Temperature Sensor Compatibility Detection Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature regulators fail to accurately detect erroneous settings or connections of temperature sensors, leading to inappropriate temperature control of controlled objects due to mismatches between the type of connected sensors and processing circuits.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing unit with a configuration that allows selective connection of resistance temperature detectors and thermocouples, featuring a processing portion that detects erroneous connections by measuring inter-terminal voltages and applying reference voltages, and a drive signal generation portion that prevents output to heat sources when incorrect sensor types are detected.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a temperature regulator allows selective connection of resistance temperature detectors and thermocouples using shared connection terminals, then the device achieves versatility in temperature sensor compatibility, but the system becomes susceptible to erroneous settings or connections that cause mismatch between sensor type and processing circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the connected temperature sensor type before switching to the corresponding processing circuit. By detecting the sensor type in advance through voltage measurement and comparison with reference voltages, the system prevents mismatch errors and ensures reliable temperature measurement from the start of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by measuring the voltage between connection terminals, comparing it with reference voltages, and using this information to determine the connected sensor type. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically identify whether a resistance temperature detector or thermocouple is connected and switch to the appropriate processing circuit accordingly.
2Ease of operation
If the temperature regulator uses a setting portion for user configuration of sensor type, then the ease of operation is improved, but the difficulty of detecting erroneous settings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by automatically detecting the actually connected sensor type through voltage measurement and comparing it with the sensor type set by the user. This self-service mechanism identifies mismatches between user settings and actual connections, enabling error detection without requiring additional manual verification steps.
3Productivity
If the temperature regulator performs temperature control without detecting sensor mismatches, then the productivity is maintained, but the temperature control accuracy deteriorates due to inappropriate control signals
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of sensor type mismatch before initiating temperature control. By detecting errors in advance, the system prevents inaccurate temperature measurements and inappropriate control signals, ensuring both measurement precision and control accuracy while maintaining productivity through rapid error identification and correction.
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 detection of erroneous sensor settings or connections, preventing inappropriate temperature control and ensuring the controlled object's temperature remains close to the target temperature.
Implementation Method 1
at least a resistance temperature detector and a thermocouple can be selectively connected as a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a controlled object
Implementation Method 2
at least a resistance temperature detector and a thermocouple can be selectively connected as a temperature sensor
Data Source
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AI summary
A temperature sensing unit and a temperature regulator capable of detecting whether or not erroneous setting of the type of a temperature sensor or erroneous connection has occurred are provided. As a temperature sensor for sensing the temperature of a controlled object, at least a resistance temperature detector and a thermocouple can be selectively connected to an input portion. A temperature sensing processing function portion processes a sensing signal of the temperature sensor connected to the input portion and acquires the temperature of the controlled object. A sensor type setting portion sets the type of a temperature sensor to be connected to the input portion. An erroneous connection detecting function portion detects whether the temperature sensor connected to the input portion is the thermocouple based on an inter-terminal voltage between connection terminals when the type of the temperature sensor set by the sensor type setting portion is a thermocouple.