Phase-Change Temperature Sensor for Spike Exposure Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to provide reliable and precise monitoring of temperature exposure in environments where temperature spikes can occur, potentially degrading sensitive products like vaccines or food, without providing immediate warning signs.
Innovation Solution
A temperature detection system utilizing an array of enclosures filled with phase change materials and magnetic particles, where each enclosure has a unique phase transition temperature, and sensors detect the movement of particles within these enclosures to determine temperature exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional temperature monitoring systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but the measurement precision and reliability of temperature exposure monitoring deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transitions at specific temperature thresholds. When the temperature reaches a critical level, the PCM changes phase (e.g., from solid to liquid), causing magnetic particles to move and alter the magnetic field detected by sensors. This provides precise temperature exposure monitoring without requiring complex electronic temperature sensors throughout the entire range.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic particles as intermediaries between the temperature field and the sensor. These particles respond to temperature changes through their interaction with phase change materials, converting thermal energy into detectable magnetic field variations. This intermediary mechanism enables indirect but precise temperature measurement, improving measurement precision while keeping the overall system relatively simple.
2Reliability
If no monitoring system is used, then the device complexity is minimal, but the reliability of temperature control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates multiple phase change materials with different phase transition temperatures before temperature spikes occur. This preliminary setup creates a series of temperature thresholds that trigger particle movement and sensor activation in advance, providing reliable early warning signals. The system is pre-configured with multiple detection levels, ensuring reliability without requiring complex real-time control algorithms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensors continuously monitor magnetic field changes caused by particle movement, and this information is fed back to control systems. When temperature thresholds are exceeded, the system can alert users or activate corrective measures. This feedback loop significantly improves temperature control reliability by enabling timely responses to temperature excursions.
3Measurement precision
If a single phase change material is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of temperature ranges deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring function into multiple segmented enclosures, each containing a different phase change material with a specific phase transition temperature. This segmentation allows the system to detect different temperature ranges by identifying which enclosures trigger particle movement. Each enclosure acts as an independent detection unit for a specific temperature threshold, enabling precise temperature range measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different phase change materials with distinct thermal properties to different enclosures. Each enclosure is locally optimized for detecting a specific temperature range, with the PCM selected based on the particular temperature threshold it needs to monitor. This local customization enables precise temperature range detection across multiple thresholds without requiring a single complex sensing mechanism.
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 system accurately detects temperature spikes and ranges by monitoring the movement of magnetic particles, providing real-time alerts and ensuring the integrity of temperature-sensitive products.
Implementation Method 1
at least a first phase transition temperature of a first phase change material of the plurality of phase change materials is different than a second phase transition temperature of a second phase change material of the plurality of phase change materials
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of magnetic particles disposed in the plurality of enclosures, and a sensor substrate having a plurality of sensors electrically coupled with the sensor substrate, where each of the plurality of sensors is configured to measure a corresponding set of magnetic particles in a corresponding enclosure and detect a first magnetic response associated with the corresponding set of magnetic particles in a first location within the corresponding enclosure
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present disclosure include using particles in phase change materials to track temperature change of an object. The particles may be initially disposed at specific locations within the phase change materials. As the phase change materials transition from the solid state to the fluid state, the particles may move from the initial locations to different locations. The change in locations of the particles may be detected magnetically, electrically, optically, and/or visually. Such change may indicate that the object experienced a temperate above at least one phase transition temperature of the phase change materials.