Drywell Gradient Correction Using Single Sensor

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drywell systems require two high-quality thermal sensors for calibration, increasing cost and processing requirements due to the need for precise temperature control across a broad range, from 20 to 600 degrees Celsius, and necessitate frequent servicing or replacement.

Innovation Solution

A drywell design utilizing a single receiver-mounted thermal sensor, with a controller that includes an integrated circuit with dual mode capabilities to monitor and control temperature, calculating power values for upper and lower heaters to maintain a uniform temperature gradient without additional sensors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If two high-quality thermal sensors are used for calibration, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but cost and processing requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control accuracyVSAvoidsensor quantity and processing requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the reference thermometer as a copy or surrogate for the second temperature sensor. Instead of installing a second high-quality thermal sensor in the receiver, the system utilizes the reference thermometer that is already present for calibration purposes. The controller reads the temperature from the reference thermometer's display and uses this information to control the heating elements, thereby eliminating the need for a second expensive sensor while maintaining temperature control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

2Measurement precision

If two high-quality thermal sensors are used for calibration, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but sensor servicing and replacement frequency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control accuracyVSAvoidsensor lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the reference thermometer as a copy or surrogate for the second temperature sensor. Instead of installing a second high-quality thermal sensor in the receiver, the system utilizes the reference thermometer that is already present for calibration purposes. The controller reads the temperature from the reference thermometer's display and uses this information to control the heating elements, thereby eliminating the need for a second expensive sensor while maintaining temperature control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Loss of information

If additional temperature sensors and circuitry are added, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but processing power requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature monitoring capabilityVSAvoidprocessing power requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the reference thermometer as a copy or surrogate for the second temperature sensor. Instead of installing a second high-quality thermal sensor in the receiver, the system utilizes the reference thermometer that is already present for calibration purposes. The controller reads the temperature from the reference thermometer's display and uses this information to control the heating elements, thereby eliminating the need for a second expensive sensor while maintaining temperature control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

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

This solution reduces costs and processing requirements by eliminating the need for dual sensors, ensuring accurate temperature control across the drywell while minimizing heat-related variations and extending sensor lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

An upper heating element is in thermal contact with the upper end and a lower heating element is in thermal contact with the lower end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

A temperature sensor is also in thermal contact with the lower end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal contact sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 3

the lower end being substantially more insulated than the upper end

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS8651734B2Open-loop vertical drywell gradient correction system and method

Publication Date: 2014.02.18 FLUKE CORP

AI summary

A system and method are disclosed for controlling a drywell including a receiver having upper and lower ends with the lower end being more insulated than the upper end having a temperature sensor in thermal contact therewith. Upper and lower heating elements are in thermal contact with the upper and lower ends, respectively. A controller includes an integrated circuit having a temperature sensor. A reading from the integrated circuit is used to control power to the upper heating element and reduce a temperature gradient between the upper and lower ends of the receiver.