Sensor Device Temperature Calculation via Thermal Conduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sensor devices that detect pressure and temperature in fluids face issues with reduced serviceability due to dust accumulation and pressure loss when temperature sensors protrude, and inaccurate temperature detection when they are not protruding.

Innovation Solution

A sensor device with a pressure sensor and two temperature sensors, where the first temperature sensor is in contact with the pressure sensor to detect the fluid's temperature directly, and the second temperature sensor is positioned further away to minimize external temperature influence, allowing for accurate temperature calculation without the need for a protruding probe.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is configured to protrude with respect to the detection target, then the temperature detection accuracy is improved, but dirt or dust accumulates on the protrusion portion reducing serviceability and causing pressure loss of the fluid

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidserviceability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the temperature sensor protrude outward to contact the fluid directly, the invention inverts the approach by embedding the temperature sensor within the housing and using the pressure sensor body as the contact interface with the fluid. The temperature sensor detects temperature through thermal conduction from the pressure sensor body, eliminating the need for a protruding probe while maintaining temperature detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Measurement precision

If the temperature sensor is configured to protrude with respect to the detection target, then the temperature detection accuracy is improved, but pressure loss of the fluid occurs in front of and behind the protrusion portion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention eliminates the protruding structure by inverting the temperature sensor arrangement. The temperature sensor is positioned inside the housing and detects temperature through thermal conduction from the pressure sensor body which is in contact with the fluid. This removes the physical obstruction caused by protrusion, thereby eliminating pressure loss while maintaining temperature detection accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If the temperature sensor is disposed apart from the protrusion portion to overcome these demerits, then serviceability is improved, but the temperature sensor is affected by the temperature at the time of the temperature detection reducing accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveserviceabilityVSAvoidtemperature detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention introduces the pressure sensor body as an intermediary between the temperature sensor and the fluid. The pressure sensor body serves as a thermal conductor that transfers temperature information from the fluid to the temperature sensor. This intermediary approach allows the temperature sensor to be positioned inside the housing (improving serviceability) while still accurately detecting fluid temperature through the thermal conduction path provided by the pressure sensor body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If a protruding probe structure is used for temperature sensing, then temperature detection accuracy is improved, but the housing shape becomes complex and pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature detection accuracyVSAvoidhousing shape complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the temperature sensing function with the pressure sensor housing structure. The temperature sensor is integrated inside the housing and uses the pressure sensor body as both its mounting structure and thermal conduction path. This merging eliminates the need for separate protruding probe structures, simplifying the housing shape while maintaining temperature detection accuracy through the integrated thermal conduction path.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration enables accurate temperature detection of fluids while simplifying the sensor device's housing shape and minimizing pressure loss, reducing the risk of clogging and improving serviceability.

Implementation Method 1

a first temperature sensor provided in the housing and configured to detect a temperature conducted from the fluid via the housing or the pressure sensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure applied to a detection target (e.g., a fluid such as water, oil, etc., air, or the like)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Data Source

PatentEP3364167B1Sensor device
Publication Date: 2019.12.25 OMRON CORP
  • EP3364167B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3364167B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3364167B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(d)

AI summary

Provided is a sensor device (1) that accurately calculate a temperature of a detection target and simplifies a shape of a housing. The sensor device (1) includes a pressure sensor (60), a first temperature sensor (70) that detects a temperature conducted from a detection target, a second temperature sensor (80) that is provided at a position that is more distant from the detection target than the first temperature sensor (70), and a temperature calculator (11) that calculates a temperature of the detection target from a detected temperature of the first temperature sensor (70) and a detected temperature of the second temperature sensor (80).