Flow Sensor Thermal Time Constant Reduction via Opposite-Side Resistance Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The responsiveness of thermal flow sensors is hindered by the thermal time constant between the flow-rate detection resistance element and the temperature compensation resistance element, which increases due to terminal temperature differences caused by thermal resistance between the two elements.

Innovation Solution

The flow-rate detection resistance element and the temperature compensation resistance element are arranged on opposite sides of an insulation board, with the temperature compensation resistance element positioned on the back face to minimize thermal resistance and reduce the thermal time constant, allowing its terminal temperature to approach that of the flow-rate detection resistance element.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the flow-rate detection resistance element and the temperature compensation resistance element are arranged on the same insulation board while being thermally separated, then temperature compensation function is maintained, but the thermal time constant between the two resistance elements increases, reducing responsiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature compensation accuracyVSAvoidresponsiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from planar arrangement to three-dimensional overlapping arrangement. The flow-rate detection resistance element and temperature compensation resistance element are positioned on opposite faces of the insulation board, overlapping in the planar projection view. This spatial reconfiguration reduces the thermal path length between the elements while maintaining thermal isolation through the insulation board, thereby decreasing the thermal time constant and improving responsiveness without compromising temperature compensation accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If the thermal resistance between the flow-rate detection resistance element and the temperature compensation resistance element is increased to maintain thermal separation, then temperature compensation is improved, but the terminal temperature difference increases, increasing the thermal time constant

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature compensation accuracyVSAvoidthermal time constant
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the thickness dimension of the insulation board to achieve thermal separation while maintaining close thermal coupling. By positioning the resistance elements on opposite faces of the board with overlapping projections, the thermal path is shortened through the insulation board thickness, reducing the thermal time constant. The insulation board's thermal properties in the thickness direction provide sufficient thermal separation for accurate temperature compensation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Speed

If the temperature compensation resistance element is positioned close to the flow-rate detection resistance element, then the thermal time constant is reduced, but the temperature compensation resistance element may collide with the fluid, affecting measurement accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveresponsivenessVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the sensor structure into distinct functional zones using the insulation board. The flow-rate detection resistance element is positioned on the front face exposed to fluid flow, while the temperature compensation resistance element is positioned on the back face, shielded from direct fluid contact. The overlapping arrangement maintains close thermal coupling for fast response, while the insulation board and structural design prevent fluid contamination of the compensation element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 configuration enhances the responsiveness of the flow sensor by reducing the thermal time constant and maintaining sensitivity while preventing the temperature compensation resistance element from colliding with fluid, thus improving detection accuracy and reducing power consumption.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal flow sensor for detecting a flow rate of fluid on the basis of a heat radiation effect by exposing a heated flow-rate detection resistance element to the fluid

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat radiation effect: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

the temperature compensation resistance element is arranged on the back face side of the insulation board oppositely to the flow-rate detection resistance element by interposing the insulation board

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS10866130B2Flow sensor
Publication Date: 2020.12.15 KOA CORP
  • US10866130B2 patent drawing
  • US10866130B2 patent drawing
  • US10866130B2 patent drawing

AI summary

To provide a flow sensor having improved responsiveness compared to the prior art, the flow sensor of the present invention includes an insulation board, a flow-rate detection resistance element, and a temperature compensation resistance element. Each of the flow-rate detection resistance element and the temperature compensation resistance element is arranged on the insulation board such that a terminal temperature of the temperature compensation resistance element approaches a terminal temperature of the flow-rate detection resistance element. Accordingly, responsiveness can be improved.