Embedded Conduit Wall Sensors for Accurate Fluid Temperature Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors in vehicular fluid conduits are often inaccurate due to external attachment, which can be influenced by surrounding temperatures and prone to damage from environmental hazards, making precise temperature measurement challenging.
Innovation Solution
Embedding sensor elements within the conduit wall along the fluid channel to directly measure operating parameters such as temperature, using materials like PTC or NTC alloys, and connecting them to a resistance meter for accurate readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature sensors are attached to the exterior of the fluid conduit, then the sensors can be easily installed and accessed, but the temperature measurements become inaccurate due to influence from surrounding temperatures and environmental hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is merged with the conduit wall structure, becoming an integrated component rather than a separate attached device. The sensor element is embedded within the conduit wall material itself, combining the conduit function with the sensing function into a single unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is nested within the conduit wall, placed inside the wall structure rather than on the exterior surface. This nesting protects the sensor while allowing it to remain functional for temperature measurement.
2Ease of operation
If temperature sensors are attached to the exterior of the fluid conduit, then the sensors remain accessible for reading, but the sensors are damaged by external environmental hazards such as dirt, water and road debris
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is nested within the conduit wall structure, placing it inside the protective barrier of the conduit wall. This nesting provides physical protection against environmental hazards while the sensor remains functional through the wall material.
Solution Approach 2:
The conduit wall material serves as a protective cushioning layer that shields the sensor element from environmental damage before hazards can reach the sensor. This prior protection prevents damage from dirt, water, and road debris.
3Ease of manufacture
If temperature sensors are placed on the outer side of the component, then the installation is simple, but the measurements are influenced by surrounding temperatures and become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is combined with the conduit wall during manufacturing, creating an integrated component. This merging ensures the sensor is positioned optimally for accurate measurement while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is nested within the conduit wall structure, positioning it in thermal contact with the fluid conduit while being protected from external thermal influences. This nesting provides accurate measurements by isolating the sensor from surrounding temperature variations.
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
Provides accurate and durable temperature measurements within fluid conduits by minimizing external influences and protecting sensors from environmental damage.
Implementation Method 1
using materials like PTC or NTC alloys
Implementation Method 2
using materials like PTC or NTC alloys
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid connector and method for measuring an operating parameter of a fluid conduit is disclosed. The fluid conduit includes a conduit wall enclosing a fluid channel wherein a fluid flows through the fluid channel from a first opening to a second opening. At least one sensor element is embedded within the conduit wall along the direction of the fluid channel between the first opening and the second opening that is used to measure the operating parameter.