Heat Exchanger Temperature Probe Positioning for Stable Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heat exchange devices face challenges in controlling the depth and maintaining the stability of temperature sensors due to complex structures for fixing them, affecting temperature detection accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A heat exchange device with a temperature detection assembly comprising a temperature probe, heat-conductive elastic member, and retainer, where the retainer is fixed to the heat exchange body, allowing the temperature probe to be installed in one step and controlling its depth in the water conveyance flow passage, enhancing installation stability and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex structure is used to fix the temperature sensor, then the installation stability and depth control are improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing structure is divided into separate functional components: a retainer that provides mechanical support and positioning, and a heat-conductive elastic member that ensures thermal contact. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring a complex integrated structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The temperature probe is inserted through the retainer, which itself is fixed to the heat exchange body. The heat-conductive elastic member is positioned between the retainer and the probe's positioning portion, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are housed within or between larger structural elements, achieving stable fixation with minimal complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the temperature sensor insertion depth is not controlled, then the installation process is simpler, but the temperature detection accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The retainer is pre-fixed to the heat exchange body at the correct position before the temperature probe is installed. The positioning portion on the probe is designed to mate with the retainer, which automatically guides and limits the insertion depth to the required position, ensuring accurate temperature detection without complex installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retainer acts as an intermediary component between the heat exchange body and the temperature probe. It provides a standardized interface that automatically controls the probe's insertion depth, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while ensuring consistent and accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the temperature sensor is not securely fixed, then the device structure is simpler, but the temperature detection stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing structure complexityVSAvoidtemperature detection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-conductive elastic member utilizes elastic deformation to maintain continuous contact between the temperature probe and the heat exchange body. The elastic nature of this component allows it to compensate for minor dimensional variations and thermal expansion, ensuring stable thermal contact and consistent temperature readings without requiring complex mechanical constraints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

Improves the installation stability and accuracy of temperature measurement by allowing controlled insertion depth of the temperature probe, ensuring precise temperature detection in the water conveyance flow passage.

Implementation Method 1

a heat-conductive elastic member and a retainer, wherein the temperature probe includes a temperature measurement body and a positioning portion arranged on the temperature measurement body, the temperature measurement body passes through the temperature measurement hole and is inserted into the water conveyance flow passage, the heat-conductive elastic member is arranged between the positioning surface and the positioning portion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4711691A1Heat exchange device, hydraulic module and heat pump system
Publication Date: 2026.03.18 GD MIDEA HEATING & VENTILATING EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP4711691A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4711691A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4711691A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A heat exchange device (10), a hydraulic module, and a heat pump system. The heat exchange device (10) comprises a heat exchange body (100) and a temperature testing assembly (200). The temperature testing assembly (200) comprises a temperature probe (210), a heat-conductive elastic member (230) and a position-limiting member (220); the temperature probe (210) comprises a temperature measurement body (211) and a positioning part (212) arranged on the temperature measurement body (211); the temperature measurement body (211) passes through a temperature measurement hole (121) of the heat exchange body (100) and extends to a water channel; the heat-conductive elastic member (230) is arranged between the positioning part (212) and a positioning surface (1211) of the heat exchange body (100); and the position-limiting member (220) is fixed to the heat exchange body (100), and abuts against the positioning part (212) in the axial direction of the temperature measurement hole (121).