Power Plug Temperature Sensing via Non-Contact Pin Planes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plugs for sensing heat generated at power supply pins suffer from decreased accuracy due to the placement of thermistors far from the pins, leading to inefficient temperature sensing.
Innovation Solution
A plug design featuring multiple power supply pins with round bar shapes and axial directions parallel to each other, equipped with flat temperature sensing elements that face flat surfaces on the pins without physical contact, allowing for accurate temperature sensing through strategically positioned planes on the pins and flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the thermistor is placed far from the power supply pins, then the plug structure is simpler and easier to manufacture, but the temperature sensing accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions temperature sensing elements in a different spatial dimension - placing them on the side surfaces of the power supply pins rather than at the distal end. This dimensional change allows the sensing elements to be much closer to the heat generation points (pin contact surfaces) without requiring complex wiring or structural modifications, thereby improving temperature sensing accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces flat surfaces on the power supply pins as intermediary heat transfer surfaces. These flat surfaces act as mediators between the heat generation points (pin contact surfaces) and the temperature sensing elements, enabling efficient thermal coupling and accurate temperature measurement without direct contact between the sensing elements and the pins
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensing element is placed close to the power supply pins, then the temperature sensing accuracy improves, but the risk of physical contact and potential short circuit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions temperature sensing elements on the side surfaces of the power supply pins, utilizing the lateral dimension rather than the axial dimension. This spatial arrangement allows the sensing elements to be in close proximity to the heat generation points while maintaining sufficient clearance to prevent physical contact and electrical short circuits, thus simultaneously improving temperature sensing accuracy and ensuring electrical insulation reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing flat surfaces only at specific locations on the power supply pins where temperature sensing is required, rather than covering the entire pin surface. This localized approach enables close positioning of temperature sensing elements for accurate measurement while maintaining the original cylindrical shape and insulation properties of the pins in other areas, preventing potential short circuits
3Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensing elements are added for each power supply pin, then the temperature monitoring capability improves, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature sensing function by providing separate temperature sensing elements for each power supply pin, allowing independent temperature monitoring of each pin. This segmentation enables precise temperature measurement at each pin location while using simple, standardized sensing element designs that are easy to manufacture and install, avoiding the need for complex integrated sensing systems
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 design enhances the accuracy of heat sensing at multiple power supply pins by positioning temperature sensing elements to effectively detect temperature without physical contact, improving the plug's ability to monitor heat generation.
Implementation Method 1
Each of the multiple temperature sensing elements faces a respective one of the multiple planes without being in contact therewith
Data Source
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AI summary
An objective of the present invention would be to propose a plug of capable of sensing heat generated at multiple power supply pins accurately. The plug of one aspect according to the present invention includes: multiple power supply pins (10) having round bar shapes and axial directions parallel to each other; and multiple temperature sensing elements (41) for sensing temperatures of the multiple power supply pins (10), individually. The multiple power supply pins (10) have planes (14) with normal directions crossing the axial directions, individually. The multiple temperature sensing elements (41) face the planes (14) of the multiple power supply pins (10) without being in contact therewith, individually.