Temperature Sensor In Situ Calibration via Comparison Medium Immersion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature measurement and monitoring systems require cumbersome calibration and validation processes, often necessitating removal from the measurement environment and separate comparison measurements, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method that includes a temperature sensor and an electronics unit with input and display capabilities to detect immersion in a comparison medium, perform calibration/validation measurements, and store data for automatic recording and plotting, allowing for in situ calibration and validation with minimal user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If separate comparison measurements are performed for calibration and validation, then measurement precision can be ensured, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate calibration and validation measurements into a single integrated process. The temperature sensor performs both calibration against a comparison medium and validation against stored reference values sequentially without removal, merging two distinct operational steps into one continuous in-situ process that reduces time while maintaining precision requirements
Solution Approach 2:
Reference measurement values are pre-stored in the electronics unit before the actual validation measurement occurs. The system prepares validation criteria in advance by storing reference data from previous calibration measurements, allowing the validation process to proceed immediately without additional setup time while ensuring measurement precision through pre-established reference standards
2Measurement precision
If temperature sensor is removed from process for calibration, then accurate comparison measurements can be performed, but operational continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor performs calibration and validation measurements independently while remaining installed in the process. The sensor immerses itself in the comparison medium, the electronics unit automatically detects the immersion event and triggers the measurement sequence, and results are stored automatically - the entire calibration process serves itself without requiring removal from the process or manual intervention, maintaining both precision and productivity
3Measurement precision
If manual comparison measurements are performed, then calibration data can be obtained, but operational complexity and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electronics unit automatically detects when the temperature sensor immerses in the comparison medium through conductivity or temperature change detection, triggers the calibration measurement sequence, compares results against stored reference values, and determines whether calibration is successful - this automated feedback loop eliminates manual operation complexity while ensuring validation accuracy through systematic automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic detection and control. Instead of manually removing the sensor, setting up comparison measurements, and recording data, the system uses electronic detection of immersion events, automated measurement triggering, and electronic data storage and comparison - substituting mechanical manual processes with electronic automation that simplifies operation while maintaining precision
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 easy and automated calibration/validation of temperature sensors, reducing the need for manual handling and separate comparison measurements, thereby streamlining the process and improving operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
at least one temperature sensor (2) having at least one sensor element (3)... based on a received signal (24) received from the sensor element (3) the temperature of the comparison medium is determined
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an apparatus for determining and/or monitoring temperature of a medium, comprising at least one temperature sensor having at least one sensor element, an electronics unit, an input unit, and a display unit. The electronics unit is embodied to determine and/or to monitor at least the temperature of the medium and to detect whether the temperature sensor is immersed at least partially in at least one comparison medium with known comparison temperature. When the temperature sensor is immersed in a comparison medium the electronics unit performs a comparison measurement for calibrating and/or validating the sensor element. The temperature of the comparison medium is determined in the form of a comparison temperature measured value.