Field Device Heating Circuit for Extreme Cold Startup Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Field devices used in extremely low-temperature environments face instability and high costs due to the need for specialized components, which are often large and expensive.

Innovation Solution

A field device configuration that includes a bimetal temperature switch and a heating element, connected in series with the electronic circuit, allowing power to be supplied only when the temperature reaches a stable threshold, thereby enabling stable operation without requiring special low-temperature components, and optionally featuring additional temperature switches and adjustable heating elements to manage temperature and power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specialized low-temperature components are used, then operational stability is improved, but device size and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature control function into two independent parts: a heating element for active heating and a temperature switch for automatic control. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, avoiding the need for complex integrated low-temperature specialized components while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature switch automatically detects temperature changes and controls the heating element without external intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex control systems or specialized low-temperature components, reducing device size while ensuring stable operation in cold environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If specialized low-temperature components are used, then operational stability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational stabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses inexpensive, readily available components (standard heating element and temperature switch) instead of expensive specialized low-temperature components. While individual components have limited temperature ranges, their combination provides cost-effective stable operation for field devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The heating element and temperature switch are universal components that can be used in various field devices regardless of specific low-temperature requirements. This universality reduces manufacturing costs by avoiding custom-designed specialized components while maintaining operational stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Temperature

If heating is continuously applied, then temperature stability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature switch creates periodic heating cycles by turning the heating element on when temperature drops below the threshold and off when the threshold is reached. This periodic action maintains temperature stability while minimizing power consumption compared to continuous heating.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature switch provides automatic feedback control by monitoring temperature and adjusting the heating element accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures temperature stability only when necessary, reducing overall power consumption while maintaining operational reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 field device can operate stably in extremely low-temperature environments without specialized components, reducing size and cost while maintaining operational stability and controlling temperature to prevent excessive heating and power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a bimetal temperature switch connected to a power source in series with the electronic circuit and configured to turn on when rising to a first temperature

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBimetallic strip: Bi-Metallic Strip

Implementation Method 2

a heating element connectable to the power source in parallel with the electronic circuit and the temperature switch

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11212905B2Field device capable of operating in extremely low-temperature environment

Publication Date: 2021.12.28 YOKOGAWA ELECTRIC CORP

AI summary

A field device (1) includes an electronic circuit (200) connected to at least one of a sensor (600) and an actuator, a bimetal temperature switch (400) connected to a power source (100) in series with the electronic circuit (200) and configured to turn on when rising to a first temperature, a heating element (500) connectable to the power source (100) in parallel with the electronic circuit (200) and the temperature switch (400), and a housing (300) configured to house the electronic circuit (200), the temperature switch (400), and the heating element (500).