Temperature Sensor Calibration Using Reference Sensor and Heating Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors require frequent calibration, which often necessitates interrupting the process and removing them from their installation, causing inconvenience and potential errors due to seal disruption.
Innovation Solution
A device with a reference temperature sensor that can be calibrated independently of the main temperature sensor, using a heating/cooling unit to generate specific temperatures for calibration, allowing for continuous operation without process interruption and providing reliable calibration data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is removed for calibration, then calibration can be performed accurately, but the process must be interrupted and seals must be restored
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a temperature sensor for measurement, a reference temperature sensor for calibration, and a heating/cooling unit for temperature control. This segmentation allows the reference sensor to be calibrated independently without removing the main temperature sensor from the process stream, thus maintaining process continuity while ensuring calibration accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
A reference temperature sensor is introduced as an intermediary element that enables calibration without direct interference with the main temperature sensor's operation. The reference sensor measures temperature at a known location, and the heating/cooling unit adjusts temperatures to create calibration conditions, allowing accurate calibration while the main sensor continues measuring in the process stream.
2Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is removed for calibration, then calibration can be performed, but seals must be removed and restored
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the calibration function into an independent reference temperature sensor system, the main temperature sensor remains permanently installed in the process stream. This eliminates the need to remove and re-install seals associated with the main sensor, reducing device complexity while maintaining calibration capability.
3Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but process interruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reference temperature sensor system enables self-calibration of the main temperature sensor without requiring manual intervention to remove sensors or interrupt the process. The heating/cooling unit can automatically adjust temperatures to calibration points, and the system can perform calibration operations while the process continues, reducing time loss while maintaining accuracy.
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 calibration of temperature sensors without interrupting the process, ensuring accurate and reliable temperature measurements by using a detachable reference sensor and a control unit to generate adjustable temperatures for calibration, allowing for continuous operation and reducing calibration errors.
Implementation Method 1
at least one heating/cooling unit (2) is provided, which can generate certain adjustable temperatures or temperature ranges
Implementation Method 2
at least one heating/cooling unit (2) is provided, which can generate certain adjustable temperatures or temperature ranges
Implementation Method 3
at least one reference temperature sensor (3) is provided, with which certain temperatures or temperature ranges can be measured
Implementation Method 4
at least one temperature sensor (1) is provided for determining and/or monitoring at least one temperature
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for determining and/or monitoring at least one temperature, comprising at least one temperature sensor (1). In a first embodiment, the device is equipped with at least one reference temperature sensor (3) and at least one heating/cooling unit (2), which is thermally coupled to the temperature sensor (1) and the reference temperature sensor (3). In a second embodiment: the device is equipped with at least one reference temperature sensor (3) and the temperature sensor (1) and reference temperature sensor (3) are configured and arranged in such a way that they essentially measure an identical temperature; at least one transmitter head (7) is provided and the temperature sensor (1) and the reference temperature sensor (3) are connected to the transmitter head (7) in such a way that said transmitter head (7) receives the data measured by the temperature sensor (1) and the reference temperature sensor (3); and the device is also equipped with at least one memory unit (8), in which the measured data from the temperature sensor (1) and the reference temperature sensor (3) can be stored.