Fluid Thermal Property Sensor with Opening for Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing measuring devices for determining thermal properties of fluids lack the accuracy needed for precise measurements of volumetric heat capacity and thermal conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A measuring device comprising a thermal property sensor with a heater and two temperature sensors, where the heater and temperature sensors are arranged above or inside an opening on a mounting plate, enhancing fluid exposure and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the heater and temperature sensors are directly attached to the support plate surface, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient because the sensors are not adequately surrounded by the fluid
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional surface mounting arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning the heater and temperature sensors above or inside the opening of the support plate. This dimensional change allows the sensors to be surrounded by the fluid on multiple sides, significantly improving measurement accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a mounting plate with an opening.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensors are positioned closer to the heater, then the device structure is simpler, but the measurement accuracy decreases due to insufficient temperature gradient detection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different spatial relationships between the heater and the two temperature sensors. The first temperature sensor is positioned at a first distance from the heater, while the second temperature sensor is positioned at a second distance, allowing each sensor to measure different temperature gradients. This localized differentiation enables accurate measurement of thermal properties through the temperature difference between the two sensors.
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 device achieves higher accuracy in determining thermal properties by ensuring that segments of the heater and temperature sensors are surrounded by the fluid, thereby improving measurement precision compared to previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
The thermal property sensor is provided with a heater
Implementation Method 2
two temperature sensors, wherein one temperature sensor has a bigger distance from the heater than the second temperature sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a~4b
AI summary
A Measuring device (1) for the determination of at least one thermal property of a fluid, especially the volumetric heat capacity and the thermal conductivity, wherein the measuring device comprises a thermal property sensor (3) and an evaluation unit (2), wherein the evaluation unit (2) is adapted to determine the thermal property from a measurement signal determined by the thermal property sensor (1), wherein the thermal property sensor (3) comprises a heater (4), a first temperature sensor (5) and a second temperature sensor (6); wherein the thermal property sensor(3)comprises a mounting plate (7) with an opening (8), wherein the heater (4), the first temperature sensor (5) and the second temperature sensor (6) are arranged above or inside the opening (8).