Magnetic Thermosensitive Sensor for Remote Overtemperature Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature-sensitive labels require direct visual inspection for temperature exceedance detection, making them impractical for remote, high elevation, confined, or hazardous locations, and more complex alternatives are costly.
Innovation Solution
A thermosensitive sensor using magnet pieces with electrical conductivity and a thermal melting substance, forming a magnetic junction upon temperature exceedance to transmit electrical signals for remote indication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional temperature sensitive label using coloring phenomenon is used, then the manufacturing cost is low and the structure is simple, but the temperature detection cannot be performed at remote locations, high elevations, confined areas, or hazardous environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical observation system (visual inspection of color change) with an electrical signal transmission system. The thermosensitive element generates electrical signals that are transmitted through lead wires to indicators at remote locations, eliminating the need for direct visual inspection and enabling temperature detection in inaccessible or hazardous environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces lead wires as intermediaries to transmit electrical signals from the thermosensitive element to external indicators. This intermediary system allows the temperature detection function to be separated from the observation location, enabling remote monitoring without requiring complex wireless communication systems.
2Ease of operation
If a more complicated structure with electrical signal transmission is used, then remote temperature detection is enabled, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex wireless transmission systems or electronic sensors with a simple electrical signal transmission system using basic conductive materials. The thermosensitive element itself generates the electrical signal, eliminating the need for external power supplies or complex signal generation circuits, thereby keeping manufacturing costs low while enabling remote detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermosensitive element serves dual functions: it both detects temperature changes and generates the electrical signals for transmission. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate signal generation components, power supplies, or complex processing units, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining remote detection functionality.
3Loss of information
If direct visual inspection of temperature sensitive label is required, then the device structure remains simple, but the temperature control cannot be performed at locations requiring remote monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the optical information transmission method (visual observation of color change) with an electrical signal transmission method. The thermosensitive element converts temperature information directly into electrical signals that can be transmitted over long distances through lead wires to indicators, ensuring temperature information remains accessible without requiring direct visual contact with the 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
Enables precise, reliable, and stable irreversible temperature detection at low cost, even in challenging locations, using magnetic attraction for durable electrical connection.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal melting substance which melts at a predetermined selected temperature to cause a phase transition from solid to liquid
Implementation Method 2
a pair of magnet pieces which are magnetically attracted to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A thermosensitive sensor including a pair of magnet pieces having electrical conductivity and connected to ends of lead wires, or which includes a magnet piece and a metal piece having electrical conductivity and being connected to one end of a first lead wire, the metal piece being of soft magnetic material and connected to one end of a second lead wire. A thermal melting substance piece is sandwiched between the magnet pieces or between the magnet piece and the metal piece. The thermal melting substance piece is nonconductive and in solid form, and the thermal melting substance piece causes a phase transition from solid to liquid at a predetermined temperature. The magnet pieces or the magnet piece and the metal piece, with the thermal melting substance piece sandwiched between them are maintained out of contact with each other and are housed in a container.