Non-Contact Temperature Sensor for Rotating Containers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement methods for materials during agitation/defoaming processes face challenges such as low sensitivity with low thermal conductivity containers, self-heating issues with contact-based sensors, and interference from air bubbles, leading to inaccurate temperature readings.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact temperature measurement system using a transmitter and receiver configuration, where the transmitter is mounted on the container's upper lid and measures temperature via incident light, allowing for real-time, accurate temperature monitoring even during rotational motion, and automatically adjusts its measurement field and power usage based on acceleration detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a temperature sensor is disposed in the bottom of the container, then the temperature measurement is simplified, but the measurement sensitivity is low when the container has low thermal conductivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based mechanical temperature sensors with a non-contact infrared temperature sensor that measures temperature through thermal radiation. The sensor is disposed in the upper lid of the container and measures the temperature of the material surface without physical contact, thereby avoiding the low sensitivity issue caused by low thermal conductivity containers while maintaining ease of implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces the container lid as an intermediary structure that houses the temperature sensor. The lid serves as both a structural component and a mounting platform for the non-contact sensor, allowing temperature measurement without the sensor being in direct contact with the material or the bottom of the container, thus resolving the thermal conductivity issue.
2Measurement precision
If a temperature sensing resistor element is inserted into the container, then direct temperature measurement is achieved, but the sensor causes self-heating that raises the material temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the contact-based temperature sensing resistor element with a non-contact infrared temperature sensor. This substitution eliminates the self-heating problem entirely because the sensor does not require electrical power dissipation in direct contact with the material, and it measures temperature through thermal radiation detection from a distance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the temperature sensing function from the material-contacting environment by placing the sensor in the upper lid away from the material. The sensor measures temperature through thermal radiation without being immersed in or contacting the material, thereby eliminating self-heating effects while maintaining measurement capability.
3Measurement precision
If a temperature sensing resistor element is inserted into the container, then temperature measurement is achieved, but air bubbles interrupt heat flow causing inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based temperature sensing with non-contact infrared measurement. Since the sensor measures thermal radiation from the material surface through the container lid, air bubbles between the sensor and material do not interrupt the measurement path, as thermal radiation can pass through air without significant attenuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the container lid and air medium as intermediaries that do not interfere with the measurement. The non-contact sensor measures thermal radiation through the lid and air space, and since both the lid material and air are transparent to infrared radiation in the measurement wavelength range, air bubbles do not interrupt the heat flow or radiation path.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a radiation thermometer is fixed to the housing to measure temperature from the top, then non-contact measurement is achieved, but highly advanced technology and precise positioning are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the temperature sensor into the container lid structure, making the lid serve multiple functions: containing the material, providing structural support, and housing the temperature measurement device. This integration simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reduces the technological complexity compared to fixing a radiation thermometer to an external housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the temperature sensing function with the container lid structure. The sensor is disposed within the lid itself, combining the containment and measurement functions into a single integrated component. This merging eliminates the need for precise external positioning and reduces device complexity while maintaining non-contact measurement capability.
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 real-time, accurate temperature monitoring of materials during agitation/defoaming processes, reducing the risk of self-heating and bubble interference, and allowing for automatic adjustment of processing conditions to maintain suitable temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
The transmitter is configured to measure a temperature of the material without contact, the material being contained in a container being revolved and/or rotated, and is configured to transmit data including a value of the measured temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature-measuring device including a transmitter and a receiver. The transmitter is configured to measure the temperature of the material being contained in a container being revolved and/or rotated, and is configured to transmit data including a value of the measured temperature. The receiver is configured to receive the transmitted data. The transmitter is disposed in or on an upper lid detachably secured to the container, so that the transmitter can detect an incident light emitted from the material, and the transmitter can be revolved along with the container.