Optical Waveguide Sensor Element for Temperature Gradient Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining temperature gradients in metallurgical plants require precise machining of bores for temperature sensors, leading to potential misalignment and significant deviations in measurement results, especially when trying to maintain a constant distance between sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor element with an elongated rod-shaped base body featuring diametrically opposite grooves or bores for optical waveguides, ensuring direct contact with the component and precise distance maintenance, allowing for accurate heat flow and temperature gradient measurement through a modular, standardized design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two separate bores are made for temperature sensors in the component, then temperature measurements can be taken at two locations, but the machining precision requirement becomes extremely high to maintain constant sensor distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate temperature sensor installations into a single sensor element with two optical waveguides integrated into one base body. This merging eliminates the need for two separate bores, reducing the manufacturing precision requirement from positioning two independent bores to positioning a single base body, while maintaining the ability to measure temperature gradient between two points.
Solution Approach 2:
The base body acts as an intermediary structure that holds the two optical waveguides at a precisely defined distance from each other. This intermediary element transfers the measurement function from two separate sensor installations to a single integrated component, where the distance between waveguides is determined by the base body geometry rather than by machining two separate bores.
2Ease of operation
If a custom solution with individually prepared bores is used for each measurement location, then temperature sensors can be positioned, but the device complexity and preparation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element with its base body and integrated optical waveguides serves as a universal measurement device that can be installed in a single bore to perform temperature gradient measurements. This multi-functional element replaces the need for custom-prepared separate bores and individual sensor installations, simplifying the overall process while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element segments the measurement function into a modular unit where the base body and optical waveguides are pre-integrated. This segmentation allows the complex measurement system to be prepared once as a module and then simply installed, reducing both device complexity and preparation time compared to custom individual installations.
3Manufacturing precision
If the distance between temperature sensors is not precisely maintained, then installation becomes easier, but measurement accuracy deteriorates significantly
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two temperature sensing functions into a single base body structure, the distance between measurement points is determined by the rigid geometry of the base body rather than by the positioning of two separate bores. This eliminates the accumulation of positioning tolerances and ensures constant sensor distance without requiring extremely tight machining tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The precise distance between optical waveguides is predetermined and fixed during the manufacturing of the base body, before installation. This preliminary establishment of the geometric relationship ensures that the measurement accuracy is not compromised by installation variations, as the critical dimension is set in the factory rather than in the field.
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 solution enables precise and accurate determination of temperature gradients and heat flows by ensuring constant sensor spacing and direct contact with the component, reducing measurement errors and allowing for continuous monitoring of thermal loads.
Implementation Method 1
at least two optical waveguides (4, 5) are arranged on or in the base body (3) at a defined distance from one another
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor element (1) for measuring a temperature gradient in a measuring device (M), in particular in a component (2) of a metallurgical installation. In order to allow an accurate measurement using simple means, according to the invention the sensor element (1) comprises a main body (3), on or in which at least two optical waveguides (4, 5) are arranged at a defined distance (a) apart. The optical waveguides can be connected to an evaluating device. Furthermore, the invention relates to a component (2) of a metallurgical installation having such a sensor element.