Smart Thermocouple Probe With Embedded Memory For Calibration
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermocouple systems face inaccuracies due to degradation of temperature probes over time, leading to inconsistent temperature measurements, especially when replaced without recalibration, which is challenging in industries requiring precise temperature control for food safety and quality.
Innovation Solution
The system includes a storage module within the temperature probe to store offset values, allowing the control module to adjust measurements by determining a correction value based on the stored offset, ensuring accurate readings even with replaced probes, and also determines a stable measurement time based on thermal conductivity and response time to prevent premature or delayed readings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If temperature probes are replaced without recalibration, then device complexity and ease of operation are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary calibration and stores offset values in the probe's memory before the probe is used. When a probe is replaced, the new probe already contains its calibration data, eliminating the need for recalibration and maintaining measurement accuracy automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration data and offset values are copied into the probe's internal memory during manufacturing. This allows the probe to retain its calibration information independently, so replacement probes come pre-loaded with accurate calibration data without requiring field recalibration.
2Measurement precision
If offset correction is applied continuously, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control module reads the offset value from the probe's memory and applies the correction at specific intervals - initially upon probe connection and then periodically during operation. This periodic approach maintains accuracy while minimizing unnecessary energy consumption compared to continuous correction.
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 maintains measurement accuracy by compensating for probe degradation and ensures stable temperature readings, enhancing food safety and quality control by preventing inaccurate temperature measurements in the food service and other industries.
Implementation Method 1
Temperature is measured at the junction. A voltage may be generated based on the temperature experienced at the junction.
Data Source
Figure 1~2B
Figure 3A~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A system includes a measurement instrument including a first connector and a control module electrically connected to the first connector. A temperature probe including a shaft having a first end and a second end, a second connector being coupled to the first end, a thermocouple junction formed at a tip and configured to measure a change in temperature of a sample, and the second connector being received by the first connector when the temperature probe is attached to the measurement instrument. A storage module housed within the second connector and configured to store one or more parameters of the temperature probe. The control module being configured to: receive the one or more parameters; determine a temperature measurement based on a change in voltage; determine a first correction based on the one or more parameters; and determine an adjusted temperature measurement based on the temperature measurement and the first correction.