block, then safety hazards are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The safety system is divided into independent functional modules: inclination sensing, temperature monitoring, warning display, and heating control. Each module operates semi-independently, allowing the system to provide comprehensive safety coverage while maintaining modularity that simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors its own operational status and safety conditions without requiring external intervention. The control system self-adjusts heating parameters based on sensor feedback, and automatically displays warning messages when unsafe conditions are detected, reducing the need for manual safety monitoring by operators.
3Ease of operation
If the dry block is used in non-upright positions, then ease of operation in certain situations is improved, but temperature distribution becomes uneven and safety risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The inclination sensors detect the dry block's position before heating begins, and the system prevents operation or displays warnings when the device is not in the required upright position. This preliminary check ensures proper temperature distribution is maintained while still allowing operational flexibility in approved configurations.
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 system effectively reduces safety risks by preventing overheating and potential fires by ensuring the dry block is used upright and monitoring internal temperatures, exceeding standard safety requirements by providing proactive warnings and cooling mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
inclination angle sensing means (14) for sensing an inclination angle of a housing of the temperature calibrator (11)
Implementation Method 2
a temperature sensor (15) for sensing temperature within or on the housing of the temperature calibrator (11)
Implementation Method 3
heating elements (19) within the temperature calibrator (11)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses a temperature calibrator, which comprises or has an externally attached inclination angle sensing means. A temperature sensor and an internal battery is applied as well, together with a fan. The temperature calibrator comprises regular heating elements, a processor, and a User Interface. The system measures the inclination angle and internal temperature of the temperature calibrator. If the angle or temperature value or both exceed a certain threshold value, the system is configured to switch off the heating elements immediately, and to show or send a warning indicator or signal to the user or manager 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 or of the remote device.