Graphite Furnace Transformer Temperature Feedback for Faster Analysis

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometers face challenges in maintaining the transformer temperature within a suitable range during analytical measurements, as shortening the cooling time can affect the transformer's service life and performance, and there is no effective method to monitor the transformer's temperature in real-time.

Innovation Solution

A graphite furnace equipped with a transformer and a temperature monitoring unit, featuring a heat conductive member between the primary and secondary coils and a temperature sensor assembly, which detects temperature and stops the transformer operation when it exceeds a predetermined threshold, ensuring safe operation and increased analytical measurement speed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the cooling time of the transformer is shortened to increase analytical measurement speed, then the analytical measurement speed is improved, but the transformer temperature exceeds the suitable range affecting service life and performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalytical measurement speedVSAvoidtransformer temperature
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a temperature monitoring unit that continuously detects the transformer temperature and provides feedback to the control unit. When the temperature exceeds the suitable range, the control unit automatically extends the cooling time, creating a closed-loop feedback system that dynamically adjusts cooling duration based on actual temperature conditions, thus preventing transformer damage while optimizing measurement speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables the transformer cooling process to self-regulate based on temperature monitoring. The control unit automatically determines whether cooling is sufficient by comparing monitored temperature data against predefined thresholds, and autonomously adjusts the cooling time without requiring manual intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in optimizing the balance between speed and safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If the cooling time is extended to maintain transformer temperature within suitable range, then the transformer safety is improved, but the analytical measurement speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer safetyVSAvoidanalytical measurement speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, fixed cooling time approach into a dynamic adjustment mechanism. The cooling time is no longer a predetermined constant but varies dynamically based on real-time temperature monitoring results. The control unit continuously adapts the cooling duration to match actual transformer thermal conditions, optimizing the balance between safety and productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If conventional transformer without temperature monitoring is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine transformer temperature status is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransformer structureVSAvoidtemperature status information
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a temperature monitoring unit as an intermediary component between the transformer and the control system. This intermediary device senses the transformer temperature and transmits this information to the control unit, enabling indirect observation of transformer thermal status without requiring direct intervention or complex modifications to the transformer itself, thus adding minimal complexity while gaining critical temperature information

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution allows for real-time monitoring of the transformer's temperature, preventing overheating and ensuring safe operation while enhancing analytical measurement speed without altering the transformer's capacity.

Implementation Method 1

a heat conductive member disposed between a primary coil and a secondary coil of the transformer and a temperature sensor assembly connected to the heat conductive member and configured to detect a temperature conducted from the heat conductive member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3671185B1Graphite furnace with transformer
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 SHIMADZU CORP
  • EP3671185B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3671185B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3671185B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a graphite furnace and a transformer used in the graphite furnace. The graphite furnace includes a transformer and a temperature monitoring unit. The transformer includes a heat conductive member disposed between a primary coil and a secondary coil of the transformer and a temperature sensor assembly connected to the heat conductive member and configured to detect a temperature conducted from the heat conductive member so as to obtain a temperature measurement value. The temperature monitoring unit is preset with a first threshold value, and is configured to receive the temperature measurement value from the temperature sensor assembly and instruct the transformer to stop operating when the temperature measurement value is greater than the first threshold value.