Temperature Sensor in Thermally Conductive Support Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrical connection plugs require multiple thermistors for temperature monitoring, which are inaccurately and unreliably placed, leading to ineffective heating detection of electrical connection elements.
Innovation Solution
A single temperature sensor is housed in a thermally conductive and electrically insulating support element within the plug's body, acting as a thermal bridge to accurately monitor the temperature of the connection elements, with precise and reproducible placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple thermistors are used for temperature monitoring, then temperature detection coverage is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing precision deteriorate due to imprecise and unreproducible placement
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensing functions are merged into a single thermistor by using a thermally conductive support element that collects heat from multiple connection elements. This eliminates the need for multiple separate thermistors while maintaining comprehensive temperature monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermally conductive support element is introduced as an intermediary between the electrical connection elements and the single thermistor. This support element acts as a heat collector, transferring thermal energy from multiple sources to the single sensor, thereby enabling one thermistor to monitor temperatures at multiple locations.
2Measurement precision
If thermistors are placed directly on electrical connection elements, then temperature monitoring is achieved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to imprecise and unreproducible placement
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive support element serves as a mediator that decouples the thermistor from direct contact with electrical connection elements. The thermistor is positioned on the support element rather than directly on the connection elements, enabling precise and reproducible placement during manufacturing while maintaining effective temperature monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring function is segmented into two parts: the thermally conductive support element that contacts the electrical connection elements, and the thermistor that is precisely positioned on the support element. This segmentation allows the sensor to be placed with high precision on the support element while the support element itself distributes thermal information from multiple connection points.
3Temperature
If the temperature sensor is exposed to the external environment, then heat exchange with environment occurs, but measurement precision deteriorates due to environmental temperature influence
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive support element creates a thermally isolated environment for the thermistor, shielding it from direct exposure to external temperature variations. The support element acts as a thermal barrier that prevents environmental heat exchange while maintaining accurate measurement of internal connection element temperatures.
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 solution allows for accurate temperature monitoring of electrical connection elements, reducing environmental influence and improving placement reliability, enabling effective detection of heating in the plug's internal components.
Implementation Method 1
a thermally conductive and electrically insulating support element distinct from said body, which is attached inside this body, so as to extend between said electrical connection elements
Implementation Method 2
The temperature sensor is accommodated in a thermally conductive and electrically insulating support element... allowing detection effective heating of at least one of the electrical connection elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an electrical apparatus (100) comprising an electrically insulating body (110) housing at least two electrical connection elements (121, 122, 123), and a temperature sensor (200). According to the invention, the temperature sensor is received in a thermally conductive and electrically insulating support element (150) which is separate from said body and mounted inside said body, so as to extend between said electrical connection elements, set back from the outer faces of said body.