Magnetic Stirrer Temperature Probe with Vertical Sensor Array

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing magnetic stirrers with temperature measuring devices cannot accurately measure temperature distribution and detect changes in medium level due to varying temperatures and filling states, leading to inefficient heating and stirring processes.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic stirrer equipped with at least three temperature sensors arranged at different heights and vertical distances, allowing for precise temperature measurement and detection of temperature stratification and medium level changes, with a rod-shaped thermometer design and adjustable attachment to vessels for enhanced safety and accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a single temperature sensor is used in existing magnetic stirrers, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of temperature distribution is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature distribution measurementVSAvoidtemperature measuring device
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measuring device is segmented into multiple independent temperature sensors (at least three) positioned at different heights within the vessel. Each sensor independently measures temperature at its specific location, enabling the system to capture vertical temperature gradients and stratification without requiring a single complex multi-functional device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If temperature sensors are arranged at different heights, then the detection of temperature stratification and medium level changes is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stratification and medium levelVSAvoidtemperature measuring device
Core Design Contradiction:
Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature sensors are arranged vertically at different heights, adding the height dimension to temperature measurement. This vertical arrangement transforms a single-point measurement into a distributed spatial measurement system, enabling detection of temperature stratification and medium level changes through temperature variations along the vertical axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The same temperature sensors serve multiple functions: measuring temperature at specific heights, detecting temperature stratification patterns, and indicating medium level changes. When a sensor emerges from the medium, its temperature reading changes, providing level detection capability without requiring separate sensors for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If the temperature measuring device is positioned close to the vessel bottom, then the measurement of temperature near the heating plate is improved, but the risk of collision with the stirring magnet increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature near heating plateVSAvoidcollision avoidance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The temperature measurement function is segmented across multiple sensors at different vertical positions rather than concentrating all measurement capability at a single location near the vessel bottom. This distribution allows the system to maintain reliable temperature monitoring while positioning sensors at safe distances from moving components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables precise control and regulation of the stirring and heating processes, preventing overheating, overboiling, and ensuring efficient homogenization of medium temperature, while detecting level changes and evaporation through temperature sensor data, ensuring safe operation and optimal medium handling.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature measuring device with at least three temperature sensors that can be immersed in the medium to be measured

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the heating usually starts from below due to the heating plate being arranged below the vessel or beaker

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 3

the temperature within the medium accordingly decreases from bottom to top

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP2841191B9Magnetic stirrer with a temperature measuring device
Publication Date: 2017.10.11 IKA WERKE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2841191B9 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2841191B9 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A temperature measuring device (1) with a thermometer (2) has a plurality of temperature sensors (3) on one side (10), which function on an electrical basis. The thermometer (2) is immersed in a container or beaker (4) set up in a usage position on a heating plate (102) of a magnetic stirrer (100) and in a medium (5) present therein. The plurality of temperature sensors (3) are arranged spaced apart from one other vertically on the temperature measuring device (1), and are immersed in the medium (5) at different heights in the usage position. It is therefore possible firstly to recognize a temperature stratification inside the medium (5), and secondly, to detect level changes of the medium (5) in the interior of the container (4).