Nested Metal Jacket Immersion Temperature Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Immersion temperature sensors face challenges in achieving reliable and reproducible thermal contact with component walls, leading to inconsistent heat transfer and slow response times due to uncertain positioning of the measurement point within the component's recess.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor design featuring a thermocouple with electric connections passing through an opening in a holder, where the measurement point is positioned within a second metal jacket that is fixed relative to a first metal jacket, allowing for precise adaptation to the component's bottom and improved heat transfer, combined with the use of electrically insulating materials for enhanced thermal conductivity and robustness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a metal jacket is arranged on the contact surface of the holder to define the position of the measurement point, then the positioning reliability is improved, but the thermal contact between the measurement point and the component bottom is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested structure where an inner metal jacket is positioned inside an outer metal jacket. The inner jacket directly contacts the component bottom to ensure optimal thermal contact, while the outer jacket provides positioning stability and structural support. This nested arrangement allows the measurement point to be precisely positioned through the outer jacket while maintaining direct thermal contact with the component through the inner jacket.
2Reliability
If the measurement point is positioned deeper in the recess to improve thermal contact, then the heat transfer is improved, but the response time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating different functional zones within the metal jacket structure. The inner jacket material is selected to provide high thermal conductivity for optimal heat transfer to the measurement point, while the outer jacket provides structural positioning. This localized optimization of material properties and structural configuration enables simultaneous achievement of deep positioning for heat transfer and rapid response characteristics.
3Measurement precision
If a complex metal jacket structure is used to ensure precise fit and measurement point positioning, then the measurement reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the metal jacket into distinct functional components: an outer jacket for positioning and structural support, and an inner jacket for direct thermal contact. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular nature of the segmented structure facilitates easier manufacturing, assembly, and potential customization for different applications.
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 design enhances the reliability and reproducibility of temperature data, improves heat transfer, and ensures rapid response characteristics while maintaining robustness and ease of assembly, accommodating various customer requirements with minimal components.
Implementation Method 1
the best possible heat transfer is possible from the wall surfaces of the recess to the measurement point
Implementation Method 2
The section of the thermocouple that has the measurement point is inserted into the interior of the metal jacket
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor (100, 200, 300) has a thermocouple (101), with a measurement point (102), and a holder (103), with a contact surface (152) and an opening (104). Electric connections (105) of the thermocouple are led through the opening, starting from the measurement point. A first metal jacket (106) is arranged on the contact surface or passes through such that an interior (107) of the first metal jacket is connected to another side of the holder and the measurement point is arranged in an interior (108) of a second metal jacket (109). The second metal jacket is located at least with one section (110) in the interior of the first metal jacket and can be or is connected at least by a partial area of this section to the first metal jacket such that the second metal jacket is fixed in its position relative to the first metal jacket.