Spring-Loaded Temperature Sensor Layout to Prevent Tilt
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensors face accuracy issues due to forces applied in directions orthogonal to the displacement direction of the temperature measurement unit, causing tilting and loss of ideal contact with the measurement object, particularly in vibrating environments.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor design featuring a temperature measurement unit held by a single member with an elastic part, such as a compression coil spring, where electric wires are pulled out along the direction of the applied elastic force, and accommodated in a holding portion that intersects this direction, with a locking body to secure the wires and a guide for displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If terminals and lead wires are pulled out in a direction perpendicular to the displacement direction of the temperature measurement unit, then the electrical connection is established, but a tensile force applied to the lead wires causes a force in a direction different from the displacement direction, causing the temperature measurement unit to tilt from the displacement direction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by pulling electric wires out along the first direction (displacement direction) rather than perpendicular to it. This dimensional reorientation ensures that tensile forces on the wires align with the displacement direction, preventing tilting of the temperature measurement unit while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an asymmetric force application system where the wire pull-out direction is deliberately aligned with the displacement direction rather than being symmetrically perpendicular. This asymmetric configuration ensures that any tensile force on the wires acts along the intended displacement axis, preventing unwanted tilting forces.
2Reliability
If the temperature measurement unit is held by means of a compression coil spring, then the temperature measurement unit can maintain contact with the battery during vibration, but a force is applied in a direction different from the displacement direction, causing the temperature measurement unit to tilt
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the wire pull-out direction to align with the displacement direction (first direction), changing the spatial dimension of force application. This ensures that tensile forces from the wires do not create moment arms that would cause tilting, while the compression coil spring maintains contact during vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by specifically designing the wire pull-out direction and holding portion orientation to control force application at the connection point. The holding portion is configured with an open direction intersecting the first direction, creating a localized force application zone that prevents tilting while maintaining overall contact stability.
3Device complexity
If the holding portion accommodates the elastic part and is open in a second direction intersecting the first direction, then the structure is compact and wires are properly routed, but the configuration must precisely control force directions
Solution Approach 1:
The holding portion is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously accommodates the compression coil spring, guides the electric wires, and controls force directions. The single member structure integrates multiple functions (wire routing, spring housing, force direction control) into one component, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining precision through geometric design.
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
This design ensures accurate temperature measurement by preventing forces from misaligning the temperature measurement unit, maintaining ideal contact with the measurement object despite vibrations, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic part that applies an elastic force to the temperature measurement unit toward the measurement object
Implementation Method 2
the elastic part is composed of a compression coil spring, and the electric wires are pulled out from the holding portion through a central empty space of the compression coil spring
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor includes a temperature measurement unit that is configured to measure a temperature of a measurement object, the temperature measurement unit having a heat-sensitive body and a pair of electric wires electrically connected to the heat-sensitive body; a holding portion that holds the temperature measurement unit and is composed of a single member; and an elastic portion that applies an elastic force to the temperature measurement unit toward the measurement object, the elastic portion being provided between the temperature measurement unit and the holding portion. The electric wires of the temperature measurement unit are pulled out from the holding portion along a first direction in which the elastic force is applied.