Paired Temperature Sensor With Classification And Asymmetry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Paired temperature sensors used in vehicle exhaust systems face challenges in accurately measuring temperature differences due to variations in electrical characteristics and incorrect assembly, leading to inaccurate data transmission and reduced production efficiency.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves manufacturing paired temperature sensors with thermosensitive elements classified into classes based on electrical characteristics, ensuring that two sensors with similar characteristics are paired, and incorporating distinct differences such as lead wire lengths or optical codes to prevent incorrect assembly and ensure accurate data transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If two temperature sensors are arbitrarily selected from production batches, then production efficiency is improved, but the electrical characteristics of the thermosensitive elements may differ significantly, leading to inaccurate temperature difference measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary classification of thermosensitive elements into groups based on their electrical characteristics during the manufacturing process. By pre-sorting elements into classification groups before final assembly, sensors can be quickly matched during production without requiring time-consuming individual testing and adjustment, thus maintaining high production efficiency while ensuring measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes electrical resistance values at specific temperatures as classification parameters to group thermosensitive elements. By changing the selection criterion from arbitrary selection to resistance-based classification, the system ensures that paired sensors have matched characteristics, enabling accurate temperature difference measurements while streamlining the pairing process.
2Device complexity
If no distinguishing features are provided on the temperature sensors, then device complexity is reduced, but assembly errors occur when sensors are incorrectly positioned relative to the catalytic converter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local distinguishing features (such as different lead wire lengths, colored markings, or shape variations) to specific locations on the temperature sensors. These localized differences provide clear visual or physical cues for correct orientation and positioning during assembly, ensuring reliable installation without requiring complex overall sensor design changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces asymmetric distinguishing features between the two sensors in the paired configuration. By making one sensor physically distinct from the other through asymmetric design elements (different lead lengths, unique markings, or shaped connectors), the system prevents incorrect symmetric placement and ensures proper positioning during assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If lead wires are connected without distinctive identification, then ease of manufacture is improved, but connection errors occur when lead wires are connected to wrong destinations on the connector
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color-coded identification to lead wires, where different colors correspond to specific sensor connections and signal types. This visual coding system enables quick and accurate wire-to-terminal matching during assembly, preventing connection errors while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through an intuitive identification method.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local distinguishing features to specific lead wires (such as different lengths, colors, or terminal positions) to indicate their correct destination. By making each lead wire locally identifiable, the system ensures accurate signal routing without requiring complex connection procedures or additional verification steps.
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 allows for accurate measurement of temperature differences between upstream and downstream catalytic converter temperatures, improving production efficiency by reducing variations in electrical characteristics and preventing assembly errors.
Implementation Method 1
each of the temperature sensor having a thermosensitive element therein that changes its electrical characteristics according to temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A paired temperature sensor includes two temperature sensors having electrical characteristics substantially equivalent at the same temperature range, each of the temperature sensor having a thermosensitive element therein that changes its electrical characteristics according to temperature, and a pair of lead wires, and a single connector 3 to which the two temperature sensors are connected via the lead wires. The two temperature sensors have electrical characteristics substantially equivalent at the same temperature range. The connector has positioning portions for allowing the connector to be connected in a predetermined orientation relative to a counterpart connector. There is provided at least one distinguishing difference between the two temperature sensors.