Temperature Sensor Thermal Isolation via Elastomeric Rings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current surface-mount temperature sensors for low-temperature measurements face challenges in achieving accurate readings due to thermal gradients and environmental exposure, leading to inaccuracy and variability, and existing solutions often require complex designs and higher costs.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor assembly with a cap and elastomeric rings provides thermal isolation between the sensor housing and the sensor, maintaining contact pressure and flexibility to accommodate surface curvature and expansion, while using elastomeric material for electrical isolation and reduced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a temperature sensor is mounted directly on a surface for low-temperature measurement, then the sensor can measure surface temperature, but thermal gradients and environmental exposure cause measurement inaccuracy and variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary thermal isolation assembly between the temperature sensor and the surface housing. This assembly includes insulating materials and design features that act as a thermal barrier, preventing harmful thermal gradients from affecting the sensor while still allowing the sensor to accurately measure the surface temperature. The intermediary structure decouples the sensor from direct thermal influence of the housing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing thermal isolation specifically at the sensor mounting interface while maintaining thermal contact between the sensor and the surface being measured. The insulating features are localized to areas where thermal interference occurs, such as the housing-sensor interface, without preventing the sensor from accurately detecting surface temperature.
2Measurement precision
If existing temperature sensor assemblies are designed for advanced functionality and higher tier instrumentation, then measurement capability is improved, but design complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature sensor assembly into distinct functional components: the temperature sensor element, the thermal isolation assembly, and the mounting structure. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies manufacturing. The thermal isolation assembly is designed as a separate module that can be integrated without requiring complex overall design changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cost-effective materials and simple structural features for the thermal isolation assembly, such as insulating coatings, foam materials, or simple geometric isolation features. These inexpensive elements provide the necessary thermal isolation without requiring expensive precision components, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement accuracy.
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
The solution enhances measurement accuracy and repeatability by minimizing thermal conductance and maintaining consistent contact with the surface, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature sensor assembly with improved thermal isolation... elastomeric material for electrical isolation and reduced heat transfer
Implementation Method 2
maintaining contact pressure and flexibility to accommodate surface curvature and expansion
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor assembly includes a temperature sensor body having a bore defined therein. The bore has a first internal surface feature and a second internal surface feature. A cap is disposed within the bore of the temperature sensor body proximate an end of the temperature sensor body. A temperature sensitive element is disposed within the cap. A first elastomeric ring is disposed about the cap and configured to interact with the first internal surface feature of the temperature sensor body. A second elastomeric ring is disposed about the cap and spaced from the first elastomeric ring. The second elastomeric ring is configured to interact with the second internal surface feature of the temperature sensor body. A wireless field device including the temperature sensor assembly is also provided.