Magnetic Fluid Temperature Sensor Clip
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing fluid temperature sensors on fluid lines, such as automotive transmission oil cooling lines, often require cutting or disconnection, leading to potential leaks and flow restrictions, and existing solutions like the Transcender adapter may provide inaccurate readings due to thermal mass and airflow issues.
Innovation Solution
A thermally conductive metal clip that grips the cooling line, allowing the sensor to be installed in a direct contact configuration without cutting, with adjustable radiused ends to accommodate various line diameters and improved thermal conductivity using insulating materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a test port is used to install the sensor, then the temperature measurement is accurate, but the fluid flow is restricted and transmission problems may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the sensor and the fluid. The sensor assembly uses magnets to sense fluid temperature through the wall of the fluid conduit without direct fluid contact, thereby eliminating flow restriction while maintaining measurement accuracy.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor is installed in the transmission oil pan, then the installation is possible, but the pan must be removed and drilling is required creating leak points
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor installation from the traditional oil pan location and relocates it to the fluid conduit. The sensor assembly attaches externally to the conduit using clamps, eliminating the need to remove the pan or drill holes, thus maintaining seal integrity while enabling installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid conduit wall serves as an intermediary barrier between the sensor and the transmission fluid. The magnetic coupling mechanism senses temperature through this barrier without requiring penetration or direct contact, preserving the integrity of the pan and conduit seals.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a tee fitting is added to the cooler line, then the sensor can be installed, but the cost increases and installation effort is significant
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor assembly into separate functional components: a sensor portion, a clamp portion, and a magnetic coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the sensor to be attached externally to the conduit without requiring modification of the conduit itself, simplifying installation while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp assembly is designed with universal applicability to fit various conduit sizes and configurations. The adjustable clamp mechanism and magnetic coupling provide a multi-functional solution that can be installed on different fluid conduits without requiring custom tee fittings or complex modifications.
4Ease of operation
If the Transcender adapter is used to clamp onto the cooler line, then installation is simple and quick, but the temperature readings are inaccurate due to thermal mass and airflow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses magnetic coupling as an intermediary mechanism to sense temperature through the conduit wall without requiring thermal contact. This eliminates the thermal mass and airflow issues that plague contact-based adapters like the Transcender, while maintaining the simplicity of clamp-on installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the thermal conduction mechanism (mechanical contact between sensor and conduit) with a magnetic field-based sensing mechanism. This substitution eliminates the thermal mass problem inherent in metal adapters while maintaining the non-invasive clamp-on installation approach.
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 reduces temperature measurement errors by half compared to existing adapters and provides accurate readings within 5 degrees of direct fluid contact, while being easy to install and not voiding OEM warranties.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet and a ferromagnetic material positioned in fluid communication with the fluid within the fluid conduit such that the magnet and the ferromagnetic material are magnetically coupled to one another
Implementation Method 2
improved thermal conductivity using insulating materials
Data Source
AI summary
A method of measuring temperature of a fluid using a direct fluid contact temperature sensor by capturing a cooling line between a radius of a clip portion, the clip portion extending longitudinally in parallel with a corresponding portion of the cooling line, and a tip end of the sensor; directly contacting said tip end of said sensor with said cooling line; and measuring temperature of with the sensor. A device is provided for rapidly installing a fluid temperature sensor onto a fluid line for measuring the temperature of the fluid without requiring cutting or disconnection of the fluid line.