Dynamic Current Adjustment for Temperature Sensor Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature detecting apparatuses in electronic devices, such as inkjet recording apparatuses, face limitations in detecting temperatures within low and high ranges due to reduced voltage ranges and decreased detection sensitivity, especially in low-temperature ranges, which affects the accuracy of temperature control and detection.
Innovation Solution
A temperature detecting apparatus that adjusts the current value of the supply current to the temperature sensor based on output voltage changes, allowing for adaptable detection sensitivity across different temperature ranges by using a change-instructing-signal output portion and a current-value change portion to modify the supply current, thereby enhancing detection accuracy in both low and high-temperature ranges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the voltage range is reduced to accommodate smaller semiconductor products, then the size and cost are reduced, but the temperature detection range and accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the supply current value changeable based on the detected temperature range. The system dynamically adjusts the current supplied to the temperature sensor element (diode or transistor) depending on whether the temperature is in a high or low range, enabling accurate temperature detection across the full voltage range even with reduced semiconductor size.
2Measurement precision
If the output voltage range is narrowed to 2.1V to 0V from 3.3V to 0V, then the detection range is maintained, but the number of detectable temperature points decreases from 10 to 7
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the supply current value based on the detected temperature range. When the temperature is in the low range, a different current value is supplied compared to the high temperature range, which changes the output voltage characteristics and enables finer temperature resolution across the narrowed voltage range.
3Reliability
If the output voltage is hardly changed in the low-temperature range, then the device operates within voltage limits, but the temperature detection accuracy in low temperature range deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by supplying a different current value to the temperature sensor element when the temperature is in the low range. This current adjustment increases the output voltage change rate in the low-temperature range, thereby improving temperature detection accuracy while maintaining compliance with voltage range limits.
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 improved detection sensitivity in temperature ranges necessary for specific use cases, such as inkjet recording apparatuses, by adjusting the current value of the supply current, ensuring accurate temperature detection and control across varying temperature ranges, particularly in low-temperature ranges where conventional methods fall short.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor having an element whose resistance value changes depending on temperature and configured to detect temperature based on a voltage value obtained by supply of a supply current to the element from a power source
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature detecting apparatus includes: a temperature sensor having an element whose resistance value changes depending on temperature and detecting temperature based on a voltage value obtained by supply of a supply current to the element from a power source and outputting an output voltage depending on the voltage value; a change-instructing-signal output portion connected to the temperature sensor and outputting a change instructing signal for changing the supply current based on the output voltage outputted from the temperature sensor; and a current-value change portion disposed between the power source and the element, connected to the change-instructing-signal output portion, and changing a current value of the supply current to be supplied to the element when having received the change instructing signal.