Non-Contact Temperature Sensor Using Flexible Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining physical values like pressure and temperature of liquids in pipes require direct contact with the liquid, which can be limiting for single-use applications and lack efficiency in reusing sensors.
Innovation Solution
A method using a connector with a flexible membrane that can be used with both pressure and temperature sensors, where the sensor's sensitive part is positioned against the membrane, allowing for non-contact measurement of temperature and pressure without liquid contact, utilizing an infrared temperature probe and a stiffening plate for precise temperature determination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a connector with flexible membrane is used to transmit pressure to a sensor, then the sensor can be reused while the connector remains single-use, but the same connector cannot directly measure temperature without liquid contact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared temperature probe as an intermediary measurement device that detects temperature through the flexible membrane without requiring direct liquid contact. The membrane acts as a thermal transfer medium, allowing the infrared sensor to measure temperature on its outer surface, thereby enabling temperature measurement while maintaining the single-use connector design and sensor reusability.
2Measurement precision
If the sensor's sensitive part is positioned against the flexible membrane, then non-contact temperature measurement is achieved, but the membrane may deform under pressure affecting measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a stiffening ring at the specific location where the temperature sensor contacts the flexible membrane. This local reinforcement prevents membrane deformation at the measurement interface while preserving the membrane's overall flexibility for pressure transmission. The stiffening ring creates a stable, flat measurement surface that ensures accurate temperature detection without compromising the connector's single-use functionality.
3Device complexity
If a single-use connector with reusable sensor is used, then cost and complexity are reduced, but the connector must be designed to accommodate both pressure and temperature sensing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the connector with a flexible membrane that serves dual purposes: it transmits pressure to the pressure sensor and simultaneously serves as a thermal interface for the temperature sensor. The same membrane structure enables both measurement functions without requiring separate access points or complex internal pathways, thereby maintaining connector simplicity while achieving multi-functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the sensing functions by positioning the pressure sensor and temperature sensor at different locations on the connector, with the pressure sensor accessing the liquid through the membrane and the temperature sensor measuring through the membrane's outer surface. This spatial segmentation allows both sensors to operate independently using the same connector structure, avoiding interference between measurement functions.
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 efficient, non-contact determination of liquid temperature and pressure in pipes, allowing for simplified and cost-effective single-use circuits with reusable sensors, achieving precision of +/- 2 degrees Celsius for temperature measurement.
Implementation Method 1
said sensor comprises an infrared temperature probe
Implementation Method 2
a stiff plate provided with an aperture; said plate being disposed between said membrane and said sensitive part to stiffen said membrane
Implementation Method 3
a flexible membrane forming a wall of that internal passage; Thanks to the flexible character of the membrane, the internal pressure of the connector (pipe pressure) may be transmitted to the pressure sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for determining a physical value of a liquid flowing in a pipe, without contact with said liquid, said method comprising: - providing a sensor (3) for said physical value; - providing a connector (2) to insert into said pipe and comprising: - an internal passage (13) extending between two apertures (11, 12), - a flexible membrane (6) for a pressure sensor, forming a wall of said internal passage (13); - fastening said sensor (3) onto said connector (2); and - determining with said sensor (3) said physical value of said liquid flowing in a pipe; characterized in that said sensor is a temperature sensor (3) and that said step of fastening said sensor (3) onto said connector (2) is such that the sensitive part of said sensor (3) is turned towards said membrane (6).