Surface Temperature Sensing With Connection Status Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Non-invasive temperature measurement devices face accuracy issues due to loose connections and mechanical influences like vibrations and wear, which are difficult to detect without redundant measuring points or frequent visual inspections, limiting their use in safety applications.
Innovation Solution
A temperature determination device equipped with proximity, position, and force activated sensors to acquire connection status data, comparing this data against baseline values to ensure the integrity of the sensor's connection to the process device, thereby determining the accuracy of temperature measurements and generating diagnostic information for safety applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If surface mounted sensors are used for non-invasive temperature measurement, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to loose connections and mechanical influences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using connection sensors (proximity, position, or force activated) to continuously monitor the connection status between the temperature sensor and the process device. This feedback mechanism detects when connections become loose or mechanical influences occur, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision without requiring complex mounting procedures or frequent manual inspections.
2Measurement precision
If connection sensors are added to monitor connection status, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses intermediary connection sensors that indirectly monitor the connection status between the temperature sensor and the process device. Rather than directly measuring temperature, these intermediary sensors detect proximity, position, or force conditions that indicate connection integrity. This approach maintains measurement precision while adding minimal complexity, as the connection sensors are simple binary or analog indicators rather than full temperature sensing systems.
3Measurement precision
If frequent visual inspections are performed to detect connection issues, then measurement precision is maintained, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous monitoring of connection status through integrated connection sensors that operate throughout the entire operational period. This continuous detection replaces periodic visual inspections, ensuring measurement precision is maintained without interrupting productivity. The system continuously provides diagnostic information about connection integrity, allowing operators to respond to issues only when necessary rather than performing routine inspections.
4Measurement precision
If redundant measuring points are implemented to detect connection issues, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the connection monitoring function from the temperature measurement function itself. Rather than using redundant temperature measuring points to detect connection issues, the system separates the monitoring task by using dedicated connection sensors (proximity, position, or force activated) that specifically detect connection status. This extraction maintains measurement precision while avoiding the complexity of multiple temperature sensors, as the connection sensors provide binary or simple analog indicators of connection integrity.
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 device ensures accurate temperature measurements by detecting and correcting for connection issues, enhancing safety ratings by providing reliable diagnostic information and preventing errors in critical applications.
Implementation Method 1
In one embodiment, the at least one connection sensor comprises one or more proximity sensors
Implementation Method 2
In one embodiment, the at least one connection sensor comprises one or more position activated sensors
Implementation Method 3
In one embodiment, the at least one connection sensor comprises one or more force activated sensors
Implementation Method 4
the sensor tip is linked or connected to the surface of the process device for which the temperature is to be measured
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a temperature determination device, comprising: a temperature sensor, a mount, and at least one connection sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to be connected to a process device via the mount. The temperature sensor is configured to acquire temperature data. The at least one connection sensor is configured to acquire connection status data relating to connection of the temperature sensor to the process device. The temperature determination device is configured to utilize the temperature data and the connection status data with respect to a determination of a temperature of the process device.