Humidity Probe Thermal Isolation for Accurate Ambient Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing humidity probes with separate housings for temperature and humidity sensors are cumbersome to install and prone to damage, with the ambient temperature sensor being easily affected by the excess temperature of the humidity sensor.
Innovation Solution
A compact probe design where the humidity sensor is at the distal end and the ambient temperature sensor is centrally located on the base, spaced apart from the humidity sensor, with an interface for data and power signal output, and electronics for calculating humidity values, ensuring accurate measurement and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the humidity sensor and ambient temperature sensor are accommodated in separate housings, then the ambient temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the humidity sensor and ambient temperature sensor into a single integrated probe housing. The base structure accommodates both sensors in close proximity, with the temperature sensor positioned to measure ambient temperature while the humidity sensor is heated to prevent dew formation. This integration simplifies installation while maintaining measurement accuracy through careful thermal design.
2Device complexity
If the ambient temperature sensor is placed close to the humidity sensor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates due to thermal influence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating a thermal gradient within the probe structure. The humidity sensor is selectively heated to a temperature above ambient to prevent dew formation, while the ambient temperature sensor is positioned and designed to remain at ambient temperature. This localized thermal management allows both sensors to coexist in the same housing without mutual interference, maintaining both integration and measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If the probe components are distributed in separate housings, then the measurement accuracy is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the humidity sensor, temperature sensor, heating element, and electronics into a single integrated probe assembly. This unified design allows the probe to be installed as one component rather than multiple separate housings, significantly improving installation ease while maintaining measurement accuracy through the integrated thermal design that prevents dew formation on the humidity sensor.
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 solution provides accurate humidity determination while protecting the temperature sensor from external influences and allowing for easy calibration, with thermal isolation ensuring accurate ambient temperature measurement.
Implementation Method 1
an interface disposed at the proximal end of the probe is configured to output a data signal indicative of humidity and to receive a power signal for heating the humidity sensor
Implementation Method 2
A compact probe design where the humidity sensor is at the distal end and the ambient temperature sensor is centrally located on the base, spaced apart from the humidity sensor, with thermal isolation ensuring accurate ambient temperature measurement
Data Source
AI summary
A probe includes a base extending lengthwise between a proximal end and a distal end of the probe. A humidity sensor configured to measure a humidity value is disposed at the distal end. A temperature sensor configured to measure a temperature value has an ambient temperature sensing element that is spaced apart from the humidity sensor by a portion of the base and is disposed between the proximal end and the distal end. An interface disposed at the proximal end is configured to output a data signal indicative of humidity and to receive a power signal for heating the humidity sensor. Electronics is disposed on the base past the interface in a direction away from the proximal end and is coupled to the temperature and humidity sensors. The electronics is configured to provide the data signal to the interface as a function of the temperature humidity values.