On-Device Heater Control for Fast, Low-Power Sensor Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
On-device heaters in calibration processes for devices like sensors face inefficiencies due to fixed heating time and power settings, leading to high power consumption and inaccurate temperature control, which affects the reliability and accuracy of calibration results.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a sensor, a heater, a heater controller, and a processor that dynamically controls the heater based on temperature measurements to minimize power consumption and response time, using programmable variables for heater response time and power consumption, and determining whether to perform calibration based on relative humidity measurements to ensure accurate temperature control within a target range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fixed heating time and power settings are used for the on-device heater, then the calibration process can be performed, but power consumption becomes significant and temperature control accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of heater power and duration based on real-time temperature feedback from the sensor. The processor continuously monitors temperature and adjusts heating parameters accordingly, transitioning from fixed static settings to adaptive dynamic control. This resolves the contradiction by optimizing power consumption while maintaining calibration accuracy through closed-loop feedback control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs feedback control where the sensor measures temperature and the processor uses this information to regulate heater operation. The feedback loop monitors temperature progression and terminates heating when the target temperature range is reached, preventing excessive power consumption while ensuring accurate temperature control for reliable calibration.
2Speed
If fixed heating power is applied to reach target temperature quickly, then response time improves, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic or pulsed heating action rather than continuous high-power heating. The processor applies heating in controlled intervals, monitoring temperature after each pulse, and only continues heating if the target temperature has not been reached. This approach achieves rapid response time through intensive initial heating pulses while minimizing total power consumption by avoiding prolonged heating.
3Reliability
If heating continues beyond target temperature to ensure accuracy, then temperature control reliability improves, but response time increases and power consumption rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a termination strategy that skips unnecessary extended heating cycles. Once the sensor indicates the target temperature range has been reached, the processor immediately terminates heating without requiring additional time margins or safety buffers. This approach maintains temperature control accuracy by relying on real-time sensor feedback while minimizing calibration time by not over-heating.
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 approach reduces power consumption and response time, enabling the sensor to rapidly and accurately reach and maintain a target temperature, thereby improving the accuracy and reliability of calibration processes by dynamically adjusting heating power and time.
Implementation Method 1
a heater coupled to the sensor; a heater controller coupled to the heater to control the heater to heat the system
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to measure the temperature and relative humidity of the system
Data Source
AI summary
Various examples are provided of low power, rapid response on-device heaters and methods of calibrating the device within a linear operating region, which is reached and maintained through control of the on-device heater. A system to be calibrated includes a sensor to measure the temperature and relative humidity of the system, a heater coupled to the sensor, a heater controller coupled to the heater to control the heater to heat the system, and a processor coupled to the sensor and the heater controller. The processor controls the heater based on temperature measured by the sensor to perform a calibration process for the system including calculating a calibration factor, and to determine whether to abort the calibration process based on relative humidity measured by the sensor indicating that the system is outside the linear operating region.