Dual Sensor Temperature Malfunction Detection in Pressurized Gas Cylinders
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pressure fluid containers, particularly those used for medical gases, face challenges in quickly detecting temperature sensor malfunctions, which can lead to erroneous calculations and displays of gas autonomy.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a second integrated temperature sensor within the electronic device of the pressure fluid container, which compares temperature measurements with the first temperature sensor to detect malfunctions and triggers an alert when the difference exceeds a predefined threshold.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single temperature sensor is used to measure fluid temperature, then the device structure is simple, but the reliability of temperature measurement is poor when the sensor malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing temperature sensors at different locations: one sensor measures the temperature of the pressurized fluid in the internal circuit, while another sensor measures the ambient temperature outside the container. This spatial differentiation allows the system to detect sensor malfunctions by comparing readings from different locations, improving measurement reliability without requiring complex redundant sensing at the same point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the ambient temperature sensor as an intermediary reference to detect malfunctions of the fluid temperature sensor. By comparing the fluid temperature reading with the ambient temperature reading (which should be similar when no gas is being dispensed), the system can identify when the fluid sensor is malfunctioning, thus improving reliability through an intermediary comparison mechanism.
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensor malfunction is not detected, then the device operates continuously, but erroneous data is displayed and gas autonomy calculations become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature readings from both sensors and comparing them against each other and against predefined threshold values. When the fluid temperature sensor reading deviates significantly from the ambient temperature reading (indicating a malfunction), the system generates an alert signal. This continuous feedback mechanism enables rapid detection of sensor malfunctions, preventing erroneous data display and inaccurate gas autonomy calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing predetermined threshold values for temperature differences before operation begins. These thresholds are set in advance to trigger alerts when malfunctions occur, allowing the system to proactively identify and warn about sensor issues before they lead to significant measurement errors or safety problems.
3Loss of information
If no malfunction detection system is implemented, then the device complexity is low, but erroneous temperature readings lead to incorrect gas autonomy display
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the temperature measurement system to monitor and evaluate its own functionality through internal comparison of sensor readings. The system uses its existing sensors and processing capabilities to detect malfunctions and generate alerts, rather than requiring entirely separate external monitoring equipment. This self-diagnostic approach improves information accuracy while minimizing additional system complexity.
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 enables rapid detection of temperature sensor dysfunctions, preventing the display of erroneous data and alerting users promptly, thus ensuring accurate gas management and safety.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor (4) configured to measure the temperature (Tf) of the fluid in the internal fluid circuit of the valve body
Implementation Method 2
at least one second temperature sensor integrated into said at least one microprocessor and configured to measure the temperature (Tm) of said microprocessor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a pressurized fluid container (1), in particular a gas cylinder, the internal volume (2) of which contains the fluid, such as a compressed gas, and is equipped with a fluid dispensing valve (3). The valve body is traversed by a fluid circuit, an electronic device (7) comprising microprocessor-based data processing means (5) (15), and a first temperature sensor (4) that measures the temperature (Tf) of the fluid in the internal fluid circuit. A second temperature sensor (30) is integrated into the microprocessor (15) and measures the temperature (Tm) of said microprocessor (15). The data processing means (5) detect a malfunction of the first temperature sensor (4) by comparing the temperature measurements (Tm, Tf) taken by the two temperature sensors (4, 30), and trigger an audible or visual alert in response to such a malfunction detection.Use of the container to store oxygen or another gas.