Temperature Sensing Tape for Thermal Anomaly Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to provide an inexpensive, robust, and easy-to-install solution for detecting and locating thermal variations indicative of overheating or overcooling/freezing on building surfaces, such as roofs, which is crucial for fire hazard detection and ice formation identification.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing tape system comprising high-flexibility, elongated tapes with an electric measurement circuit and thermally actuated devices that can be easily applied and removed, featuring a support layer made of flexible materials like polyimide film and embedded conductive wires with resistors, allowing for detection of temperature thresholds and precise location of thermal anomalies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional overheating detection systems are installed in building surfaces, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is divided into discrete temperature-sensitive resistor segments arranged in series along the tape. Each segment independently detects temperature at its location, allowing the long detection task to be broken into manageable units that can be individually positioned and replaced if needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible tape structure with thin film substrate that can be easily conform ed to building surfaces and installed without rigid mounting hardware. This flexible form factor dramatically simplifies installation compared to traditional rigid temperature sensors requiring complex mounting arrangements.
2Reliability
If traditional overheating detection systems are installed in building surfaces, then temperature monitoring capability is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated tape structure: temperature sensing, electrical connection, and mechanical support are combined in one flexible assembly. The series arrangement of resistors along the tape allows simultaneous multi-point monitoring without requiring separate sensor units, reducing overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive temperature-sensitive resistors that can be mass-produced and replaced if needed, rather than using expensive traditional temperature sensors. The flexible tape substrate uses low-cost materials that can be manufactured economically through standard flexible circuit board techniques.
3Measurement precision
If precise location of thermal anomalies is required, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tape is divided into multiple discrete resistor segments at known positions along its length. When a temperature anomaly occurs, the system identifies which specific segment shows the resistance change, providing precise location information without requiring complex positioning mechanisms or additional sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement system continuously monitors resistance values of individual segments and provides feedback about which segment is experiencing temperature changes. This feedback mechanism enables automatic identification of anomaly location based on which segment's resistance deviates from normal values.
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 system effectively determines the presence and position of thermal variations, enabling early detection of overheating or overcooling conditions, facilitating timely intervention and improving building safety and insulation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
each comprising at least two electric wires side-by-side and spaced from one another at a pre-set distance and extending along the temperature sensing tape; a plurality of resistors arranged along at least one of the electric wires, connected in series to one another, at pre-set distances from one another; and a plurality of thermally actuated electric devices, each connected between the two electric wires at a resistor and configured so as to vary the electric resistance of the temperature sensing tape
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of resistors arranged along at least one of the electric wires, connected in series to one another, at pre-set distances from one another; and a plurality of thermally actuated electric devices, each connected between the two electric wires at a resistor and configured so as to vary the electric resistance of the temperature sensing tape
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 6
AI summary
A temperature sensing tape (4) structured to be arranged resting on a surface, comprising a support layer (5), two electric wires (6), which are arranged in the support layer (5), a plurality of electric resistor components (7) which are arranged in series along an electric wire (6) at pre-set distances from one another, a plurality of thermally actuated electric devices (50), each of which is connected between the wires (6) at a respective electric resistor component (7), and is adapted to be actuated based on the temperature of the portion of layer (5) of the tape which houses the electric device (50) to cause a variation in electric resistance indicative of the position of the electric device (50) along the temperature sensing tape (4).