Thermo-generator Powered Temperature Sensor with Isolated Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing on-board temperature measurement devices are limited by battery autonomy, require complex implementations, or are not robust and expensive due to reliance on external power sources or thermo-generators.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measurement device with a thermo-generator that converts thermal energy into electrical energy, where the electronic board is positioned at a non-zero distance from the measurement surface, allowing for robustness, reduced complexity, and cost-effectiveness, and includes a microcontroller for energy storage and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If the electronic board is placed in direct contact with the measurement surface to power the temperature sensor, then the device can operate continuously, but the electronic board is exposed to extreme temperatures which reduces reliability and increases complexity of implementation
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two distinct zones: a measurement surface in direct contact with the extreme temperature environment, and an electronic board positioned at a distance in a protected zone. This segmentation allows the electronic components to operate continuously without being exposed to extreme temperatures, resolving the contradiction between continuous operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal isolation structure acts as an intermediary between the measurement surface and the electronic board. This intermediary component transmits the temperature measurement function while preventing thermal energy from reaching the electronic board, enabling continuous operation without compromising the reliability of the electronic components.
2Device complexity
If a battery is used to power the temperature sensor, then the device is simpler to implement, but the autonomy is limited by the battery lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The device generates its own electrical energy through the thermo-generator by utilizing the temperature difference between the measurement surface and the protected zone. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external batteries or power sources, providing unlimited autonomy while maintaining simple implementation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device exploits the temperature parameter difference between the measurement surface (exposed to extreme temperatures) and the protected zone (moderate temperatures) to generate electrical energy through the thermo-generator. This parameter change approach converts thermal energy into electrical energy, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and autonomy.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If a thermo-generator is used to convert thermal energy into electrical energy, then the device achieves continuous operation, but the device becomes more expensive and less robust
Solution Approach 1:
The thermo-generator is positioned in the protected zone rather than in direct contact with the extreme temperature environment. This segmentation protects the thermo-generator and associated electronic components from thermal damage, maintaining robustness while enabling continuous operation through thermal energy conversion.
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal isolation structure serves as an intermediary that allows the thermo-generator to access thermal energy from the measurement surface while protecting it from extreme temperatures. This intermediary arrangement maintains device robustness while enabling continuous electrical energy generation.
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
The device operates effectively across a wide temperature range, is more robust and cost-effective, and eliminates the need for external power connections, enabling reliable temperature measurement without exposing electronic components to extreme temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
a thermo-generator forming, with said temperature sensor, a surface so-called measurement surface, said thermo-generator being configured to convert thermal energy of said measurement surface into electrical energy
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature measurement device includes: a temperature sensor designed to measure a temperature, a thermo-generator forming, with the temperature sensor, what is known as a measurement surface, the thermo-generator being configured to convert thermal energy of the measurement surface into electrical energy, and the sensor being designed to measure a temperature of a sample in contact with the measurement surface, and an electronic board designed to receive the electrical energy converted by the thermo-generator and supply the temperature sensor, the device including the electronic board is positioned a non-zero distance away from the measurement surface in a direction perpendicular to the measurement surface.