Multi-Point Thermocouple Layout for Accurate Heating Zone Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature measurement solutions for heating bodies in e-cigarette products suffer from inaccurate multi-point temperature measurements due to interference between multiple thermocouple measurement circuits.

Innovation Solution

A multi-point temperature measurement device with at least two thermocouples and signal processing circuits, where each thermocouple corresponds to a signal processing circuit one-to-one, and no current flows between thermocouples, ensuring independent temperature detection at different points without interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single temperature sensor is used to measure heating element temperature, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature measurement precision deteriorates due to inability to capture temperature distribution

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is divided into multiple measurement zones, with separate temperature sensors positioned at different locations (e.g., center and edge regions). This segmentation allows independent temperature monitoring of each zone, capturing the temperature distribution across the heating element surface, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex sensor

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If multiple temperature sensors are deployed to measure temperature distribution, then temperature measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple temperature sensors serve universal functions: each sensor monitors a specific zone, collectively they provide comprehensive temperature distribution data, and the same sensor array can be used across different device configurations or heating element types. This multi-functionality approach improves measurement precision while managing device complexity through standardized, versatile sensor integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are positioned close to the heating element, then temperature measurement precision improves through direct contact, but reliability deteriorates due to carbonization and adhesion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement precisionVSAvoidsensor reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A non-stick coating layer or protective intermediary structure is introduced between the temperature sensor and the heating element surface. This intermediary prevents direct contact between the sensor and carbonized material, eliminating adhesion and carbonization issues that cause sensor failure, while still allowing accurate temperature measurement through thermal conduction or proximity sensing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Accurate temperature measurement at multiple points on a conductor is achieved, enabling precise temperature control and aerosol generation by adjusting power to each heating zone independently.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature sensor (S6) in contact with the heating element (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4575435A1Multi-point temperature measurement device, aerosol generation device and temperature control method
Publication Date: 2025.06.25 SHENZHEN FIRST UNION TECH CO LTD
  • EP4575435A1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4575435A1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4575435A1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The present application relates to a multi-point temperature measurement device, an aerosol generation device and a temperature control method. The multi-point temperature measurement device comprises at least two thermocouples, at least two signal processing circuits and a processor, wherein the at least two thermocouples are arranged at different position points on a conductor under test, the thermocouples correspond to the signal processing circuits on a one-to-one basis, and the at least two thermocouples are used for detecting the temperature of said conductor at the different position points. No current flows between any two thermocouples, and any two thermocouples do not influence each other, that is, a first potential signal and a second potential signal, which are obtained by means of any thermocouple, are not interfered with by other thermocouples, such that the temperature detection of different position points on a conductor under test does not influence each other; therefore, the multi-point temperature measurement device can accurately measure the temperature of said conductor at the different position points.