Temperature Sensor Thermal Voltage Error Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature measurement errors occur due to thermal conductivity and insulation effects, leading to inaccuracies in contact thermometers, as the sensor does not directly experience the actual temperature of the object being measured.
Innovation Solution
The temperature sensor and electrical conductors are designed to generate a thermal voltage based on the temperature difference, which is used to correct measurement errors by selecting materials that produce a specific thermal voltage proportional to the temperature difference, allowing for direct or subsequent correction of the measured value.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a contact thermometer is used to measure temperature, then the temperature can be measured directly, but measurement errors occur due to thermal conductivity and insulation effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful thermal conductivity effects into a beneficial correction mechanism. By intentionally creating a temperature difference between the sensor and environment, the thermal voltage generated is used to compensate for the measurement errors caused by thermal conductivity, thereby transforming the harmful thermal effect into a useful correction signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the thermal voltage, which is generated in response to the temperature difference, to correct the measured temperature value. The correction is applied based on the known relationship between thermal voltage and temperature difference, creating a closed-loop correction system that improves measurement accuracy.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is in contact with the electrical conductor, then the temperature can be measured, but self-heating occurs affecting the measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful self-heating effect into a beneficial correction mechanism. The thermal voltage generated due to the temperature difference caused by self-heating is used to compensate for the measurement errors, transforming the harmful self-heating into a useful correction signal that improves measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If thermal voltage is used to correct measurement errors, then measurement accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by selecting specific material combinations for the sensor and electrical conductor that generate a known thermal voltage characteristic. By choosing materials with specific thermoelectric properties, the system achieves automatic correction without complex electronic circuits, as the correction is built into the material selection and configuration.
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 approach effectively compensates for measurement errors by leveraging the thermoelectric effect, improving the accuracy of temperature measurements and reducing self-heating, thereby enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio.
Implementation Method 1
the first electrical conductor and the temperature sensor are designed and matched to one another in such a way that a thermal voltage results when there is a temperature difference
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for determining and/or monitoring at least the temperature, wherein at least one temperature sensor (1) is provided, and wherein the temperature sensor (1) is in contact with at least one first electrical conductor (2). According to the invention, the first electrical conductor (2) and the temperature sensor (1) are designed and matched to one another such that a thermal voltage results when a temperature difference is present.