Heat Cost Allocator Sensor Mounting on Display Terminals

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic heat cost allocators using the two-sensor measuring method face challenges in effectively detecting room temperature with the second temperature sensor, often requiring complex and costly installations to achieve optimal thermal coupling and shielding from radiator influence.

Innovation Solution

The second temperature sensor is mounted on the electronic display device, connected to its terminal ends, and integrated into the existing circuit, allowing for efficient electrical connection and mechanical support, thus minimizing the need for separate mechanical supports and expensive wiring, while being shielded from radiator influence by the display device and printed circuit board.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the second temperature sensor is mounted separately with dedicated mechanical support and wiring, then the room temperature detection is more reliable, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroom temperature detection reliabilityVSAvoidmechanical support and wiring complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second temperature sensor is integrated into the electronic display device by mounting it on the display's terminal ends, combining the temperature sensing function with the existing display structure. This eliminates the need for separate mechanical support and dedicated wiring, reducing device complexity while maintaining detection reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic display device serves multiple functions: displaying counting progress and providing mechanical support for the second temperature sensor. The terminal ends of the display device are utilized as mounting locations, making the display structure multi-functional and eliminating the need for additional dedicated components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If the second temperature sensor is placed close to the radiator for better thermal coupling, then the temperature measurement is more accurate, but the sensor is exposed to harmful thermal influence from the radiator

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveroom temperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidradiator thermal influence on sensor

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic display device and printed circuit board serve as thermal intermediaries between the second temperature sensor and the radiator. These components provide thermal shielding that protects the sensor from direct radiator heat while still allowing the sensor to detect room temperature through the display device's terminal ends

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate mechanical support structures are used for the temperature sensors, then the sensor placement is more flexible, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor placement flexibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and assembly simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting function is merged into the electronic display device structure. The second temperature sensor is mounted directly on the display's terminal ends, eliminating the need for separate mechanical support structures. This reduces manufacturing steps and assembly complexity while maintaining sensor placement flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 accuracy and cost-effectiveness of room temperature detection, reducing the influence of radiator heating and enabling high-quality, mass production of electronic heat cost allocators with simplified assembly and reduced thermal gradients.

Implementation Method 1

The sensors are in thermal contact via heat-conducting, elastic elements on the one hand with the metal part attached to the surface of the radiator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The other temperature sensor, which is used to record the room temperature, should be thermally coupled as well as possible to the room air surrounding the front of the heat cost allocator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

NTC resistors (Negative Temperature Coefficient Thermistors) are mostly used as sensors for temperature measurement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNegative temperature coefficient: Thermistor

Data Source

PatentEP2690417B1Electronic heating cost distributor with room temperature sensor

Publication Date: 2018.04.18 METRONA WARMEMESSER UNION

Figure 1~2

AI summary

The electronic heat meter (10) comprises housing (12,14) having two temperature sensors (22,24). The temperature sensors respectively acquire the temperature of a heating element surface and room temperature outside of the housing. An electronic display device (20) e.g. LCD displays the counting advancement and stationary combined data. The temperature sensor (24) is mounted on the electronic display device and is electrically connected to a circuitry of the electronic display device.