Soldering Tip Temperature Sensor Embedding and Retention Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional soldering devices face issues with non-uniform heating coverage and inaccurate temperature measurement due to the presence of sensor circuits on the heating member, and they often lose engagement elements during disassembly.
Innovation Solution
A soldering device design featuring a tip member with a recessed area for a copper pipe to house the temperature sensor, ensuring accurate placement and secure attachment, and a handle assembly with a rotatable nipple and o-ring system to prevent loss of engagement elements during disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is positioned closer to the front end of the soldering iron tip, then the accuracy of temperature measurements is improved, but the sensor circuit traces passing through the heating circuit cause non-uniform heating coverage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the temperature sensor and heating element into distinct components rather than integrating them into a single circuit board. The sensor is positioned in a recess at the tip while the heating element is housed separately in a heating chamber, eliminating the conflict between sensor traces and heating coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal conductor as an intermediary between the heating element and the tip, and a recess structure as an intermediary for housing the sensor. This allows the sensor to be positioned close to the tip for accurate measurement without its circuit traces interfering with the heating coverage.
2Ease of repair
If the tip cartridge is designed for easy disassembly from the handle, then the ease of maintenance is improved, but the engagement elements may be inadvertently lost during disassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the engagement elements within the handle structure itself rather than having them as separate components. The detent and spring mechanism are integrated into the handle, so when the tip cartridge is removed, the engagement elements remain securely housed within the handle and cannot be lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement elements are designed to automatically return to their proper positions within the handle after disassembly. The spring-loaded detent mechanism self-RESETS, eliminating the need for manual reinstallation of engagement elements during maintenance.
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 solution provides reliable temperature measurement close to the soldering tip with uniform heating coverage and secure disassembly, preventing loss of engagement elements.
Implementation Method 1
The pipe is a copper pipe
Implementation Method 2
heating and sensor circuits imprinted onto a heating member
Data Source
AI summary
A soldering device includes a tip member and a temperature sensor embedded within the tip member by a buckled copper pipe that is thermally conductive. A soldering device includes a tip member and a temperature sensor embedded within the tip portion by application of a crimping force that deforms the tip portion onto the temperature sensor. A soldering device includes a tip member, a heater member, and a thermally conductive wedge that is pushed into a gap between the tip member and the heater member. A soldering device includes a tip cartridge carried by a handle assembly that includes an o-ring and an o-ring cover that keeps the o-ring from falling off of the handle assembly. The o-ring cover includes a hook portion that engages a catch feature of the handle housing.