Integrated Thermocouple Waveguide Sensor for Simultaneous Property Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing waveguide systems fail to simultaneously measure the physical properties of the wave propagation medium and its surrounding environment, including temperature, rheological properties, and conditions of the surrounding media, such as viscosity and strain, due to limitations in ultrasonic wave propagation and Seebeck effect integration.
Innovation Solution
An integrated thermocouple waveguide sensor system that combines dissimilar metals at a junction with an ultrasonic energy transducer, utilizing both the Seebeck phenomenon and ultrasonic guided waves to measure multiple physical properties and temperatures of the waveguide material and surrounding media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If distinct waveguide systems are used for measuring physical properties and temperature, then measurement coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate waveguide systems for physical property measurement and temperature measurement into a single integrated thermocouple waveguide sensor. The thermocouple structure serves dual purposes: as a temperature sensor and as a waveguide for ultrasonic propagation, enabling simultaneous measurement of multiple parameters including temperature, elastic moduli, and rheological properties through a unified device architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The thermocouple waveguide structure is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a temperature sensor via the Seebeck effect, as an ultrasonic waveguide for measuring physical properties of the waveguide material, and as a probe for measuring surrounding medium properties. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate measurement systems
2Reliability
If ultrasonic transducers operate in continuous voltage waveform mode, then transmitter function is maintained, but returning echo signals are lost in noise
Solution Approach 1:
The ultrasonic transducer operates in pulse mode rather than continuous waveform mode, with voltage pulses separated by fixed time intervals. During pulse excitation, the transducer functions as a transmitter; during the time interval between pulses, it functions as a receiver to detect returning echoes. This periodic operation allows the system to distinguish weak echo signals from the stronger internally generated sound waves by measuring during the quiet intervals between pulses
3Measurement precision
If thermocouple measures only surrounding temperature, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but physical properties measurement capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The thermocouple waveguide is designed to simultaneously measure multiple parameters: temperature through the Seebeck effect, physical properties of the waveguide material through ultrasonic wave propagation (elastic moduli, strains), and rheological properties of surrounding media (viscosity, density, flow characteristics). This multi-functional capability eliminates the trade-off between measurement precision and versatility
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
Enables simultaneous and accurate measurement of waveguide material properties, surrounding medium properties, and temperature, including rheological properties like viscosity and strain, using ultrasonic waves and Seebeck effect, overcoming previous limitations.
Implementation Method 1
Seebeck phenomenon is one of the thermoelectric effects which teaches the production of an electromotive force (emf) and consequently an electric current in a loop material consisting of at least two dissimilar conductors when two junctions are maintained at different temperatures.
Implementation Method 2
The reflections of the ultrasonic vibrations generated by ultrasonic transducers are transmitted through the waveguide and the reflected echoes of these are processed to determine the measured value of various parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention discloses an integrated thermocouple waveguide sensor system with one or more of compatible wave propagation mediums joined at one junction with at least one ultrasonic energy transducer on at least one open end of one or more wave guides and a method using the integrated thermocouple waveguide sensor system with arrangement of at least one waveguide thermocouple for integrated measurement of multiple and simultaneous physical properties of the waveguide material itself and that of the surrounding media using the Seebeck phenomena and the ultrasonic guided wave phenomena. The surrounding media properties and waveguide material properties are measured based on the ultrasonic waveguide parameters and the temperature is measured by the thermocouple.