Symmetric Air Probe Shielding for Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature probes are not suitable for effectively measuring physical parameters of air streams, particularly in applications like air conditioners where non-homogeneous temperature distributions are common, and they often require direct contact with the air stream, which can be challenging.
Innovation Solution
A probe design featuring a sensing element, such as an NTC element, integrated with a carrier that includes a device for guiding the air stream to the sensing element, allowing for temperature integration and moisture content measurement, with a mirror-symmetric construction to maintain flow conditions regardless of direction, and shielding to prevent direct air contact, utilizing an air reservoir with constrictions for mixing and averaging temperature components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the sensing element is directly exposed to the air stream for measurement, then the measurement responsiveness is improved, but the sensing element is damaged by direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
A shielding device is introduced as an intermediary between the air stream and the sensing element. The shielding device has an air intake that directs the air stream while the sensing element remains shielded, allowing indirect measurement. This mediator protects the sensing element from direct contact damage while still enabling temperature measurement of the air stream through thermal coupling.
2Device complexity
If the probe measures temperature at a single point, then the measurement simplicity is improved, but the temperature integration over the air stream area is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple measurement functions into a single probe structure. The sensing element is integrated with a shielding device that has an air intake, and the carrier incorporates temperature integration capabilities. This merging allows the probe to simultaneously perform point measurement and area-averaged temperature measurement without requiring multiple separate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional point measurement to two-dimensional area measurement by incorporating an air intake with extended cross-sectional area. The shielding device's air intake allows the probe to capture temperature information across a larger area of the air stream, effectively adding a spatial dimension to the measurement capability while maintaining a single sensing element.
3Measurement precision
If the probe structure is asymmetric for optimized flow direction, then the measurement performance in one direction is improved, but the adaptability to reversed flow conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design elements in specific components while maintaining overall symmetry. The shielding device and air intake are positioned asymmetrically on the carrier, but the carrier itself and the sensing element arrangement maintain symmetry. This selective asymmetry optimizes flow guidance while preserving bidirectional measurement capability through the symmetric core structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe is designed with universal characteristics that enable it to function effectively in both forward and reversed flow conditions. The symmetric carrier structure and centrally positioned sensing element allow the probe to adapt to different flow directions without requiring reconfiguration. The shielding device's air intake is designed to capture air stream components regardless of flow direction, making the probe versatile for various installation orientations.
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 probe effectively measures temperature and moisture content across a large area, averaging non-homogeneous distributions and maintaining accuracy regardless of flow direction, while shielding the sensing element from direct air contact, enhancing its durability and measurement precision.
Implementation Method 1
The sensing element can be, for example, an unencapsulated or an encapsulated NTC element. NTC stands for Negative Temperature Coefficient.
Implementation Method 2
components of the air flow that are collected over a large area can be mixed in the thus-formed constriction and measured with respect to their average temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A probe includes a sensing element and a carrier for the sensing element. The carrier has an integrated device for guiding an air stream to the sensing element, and a long axis perpendicular to a plane defined by the flow direction of the air stream. The probe is substantially symmetric with respect to the plane.