Thermal Flow Sensor Single Functional Element Time Division
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermal flow sensors require two functional elements, increasing space and manufacturing costs due to their dual functionality for temperature measurement and heat influence.
Innovation Solution
A thermal flow sensor design utilizing a single functional element that alternates between determining temperature and flow velocity in two separate time intervals, with a control and evaluation unit applying electrical quantities to calculate flow velocity based on temperature differences, reducing the need for separate heating and sensing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If two functional elements (heating element and temperature sensor) are used in thermal flow sensors, then accurate measurement of temperature and flow velocity is achieved, but space requirement and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies multi-functionality by enabling a single functional element to serve dual purposes: as a temperature sensor and as a heating element. The control and evaluation unit alternates between using the functional element for temperature measurement (first time interval) and for heating purposes (second time interval), allowing one component to replace what traditionally required two separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by dividing the measurement cycle into alternating time intervals. During the first time interval, the functional element measures temperature; during the second time interval, it performs heating. This time-division multiplexing allows a single element to perform functions that would traditionally require multiple simultaneous elements.
2Device complexity
If a single functional element is used to reduce space and cost, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to simultaneously measure temperature and flow velocity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the measurement capability issue through periodic action. The control and evaluation unit sequentially performs temperature measurement during the first time interval and flow velocity measurement during the second time interval. This sequential operation ensures that both measurements are obtained accurately without requiring simultaneous dual-function elements, thus maintaining productivity while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by first determining the temperature of the measuring medium during the first time interval before using this temperature information in the second time interval to calculate flow velocity. This sequential preparation of measurement data allows the single functional element to support both measurement requirements effectively.
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 reduces space requirements and manufacturing costs while maintaining accurate measurement of temperature and flow velocity, achieving reliable results with a single functional element.
Implementation Method 1
a functional element (110), which is configured to determine the temperature of the measuring medium (210) and to influence the temperature of the measuring medium (210)
Implementation Method 2
As anemometric thermal flow sensors consist of at least one heating element, which is heated during the measurement of the flow. As a result of the measuring medium flowing around the heating element, heat transport into the measuring medium takes place
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises a thermal flow sensor for determining the temperature and the flow velocity of a flowing measuring medium, comprising: a functional element which is configured to determine the temperature of the measuring medium and to influence the temperature of the measuring medium; and a control and evaluation unit which is configured to determine the temperature of the measuring medium in a first interval of time by means of the functional element and to determine the flow velocity of the measuring medium in a second interval of time following the first interval of time, and a method for determining the temperature and the flow velocity of the measuring medium by means of the thermal flow sensor according to the invention, and a sensor system comprising such a thermal flow sensor and a further sensor type.