Thermocouple Interface Module for Independent Sensor Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for monitoring temperatures in vehicle exhaust systems require replacing all temperature sensors and the interface module if one becomes faulty, leading to inefficiencies and degradation due to multiplexing in signal processing.
Innovation Solution
An interface module with individually connectable and disconnectable connectors to temperature sensors, allowing for replacement of faulty sensors or modules without affecting the entire system, and using separate A/D converters for each sensor to improve signal integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If all temperature sensors and the interface module are replaced when one component fails, then system reliability is maintained, but maintenance cost and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The interface module is segmented into individual sensor channels, each with independent connectors. This allows one temperature sensor to be replaced without affecting other sensors or the interface module itself, reducing maintenance time and cost while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular connector design allows faulty sensors to be individually discarded and replaced while recovering and retaining the functional interface module and other functional sensors, avoiding unnecessary replacement of working components.
2Device complexity
If multiplexing is used for signal processing, then device complexity is reduced, but signal integrity and measurement precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The signal processing architecture is segmented into dedicated A/D converters for each temperature sensor channel. This eliminates multiplexing between channels, ensuring that each sensor's signal is processed independently without interference, thereby maintaining high measurement precision while keeping overall system complexity manageable through modular 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
Enables efficient and reliable temperature monitoring by allowing individual component replacement and enhancing A/D conversion quality, reducing system downtime and maintaining signal integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a thermistor configured to measure a temperature of the interface module
Implementation Method 2
N different temperature sensors, respectively... each pair of input connectors includes: a first input connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a first connector soldered to a first wire connected to one of the N different temperature sensors
Data Source
AI summary
An interface module includes: N pairs of input connectors that are electrically conductive and that are configured to connect to and disconnect from N different temperature sensors, respectively; and M output connectors that are electrically conductive, where each pair of input connectors includes: a first input connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a first connector soldered to a first wire connected to one of the N different temperature sensors; and a second input connector configured to connect to and disconnect from a second connector soldered to a second wire connected to the one of the N different temperature sensors, where the second input connectors are electrically connected to second ones of the M output connectors, respectively, and where the first input connectors of the N pairs of input connectors are all electrically connected to a node that is connected to a first one of the M output connectors.