Tethered Temperature Sensor Layout for Rubber Track Heat Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rubber products, such as tracks, degrade prematurely due to high temperatures, leading to shortened lifetimes and potential failures, as existing technologies lack effective monitoring solutions for operating conditions.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating tethered temperature sensors with a sensor component in high-temperature regions and an electronic component in lower-temperature regions, connected by leads that also function as an antenna, allowing for temperature monitoring and data transmission, and using a potting material to protect the electronic component from heat and strain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If temperature monitoring is implemented in high-temperature regions, then degradation can be prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into two distinct components: a sensor component placed in the high-temperature region for monitoring, and an electronic component placed in a lower-temperature region for signal processing. This segmentation allows the monitoring function to be implemented while isolating sensitive electronics from harsh thermal conditions, thus improving reliability without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A lead structure serves as an intermediary element connecting the sensor component in the high-temperature region to the electronic component in the lower-temperature region. This intermediary allows temperature data to be transmitted while protecting the electronic component from direct exposure to degrading high-temperature conditions.
2Measurement precision
If electronic components are placed in high-temperature regions for direct monitoring, then measurement accuracy improves, but component durability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the sensing function from the electronic processing function. The sensor component resides in the high-temperature region to ensure accurate temperature measurement, while the electronic component is positioned in a lower-temperature region to extend its operational lifespan and avoid thermal degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lead structure acts as a thermal and mechanical intermediary, allowing the sensor component to experience high temperatures for accurate measurement while transmitting signals to the protected electronic component in a more favorable thermal environment, thus preserving component durability.
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 proactive measures to prevent track degradation by monitoring internal temperatures, extending the lifespan of rubber products and ensuring reliable operation by transmitting critical temperature data for timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
leads that also function as an antenna, allowing for temperature monitoring and data transmission
Data Source
AI summary
One general aspect includes a tethered temperature sensor for use within a vehicle track. The tethered temperature sensor includes one or more sensors for measuring temperature located in a high strain and high temperature region of the vehicle track. The sensor also includes circuitry configured to control and/or monitor the one or more sensors and located in a low strain and low temperature region of the vehicle track. The sensor also includes a housing to contain the circuitry. The sensor also includes an encapsulating material that fills an interior of the housing.