Mechanically Selectable Temperature Indicator for Flexible Range Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature indicators lack versatility and variability in monitoring temperature ranges, requiring separate devices for different temperature ranges and leading to unnecessary investment and waste due to fixed factory-set ranges.
Innovation Solution
A temperature indicator with mechanically actuatable operating elements allows users to preset multiple temperature ranges, enabling quick adaptation to specific monitoring tasks without specialized equipment or knowledge, using buttons, levers, or knobs for range selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature indicator is designed with a fixed factory-preset temperature range, then the device structure remains simple and manufacturing is easier, but the device loses versatility and cannot adapt to different temperature monitoring needs
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature indicator incorporates mechanically actuatable operating elements (buttons, levers, or knobs) that allow the temperature range to be dynamically adjusted from a fixed factory preset to multiple selectable ranges. This transforms the static device into a dynamic one that can adapt to different monitoring requirements without requiring complex electronic interfaces or specialized knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
A single temperature indicator device is designed to perform multiple functions by enabling users to select from different temperature ranges (e.g., 2-8°C for pharmaceuticals, 15-25°C for food storage). This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate devices for different temperature monitoring scenarios, achieving versatility while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
2Reliability
If multiple separate temperature indicators are used for different temperature ranges, then each device can be optimized for its specific range, but it increases investment costs and resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a universal temperature indicator that can monitor multiple temperature ranges through mechanically actuatable range selection. This single multi-functional device replaces the need for multiple specialized devices, reducing the quantity of equipment required while maintaining reliable temperature monitoring for different applications such as pharmaceutical storage, food chain, and laboratory environments.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If temperature indicators are disposed of due to battery expiration or obsolescence, then the device can be replaced, but it causes unnecessary waste and loss of investment
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature indicator allows users to change the monitored temperature range parameter by actuating mechanically operated elements. This parameter change capability extends the device's useful life and applicability, allowing a single indicator to serve multiple purposes across different temperature monitoring scenarios rather than being discarded after battery expiration or becoming obsolete for a specific application.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a single temperature indicator is used for multiple temperature ranges, then versatility is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature indicator employs simple, mechanically actuatable operating elements (such as buttons, levers, or knobs) that are easy to manufacture and operate. These simple mechanical components provide the necessary range selection functionality without requiring complex electronic interfaces, microprocessors, or specialized knowledge, thus achieving versatility while keeping the overall device complexity manageable.
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 flexible use of a single device for multiple temperature ranges, reducing resource waste and costs by allowing on-site adaptation, ensuring compliance with various temperature monitoring needs.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) is proposed for continuously monitoring the maintenance of a temperature prevailing in the vicinity of the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) within a first preset temperature range (12), wherein at least one second temperature range (18) can be preset on the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) via a mechanically actuated control element (22, 221, 222), which differs from the first temperature range (12), and which can be monitored by the temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400) instead of the first temperature range (12) after actuating the control element (22, 221, 222). Furthermore, a method for continuously monitoring a temperature using a temperature indicator (10, 200, 300, 400), a computer program and a computer-readable medium are proposed.