Thermally Isolated Temperature Probe for Faster Surface Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing surface temperature detectors face issues with accuracy due to thermal conductivity and thermal shunting, which affect the precision and response time of temperature measurements, particularly in applications like semiconductor processing.
Innovation Solution
The temperature detector probe incorporates a housing with circumferential grooves to reduce thermal conductivity, uses a support cap made of low thermal conductive materials, and positions the sensor outside the housing to minimize heat transfer, with optional thermal insulation and signal processing circuits to enhance measurement accuracy and response time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermal sensing device is positioned close to or in contact with the surface to be measured, then the temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but the response time is degraded due to thermal shunting
Solution Approach 1:
The probe is divided into distinct functional segments: a housing portion that contacts the surface, a thermal isolation layer that segments the thermal path, and a sensing device that measures temperature. This segmentation allows the probe to maintain contact for accuracy while the isolation layer prevents thermal shunting that would degrade response time.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal isolation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the housing and the thermal sensing device. This intermediary material has low thermal conductivity that reduces heat transfer from the housing to the sensor, preventing thermal shunting while allowing the sensor to accurately measure the surface temperature.
2Strength
If the housing is made of highly thermal conductive material, then the structural integrity is improved, but the thermal conductivity between housing and sensor increases causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with different thermal properties in different regions: the outer housing structure uses thermally conductive material for structural integrity and cooling, while the inner region near the sensor incorporates a thermal isolation layer with low thermal conductivity. This local differentiation allows the housing to provide both mechanical strength and thermal isolation as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing structure combines different materials with complementary properties: a thermally conductive base material for structural integrity and cooling, combined with a thermally insulating layer near the sensor. This composite construction allows the housing to simultaneously provide mechanical strength and prevent unwanted thermal conduction to the sensing device.
3Reliability
If the sensor is positioned inside the housing, then the protection and support are improved, but the thermal conductivity from housing to sensor increases
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal isolation layer is positioned between the housing and the sensor to serve as a thermal mediator. This layer provides mechanical support and protection for the sensor while simultaneously blocking unwanted thermal conduction paths from the housing structure, ensuring accurate temperature measurements.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal structure is segmented into the housing portion, a thermal isolation layer, and the sensing device. This segmentation allows the sensor to be protected within the housing while the isolation layer creates a thermal barrier that prevents direct thermal coupling between the housing and 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 improves temperature measurement accuracy and response time by reducing thermal conductivity and shunting, ensuring precise temperature readings in sensitive environments.
Implementation Method 1
The support cap is made of polyamide
Implementation Method 2
The housing defines one or more circumferential grooves along an exterior of the housing
Implementation Method 3
The sensor is a thin film resistive element deposited on the support cap, and the thin film resistive element has a high temperature coefficient of resistance
Implementation Method 4
the temperature detector probe further includes a temperature insulating material disposed on a surface of the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature detector probe that includes a housing, a pair of electrical connectors, a support cap, and a sensor. The housing defines a bore longitudinally extending through the housing, and the pair of electrical connectors extend through the bore. The support cap is disposed at a first end portion of the housing. The sensor is provided on the support cap and is electrically coupled to the pair of electrical connectors. The support cap is positioned between the pair of electrical connectors and the support cap.