Sensor system and integrated heater-sensor for measuring and controlling performance of a heater system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heater systems for fluid heating require multiple independent sensors to measure performance characteristics like fluid level and temperature, leading to complexity and limited ability to detect small incremental changes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid sensor system with a probe that combines a resistive heating element and a fluid temperature sensor, allowing the system to create a temperature differential to detect fluid level and measure temperature, and a control system that determines performance characteristics based on electrical responses from these elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple independent sensors are used to measure different performance characteristics, then measurement capability is improved, but device complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (temperature sensing, fluid level detection, and heater functionality) into a single integrated probe. The probe includes a temperature sensor and a resistive heating element that serves dual purposes as both a heater and a level sensor, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resistive heating element is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as a heater to heat the fluid, and simultaneously serves as a fluid level sensor by detecting changes in resistance based on fluid immersion level. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed in the system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple independent sensors are used to measure different performance characteristics, then measurement coverage is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensor functions (temperature sensing, fluid level detection, and heater functionality) into a single integrated probe. The probe includes a temperature sensor and a resistive heating element that serves dual purposes as both a heater and a level sensor, eliminating the need for multiple separate sensors and reducing system complexity while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability.
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 system effectively measures fluid level and temperature with reduced complexity, enabling precise control of the heating process and detection of small changes, thereby improving the efficiency and accuracy of fluid heating systems.
Implementation Method 1
the resistive heating element is operable as a heater to create a temperature differential along the length of the probe to detect the fluid
Implementation Method 2
The probe comprises a resistive heating element and a fluid temperature sensor for measuring one or more performance characteristics. The fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure a fluid temperature
Implementation Method 3
the resistive heating element is operable as a heater to create a temperature differential along the length of the probe to detect the fluid, and as a sensor to measure a fluid level
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid sensor system detects one or more performance characteristics of a heating system that heats a fluid. The sensor system includes a probe having a finite length a portion of which is to be immersed in the fluid. The probe includes a resistive heating element and a fluid temperature sensor for measuring one or more performance characteristics, wherein the fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure a fluid temperature, and the resistive heating element is operable as a heater to create a temperature differential between the fluid and air to detect the fluid, and as a sensor to measure a fluid level.