Fluid Sensor with Thermally Decoupled Temperature Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensors for detecting pressure and temperature in fluid media face issues such as extended response times, inaccurate measurements, and reduced media resistance, especially in gaseous and aggressive media, due to indirect contact and potential clogging in current designs.
Innovation Solution
A sensor design featuring a pressure sensor module separated from the fluid medium by a membrane, with a sleeve thermally decoupled from the pressure connection, allowing the fluid medium to act on a separating membrane that transmits pressure indirectly to the sensor module, and a temperature sensor in direct contact with the medium but thermally decoupled, using a supply channel that prevents clogging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the temperature sensor is located in a section of the sensor housing separated from the fluid medium, then the temperature sensor has high media resistance, but the response time is extended and measurement accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into two functional sections: a temperature sensor section that is thermally decoupled from the fluid medium (protected by the membrane and housing structure), and a pressure sensing section that directly contacts the fluid medium through the supply channel. This segmentation allows the temperature sensor to maintain high media resistance while the pressure sensor provides direct contact for fast response.
Solution Approach 2:
A membrane structure acts as an intermediary between the fluid medium and the temperature sensor. The membrane allows thermal energy from the fluid to be transmitted to the temperature sensor while physically separating the sensor from direct contact with the fluid, thus maintaining media resistance while enabling temperature measurement.
2Loss of time
If the temperature sensor is placed in direct contact with the fluid medium, then response time is reduced, but media resistance is reduced particularly in acidic media and alkalis
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor housing is segmented into a temperature sensing zone and a pressure sensing zone. The temperature sensor is positioned in the temperature sensing zone that is isolated from direct fluid contact, while the pressure sensor is in the pressure sensing zone with direct fluid access through the supply channel, allowing each sensor to operate in its optimal environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The membrane and housing structure serve as intermediaries that protect the temperature sensor from direct contact with aggressive media while still allowing it to detect temperature changes in the fluid through thermal conduction across the membrane.
3Reliability
If the supply channel is arranged in the pressure connection, then the pressure sensor module is protected from direct fluid contact, but the supply channel can become blocked in exhaust gas applications
Solution Approach 1:
The supply channel is designed with preliminary protective features including a corundum coating on the inner wall that prevents clogging by creating a smooth, chemically inert surface that resists deposition of particulate matter from exhaust gases, ensuring continuous flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The supply channel incorporates a corundum coating layer that acts as a protective film on the inner surface, preventing accumulation of deposits and maintaining flow capability in exhaust gas applications.
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 design enhances media resistance, reduces response time, and improves measurement accuracy, especially in aggressive media, while maintaining durability and cost-effectiveness by preventing direct fluid contact and ensuring precise temperature measurement.
Implementation Method 1
The separating membrane is designed to transmit a pressure of the fluid medium to the pressure sensor module
Implementation Method 2
The sleeve can be arranged such that it is thermally decoupled from the pressure connection. The thermal decoupling is brought about by a distance between the sleeve and the pressure connection
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A sensor (10) for detecting a pressure and a temperature of a fluid medium is proposed. The sensor (10) has at least one housing (12). The sensor (10) also has at least one pressure sensor module (18) for detecting the pressure. The sensor (10) also has at least one temperature sensor (20). The sensor (10) also has at least one pressure connection (14). The temperature sensor (20) is at least partially accommodated in a sleeve (54) which projects into the fluid medium. The pressure sensor module (18) is separated from the fluid medium by means of a separating diaphragm (50). At least one supply channel (32) for supplying the fluid medium to the separating diaphragm (50) is at least partially arranged in the pressure connection (14). The separating diaphragm (50) is designed to transmit a pressure of the fluid medium to the pressure sensor module (18).