Compact Refrigerant Sensor Arrangement with Nested Temperature Probe
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor arrangements for measuring fluid pressure and temperature require a significant size and number of manufacturing steps, making them costly and inefficient in terms of space usage.
Innovation Solution
A compact sensor arrangement with a housing, pressure sensor element, and temperature sensor case, where the temperature sensor case is attached to the passage using an attachment element, forming a fluid channel that minimizes space and reduces manufacturing complexity, allowing for cost-efficient production.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor tube is extended through a fluid passage of a connector, then temperature measurement is enabled, but the size of the pressure connector must be increased to accommodate the sensor tube
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor case is nested within the fluid passage of the pressure connector, with the attachment element spanning from the inner wall to the sensor case. This nesting arrangement allows the temperature sensor to be accommodated within the existing pressure connector volume without requiring additional space, thereby resolving the contradiction between enabling temperature measurement and maintaining compact pressure connector size.
2Measurement precision
If separate passages are formed for fluid connection and temperature sensor accommodation, then functional requirements are met, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid passage and temperature sensor accommodation space are merged into a single integrated passage structure. The attachment element is formed as an integral part of the pressure connector, eliminating the need for separate passages and reducing manufacturing steps. This merging approach maintains both pressure and temperature measurement functionality while simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing costs.
3Volume of moving object
If the passage is blocked at the attachment element position to minimize free space, then compact design is achieved, but fluid flow path must be carefully designed
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment element acts as an intermediary structure that spans from the inner wall of the passage to the temperature sensor case, effectively blocking the passage at its position while maintaining fluid communication through the fluid channel. This intermediary design allows the passage to be minimized in size while providing a clear fluid flow path from the fluid opening through the attachment element to the pressure sensor element, resolving the contradiction between compact design and fluid flow requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor arrangement for measuring the pressure and temperature of a fluid includes a housing, a pressure sensor element, and a temperature sensor case. The housing includes a passage and a fluid opening, the passage and the fluid opening being in fluid communication. The pressure sensor element is connected to the housing, the pressure sensor element being in fluid communication with the passage. The temperature sensor case includes at least one temperature sensor element, the temperature sensor case being at least partially arranged in the passage. The sensor arrangement further includes an attachment element, wherein the attachment element attaches the temperature sensor case to the passage. The sensor arrangement further includes a fluid channel extending at least in part between the housing and the temperature sensor case, the fluid channel passing the attachment element and being in fluid communication with the fluid opening and the pressure sensor element.