Pipe Surface Sensor Mounting for Fast Temperature Response
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for measuring pipe surface temperature in high-temperature, humid, and vibrating environments, such as automotive applications, face limitations in temperature range, humidity resistance, response time, and mounting complexity.
Innovation Solution
A sensor arrangement with a mounting element for direct attachment to the pipe surface, featuring a basic body with a sensor element and a separating element for fixed positioning, a locking mechanism, and elastic deformation for secure mounting, allowing flexibility and robustness in high-temperature and humid conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor element is freely mounted inside a metal tube, then the mounting is simple, but the response time is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor arrangement is divided into modular components: a basic body, a mounting element, and a sensor element. The basic body is segmented with a receiving space that directly contacts the pipe surface, separating the sensing function from the mounting function. This segmentation allows the sensor element to be positioned optimally close to the measurement surface while maintaining simple assembly through modular integration.
2Reliability
If the sensor arrangement uses a complicated mounting mechanism (wrapping systems or additional mounting materials), then the mounting is secure, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting element and basic body are merged into an integrated assembly where the mounting element is releasably attachable to the basic body. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting mechanisms, wrapping systems, or additional adhesive materials. The integrated design achieves secure mounting through the inherent mechanical interface between the mounting element and basic body, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining mounting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting element is designed to be self-sufficient for attachment and detachment without requiring additional tools, materials, or complex mechanisms. The elastic deformation capability of the mounting element allows it to self-adjust and secure to the pipe surface through its own elastic properties, eliminating the need for external mounting aids and simplifying the overall device.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor element is placed close to the surface, then the measurement accuracy and response time improve, but the mounting becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The basic body is pre-configured with a receiving space designed to position the sensor element optimally close to the pipe surface. This preliminary structural preparation eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during assembly. The sensor element is pre-positioned within the receiving space at the correct distance from the surface, ensuring measurement accuracy is built into the design rather than requiring difficult fine-tuning during mounting.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the basic body is permanently fixed to the mounting element, then the structural stability is high, but the adaptability to different pipe surfaces is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between the mounting element and basic body is designed to be dynamically changeable - releasably attachable and detachable. This dynamic interface allows the same basic body to be adapted to different pipe surfaces and diameters by simply detaching and reattaching to different mounting elements, while maintaining structural stability when attached. The reversible connection provides both stability during measurement and adaptability for reconfiguration.
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
Enables accurate and fast temperature measurement across a wide range (-40° C. to +200° C.) with high humidity resistance (IP68) and durability against vibrations, facilitating easy installation without additional materials.
Implementation Method 1
elastic deformation for secure mounting
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a sensor arrangement includes a mounting element configured to mount the sensor arrangement directly to a surface, a basic body removably attached to the mounting element, at least one sensor element arranged in an interior of the basic body and a separating element which is at least partly arranged in the basic body, wherein the separating element is configured to hold the sensor element in a fixed position with respect to the basic body.