Temperature Probe Hub Drainage for Fluid-Protected Probe Jacks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature probe hubs lack effective mechanisms to prevent fluid from entering and accumulating in the probe jacks and housing, which can lead to malfunction and require user intervention for removal.
Innovation Solution
The temperature probe hub incorporates one or more drains configured to remove fluid from the probe jacks, and a base with a filler that moves to actuate a control button, allowing for operational control without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temperature probe hubs are used to simultaneously receive multiple jack plugs, then the ability to monitor multiple temperature probes is improved, but the risk of fluid accumulation in probe jacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid removal function from the probe hub by incorporating drains that actively remove fluid from the probe jack area. This separates the fluid management function from the temperature monitoring function, allowing the hub to handle multiple probes while preventing fluid accumulation through dedicated drainage pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the drain system with movable base portion) that acts between the probe jack and the housing interior. This intermediary actively prevents fluid from accumulating in the probe jack by providing a controlled removal pathway, thus protecting the electrical connections while maintaining the multi-probe capability.
2Ease of operation
If probe jacks are exposed for easy connection, then ease of operation is improved, but fluid can easily enter and accumulate in the jacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the drain system automatically removes fluid from the probe jack area without requiring user intervention. The movable base portion responds to fluid presence by activating the drain, thus protecting the exposed probe jacks while maintaining easy connection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the harmful fluid from the probe jack environment by providing active drainage. This allows the probe jacks to remain exposed and easily accessible while the fluid removal function operates independently to prevent accumulation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the housing is sealed to prevent fluid entry, then protection against fluid is improved, but user intervention is required for fluid removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service fluid removal system where the drain mechanism automatically activates when fluid is detected in the probe jack area. The movable base portion responds to fluid presence and initiates drainage without user intervention, thus maintaining protection while eliminating the need for manual fluid removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a feedback mechanism where the presence of fluid in the probe jack area triggers the drain system to activate. The movable base portion detects fluid conditions and automatically initiates the drainage process, creating a closed-loop system that protects against fluid accumulation without requiring user intervention.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If drains are added to remove fluid, then fluid removal capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a multi-functional drain system where the same movable base portion serves both as a structural support element and as a fluid-activated drainage mechanism. This universal component performs multiple functions (structural support, fluid detection, and drainage activation) without adding significant complexity to the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the drainage function with the existing housing structure by making the base portion movable and responsive to fluid presence. Instead of adding a separate complex drainage system, the drain functionality is integrated into the base structure itself, thus providing fluid removal capability while minimizing additional complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
Temperature probe hubs are disclosed. An example temperature probe hub includes a housing, a drain, and a probe jack. The drain extends through the housing. The probe jack is located within the housing in fluid communication with the drain. The drain is configured to remove fluid from the probe jack.