Fluid Line Detection System with Indirect Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing detection systems for fluid lines and air conditioning systems are costly and complex due to the need for direct contact between pressure and temperature sensors and the fluid, leading to time delays in temperature measurement, which can result in inadequate protection against excessive fluid pressure and temperature.
Innovation Solution
A detection system with a pressure sensor in direct contact with the fluid and a temperature sensor not in direct contact, using a transfer function and correction values to estimate fluid temperature with minimal time lag, allowing for accurate and quick temperature determination without additional costly sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor comes into direct contact with the fluid in the fluid line, then the temperature can be detected accurately and quickly, but the construction of the detection system becomes expensive and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using a temperature sensor that does not directly contact the fluid, instead relying on thermal conduction through the sensor unit housing and fluid pressure correlation. This mediator approach allows temperature estimation without direct fluid-sensor contact, reducing system complexity while maintaining measurement capability through the evaluation unit's calculation based on pressure sensor data and thermal models.
2Loss of time
If a temperature sensor comes into direct contact with the fluid, then the temperature can be detected quickly, but the cost of the detection system increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a copying approach by creating a virtual temperature measurement through calculation rather than direct physical measurement. The evaluation unit copies the temperature detection function by calculating temperature based on pressure sensor readings and thermal conduction models, thereby avoiding the need for expensive direct-contact temperature sensors while maintaining timely temperature information for system protection.
3Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is not in direct contact with the fluid, then the construction cost is reduced, but the temperature measurement shows time delay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-establishing thermal conduction models and pressure-temperature correlation relationships before actual measurement occurs. The evaluation unit uses pre-stored thermal data and calculated baseline temperatures to predict fluid temperature in advance, compensating for the time delay inherent in indirect temperature sensing through proactive calculation based on pressure changes and thermal conductivity principles.
4Device complexity
If indirect temperature sensing is used, then the detection system is simpler and cheaper, but the temperature measurement lacks sufficient speed for system protection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/direct physical sensing approach with an information-processing approach. Instead of relying on direct thermal contact, the system uses the pressure sensor to detect pressure changes, then the evaluation unit substitutes the temperature measurement function through calculation based on thermal conduction principles and pre-stored baseline temperature data, thereby achieving fast response without physical direct contact.
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
Enables precise and rapid estimation of fluid temperature with minimal time delay, effectively protecting fluid line and air conditioning systems from excessive pressure and temperature, while reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The pressure sensor is arranged on or in the sensor unit such that a fluid from the fluid line acts directly on the pressure sensor when the sensor unit is attached to the fluid line
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor is arranged in the sensor unit in such a way that the temperature sensor does not have direct contact with the fluid from the fluid line when the sensor unit is attached to the fluid line
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The invention relates to a detection system (2) for a fluid line (4) comprising a sensor unit (6), an evaluation unit (8), and a signal interface (10). The sensor unit (6) has a pressure sensor (12) and a temperature sensor (14). The evaluation unit (8) is configured to repeatedly execute a step group consisting of steps a) to e): a) determining a base temperature based on a measured fluid pressure; b) determining an improved fluid temperature based on the base temperature and a correction value; c) determining a sensor temperature as an estimate of the temperature at the temperature sensor (14) using a transfer function and the fluid temperature; d) determining a temperature difference between the measured temperature and the sensor temperature; and e) updating the correction value based on the current temperature difference or an average of several temperature differences.Furthermore, the detection system (2) is designed to generate an output signal that represents the fluid temperature last determined in step b).