Temperature Sensor Adaptor Circuit for Signal Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature sensors often require specific measurement instruments for different types, limiting flexibility and increasing costs when switching between sensor types or environments, as existing systems are typically specialized for particular sensors like thermocouples or RTDs.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor adaptor system that converts input characteristics from one type of sensor into a pulse width signal, allowing it to interface with a different type of measurement instrument, including a processor and impedance circuit to provide an output impedance corresponding to a synthesized sensor, enabling adaptation and improved sensitivity or range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement instruments are specialized for particular sensor types, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an adaptor circuit as an intermediary device between the temperature sensor and the measurement instrument. This adaptor converts the electrical signal from one sensor type (e.g., thermocouple) into the corresponding signal format for another sensor type (e.g., RTD), allowing the specialized measurement instrument to work with different sensor types without modification. The adaptor embodies the mediator principle by translating between different signal formats.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor circuit provides multi-functionality by enabling a single measurement instrument to interface with multiple different temperature sensor types. The circuit can be configured to accept inputs from various sensor types and output signals compatible with the instrument's expected input, effectively making the system universal rather than specialized for one sensor type.
2Reliability
If temperature sensors are designed for harsh environments, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into three distinct components: the temperature sensor (which can be optimized for harsh environments), the adaptor circuit (which handles signal conversion), and the measurement instrument (which processes the converted signal). This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the sensor for environmental durability, the adaptor for signal compatibility, and the instrument for measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor circuit serves as a protective intermediary that shields the measurement instrument from the complexities of different sensor types and harsh environments. By placing the adaptor between the sensor and instrument, the system can use robust sensors in harsh conditions without exposing the instrument to environmental stress or signal compatibility issues.
3Adaptability or versatility
If measurement instruments are modified to support multiple sensor types, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the measurement instrument to support multiple sensor types, the patent places an adaptor as an intermediary device that handles the complexity of sensor type conversion. The instrument remains simple and specialized, while the adaptor absorbs the complexity of accommodating different sensor formats through configurable signal conversion circuitry.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor circuit creates a virtual copy of the expected sensor output format. By generating a simulated signal that matches the instrument's expected input format regardless of the actual sensor type, the adaptor allows the instrument to operate as if it were connected to a specific sensor type without actually being modified.
4Adaptability or versatility
If different sensor types are used, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to interface incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The adaptor circuit acts as a precision intermediary that ensures accurate signal translation between different sensor types and the measurement instrument. It maintains measurement precision by carefully converting signal parameters (voltage, current, impedance) while preserving the temperature information integrity, thus preventing accuracy loss due to interface incompatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The adaptor handles parameter changes by converting signal characteristics from one sensor type to another. For example, it can convert voltage outputs from thermocouples to impedance signals compatible with RTD instruments, or adjust current signal parameters to match expected input formats, thereby maintaining measurement precision across different sensor types.
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 reliable and cost-effective adaptation of temperature sensors to interface with different measurement instruments, improving sensitivity and range, and allowing for the use of different sensor types without modifying the measurement system.
Implementation Method 1
generating a pulse width signal having a pulse width that varies in response to the received input characteristic
Implementation Method 2
configured for providing an impedance at the output responsive to the pulse width of the received pulse width signal
Implementation Method 3
thermocouples generate an output voltage, due to the well known Seebeck Effect
Data Source
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AI summary
A temperature sensor adaptor assembly and method having a conversion circuit configured for receiving an input characteristic of an input temperature sensor and generating a pulse width signal having a pulse width that varies in response to the received input characteristic. The assembly also includes an output circuit coupled to the conversion circuit for receiving the pulse width signal, coupled to an output, and configured for providing an impedance at the output responsive to the pulse width of the received pulse width signal. The provided impedance at the output corresponds to an impedance of a synthesized temperature sensor that is different from the input temperature sensor.