NTC Resistor Gas Cell Temperature Indicator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring the temperature of temperature-sensitive goods, such as foodstuffs, during transport are either limited in universality or cost-effective solutions, and fail to reliably detect temperature fluctuations that could damage the goods.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a gas generation cell, an NTC resistor, and a display means, where the NTC resistor and gas generation cell are coupled to generate gas proportional to current flow, causing the display to change state or position, indicating temperature exceedance, suitable for use in various transport containers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a gas generation cell with NTC resistor is used to monitor temperature, then the device achieves universal applicability and cost-effectiveness, but the complexity of integrating multiple components (gas generation cell, NTC resistor, display means) increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (gas generation cell, NTC resistor, and display means) into a single integrated temperature monitoring device. The gas generation cell and NTC resistor are coupled together with the display means to form a unified system that performs temperature sensing, signal processing, and visual indication functions, thereby achieving universal applicability while managing device complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring device is designed with universal applicability to monitor temperature in various transport containers for different temperature-sensitive goods (foodstuffs, pharmaceuticals, biological samples). The device can be used in refrigerated containers, frozen containers, and insulated containers, making it a multi-functional solution suitable for diverse applications across different industries.
2Loss of information
If electronic recording devices with LCD displays are used to monitor temperature, then temperature data can be displayed, but the cost and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a cost-effective design using simple, inexpensive components such as a gas generation cell and basic display means rather than expensive electronic recording systems. The device focuses on providing essential temperature monitoring functionality through affordable materials and construction methods, making it economically viable for widespread use in temperature-sensitive goods transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The NTC resistor automatically responds to temperature changes by generating electrical signals that trigger gas generation in the gas generation cell, which then actuates the display means without requiring external power sources or complex electronic processing. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for batteries or external power supplies, reducing both cost and manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective temperature data recording.
3Measurement precision
If fragile capsules filled with liquid are used to detect thawing, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but the device reliability decreases due to fragile materials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces fragile glass capsules with a more robust gas generation cell system that uses chemical reactions to generate gas signals. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with fragile materials while maintaining the ability to detect temperature changes. The gas generation cell provides a more durable and dependable monitoring mechanism suitable for transport conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical/physical system of liquid expansion in fragile capsules with a chemical system using gas generation cells. The chemical reaction-based gas generation provides a more reliable and less fragile alternative to the mechanical expansion method, improving device reliability while maintaining measurement precision for thawing detection.
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
The device effectively monitors temperature fluctuations, providing a universal and cost-effective means to ensure the integrity of temperature-sensitive goods by visualizing temperature exceedance, enabling reliable tracking of the cold chain integrity.
Implementation Method 1
an NTC resistor and a display means, wherein the NTC resistor and the gas generation cell are coupled to one another in such a way that when current flows through the NTC resistor
Implementation Method 2
A gas generating cell is a cell that releases a gas when a current flows through it. The amount of gas released is usually proportional to the amount of current flowing through the gas generating cell, in accordance with Faraday's law.
Implementation Method 3
depending on the amount of gas generated amount visualisation changes its state and/or its position
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A method for monitoring the temperature of temperature-sensitive goods is described, wherein the temperature is detected using an NTC resistor which is coupled to a gas generating cell which generates a quantity of gas on the basis of the quantity of current flowing through the NTC resistor, and wherein the gas generating cell is coupled to a display means which changes its state and/or position on the basis of the quantity of gas generated. An apparatus suitable for this purpose is also described.