Temperature Sensor Retainer Structure for Filler-Free Inspection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors require the removal of a filler to check the condition of the thermosensitive body, which is inconvenient and time-consuming.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor design that includes a sensor element with a thermosensitive body, a protective layer, a protective tube, and a retainer that fixes the position of the thermosensitive body relative to the tube without the need for a filler, using a retainer that can be made of metal or resin materials to secure the position through pressure-bonding or pressing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a filler is used to retain the thermosensitive body, then the position of the thermosensitive body is fixed, but the filler must be removed to check the thermosensitive body condition
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct functional components: a retainer structure that provides mechanical retention, a protective tube that houses the thermosensitive body, and observation windows that enable inspection. This segmentation allows the retention function and inspection function to be independently optimized and combined without interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective tube acts as an intermediary structure between the thermosensitive body and the external environment. It provides mechanical protection while incorporating observation windows that allow visual inspection of the thermosensitive body condition without requiring removal of retention materials.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a filler is used to surround the thermosensitive body, then the thermosensitive body is retained, but the manufacturing process becomes complex due to curing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the retention function from the filler material and assigns it to a dedicated retainer structure. This eliminates the need for curing resin fillers and complex manufacturing processes, while still achieving secure retention of the thermosensitive body through mechanical means such as clips, lugs, or interference fits.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer structure is designed as a simple, inexpensive mechanical component that can be easily manufactured and assembled. Unlike curing resin fillers that require complex processing, the retainer can be installed through simple mechanical assembly operations, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
3Ease of operation
If a retainer is introduced to fix the thermosensitive body, then direct observation becomes possible, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer structure is merged with the protective tube to form an integrated assembly. The retainer is positioned inside the protective tube and works in conjunction with it to provide both retention and observation functions. This merging reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate retention and protection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective tube serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical protection for the thermosensitive body, incorporates observation windows for inspection, and works with the retainer to secure the thermosensitive body in position. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
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 direct observation of the thermosensitive body without removing the filler, reducing the need for curing resin, simplifying the manufacturing process, and improving mechanical strength and voltage endurance.
Implementation Method 1
the retainer can fix the position of the thermosensitive body relative to the protective tube by retaining the electrical insulation tube by pressure-bonding
Implementation Method 2
the retainer is pressed against the protective layer provided inside the protective tube and including the thermosensitive body
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor eliminates the necessity of removing a filler in order to check the condition of a thermosensitive body, while retaining the position of the thermosensitive body relative to a protective tube. The temperature sensor includes: a sensor element including the thermosensitive body, a protective layer made of glass and surrounding the thermosensitive body, and a lead wire electrically connected to the thermosensitive body; a protector including the protective tube in which the thermosensitive body is housed; and a retainer mechanically retaining a position of the thermosensitive body relative to the protective tube inside the protective tube.