Multi-Core Temperature Sensor with Segmented Resistor Network
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-point core temperature sensors require complex plug and socket connections, such as five-pin configurations, which are costly and space-intensive, for measuring multiple temperature-dependent resistors.
Innovation Solution
A multi-core temperature sensor with five temperature-dependent resistors, where two resistors are connected in series, and their center taps are connected via a fifth resistor, allowing electronic switches to connect all resistors to measuring electronics via four connections, enabling resistance value determination through different switch positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a five-pin plug connection is used to measure five temperature-dependent resistors, then all resistors can be measured, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The five temperature-dependent resistors are divided into two series circuits (first series circuit with two resistors, second series circuit with two resistors), with center taps connected via a fifth resistor. This segmentation allows the resistors to be measured using a simplified four-pin connection rather than requiring five separate connection points for each resistor.
Solution Approach 2:
The four-pin plug connection serves multiple functions: it provides connection points for both series circuits, enables measurement of all five resistors through electronic switching, and reduces the overall complexity of the connector. The same four pins are used to access all temperature-dependent resistors through different switching configurations.
2Measurement precision
If a five-pin plug connection is used to measure five temperature-dependent resistors, then all resistors can be measured, but the installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the resistor network into series circuits with shared center taps, the patent reduces the number of required connection pins from five to four, thereby reducing the physical space required for the connector and its installation.
3Device complexity
If electronic switches are used to connect resistors via four connections, then the device complexity reduces, but the measurement process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Electronic switches are used to dynamically reconfigure the connections between the measuring electronics and the temperature-dependent resistors. The switches can be activated or deactivated by the measuring electronics to create different measurement configurations, allowing all five resistors to be measured through a four-pin connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring electronics controls the electronic switches and receives measurement data, using feedback to determine the resistance values of all five resistors through the measured values obtained from different switch positions.
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
This configuration allows for efficient evaluation of multiple resistors with a four-pin plug and socket, reducing costs and space requirements while achieving accurate temperature measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The resistance used here is temperature-dependent. A thermistor (also referred to as an NTC resistor) is usually used for this. Such a thermistor has high resistance at low temperature and low resistance at high temperature.
Data Source
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AI summary
A circuit for measuring at least four resistors is proposed, in which two resistors (A, B; C, D) are connected in series and the center taps (305) of the two series circuits are connected together, in which each end of the series circuit (301-304) can be connected to measuring electronics via a terminal, whereby the at least four resistors (A, B, C, D) can be connected to the measuring electronics via terminals (301-304) by means of electronic switches (S1-S6), and the resistance values of the resistors can be determined by means of various measurements using the measuring electronics. Furthermore, suitable multi-core temperature sensors, a household appliance, and a method for calculating resistance are specified.