Multi-Thermistor Temperature Sensing Circuit for Averaged Thermal Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensing circuits for devices lack efficient methods to accurately determine and respond to temperature variations, particularly in battery packs, power tools, and battery pack chargers, leading to potential safety and performance issues.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing circuit comprising a substrate material with multiple thermistors connected in specific configurations to provide an average temperature signal to a controller, which determines and controls device operations based on this signal, enabling precise temperature monitoring and responsive control actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple thermistors are used to improve temperature measurement accuracy, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple thermistors are connected in parallel between the first and second conductive portions, merging their temperature sensing functions into a single circuit configuration. This parallel arrangement allows the circuit to sense temperature at multiple points simultaneously while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, resolving the contradiction between improved measurement precision and increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature sensing circuit is designed to perform multiple functions: it can sense temperature at different locations (first, second, and third conductive portions), provide averaged temperature readings, and work with various thermistor configurations (2, 3, or 4 thermistors). This multi-functionality allows the same basic circuit architecture to achieve high measurement precision without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Measurement precision
If multiple thermistors are connected in parallel to sense temperature at multiple points, then temperature sensing accuracy is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensing circuit is segmented into distinct functional portions: a first conductive portion for one temperature sensing path, a second conductive portion for another path, and optionally a third conductive portion. This segmentation allows each portion to be manufactured and tested independently before assembly, simplifying the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the ability to sense temperature at multiple points with high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple thermistors are merged into a parallel configuration between the first and second conductive portions, allowing them to be manufactured as a integrated unit. This merging approach reduces the number of separate connection points and assembly steps required, making the manufacturing process easier while still achieving improved temperature sensing accuracy through multiple sensing points.
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 accurate temperature sensing and control, enhancing safety and performance by allowing for real-time adjustments such as fan operation, thereby mitigating risks and optimizing device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of thermistors including a first thermistor and a second thermistor... for sensing a temperature associated with the device
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature sensing circuits for devices described herein include a substrate material, a first conductive portion, a second conductive portion, and a third conductive portion associated with the substrate material, and a plurality of thermistors associated with the substrate material for sensing a temperature associated with the device. The plurality of thermistors include a first thermistor and a second thermistor. The first thermistor is connected to the first conductive portion. The first thermistor and the second thermistor are both connected to the second conductive portion. The second thermistor is connected to the third conductive portion.