Thermocouple Cold Reference Junction Sensor in Releasable Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-temperature measurement applications, such as aircraft engine monitoring, existing temperature measurement systems using thermocouples require a cold reference junction within the electronics module, which complicates the design and wiring, and typically use thermocouple-specific conductor materials, limiting flexibility and simplification opportunities.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensor is embedded within a disk or plate of insulating material, fitted within a releasable connector to form a cold reference junction, allowing for thermal and electrical contact with thermocouple conductors, enabling the use of conventional copper conductors and simplifying the electronics module by relocating the cold reference junction to the connector.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cold reference junction is integrated within the electronics module, then the temperature measurement function is complete, but the device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the cold reference junction from the electronics module and relocates it to the connector. This segmentation allows the connector to independently provide the cold reference junction functionality, simplifying the electronics module design while maintaining complete temperature measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector acts as an intermediary component that houses the cold reference junction. By using the connector as a mediator between the thermocouple conductors and the electronics module, the system achieves temperature measurement without requiring the electronics module to contain the cold reference junction, thereby reducing complexity.
2Reliability
If thermocouple-specific conductor materials are used throughout the connector, then the thermocouple circuit is maintained, but material flexibility and design options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies different material qualities to different locations: thermocouple-specific materials are used only where circuit integrity is critical (at the cold reference junction), while conventional copper conductors are used in other parts of the connector where electrical connectivity is sufficient. This local differentiation maintains circuit reliability while maximizing material flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides mechanical connection, electrical connectivity, and houses the cold reference junction. This multi-functionality allows the use of conventional copper conductors in the connector structure while maintaining thermocouple circuit integrity through the specialized cold reference junction configuration.
3Measurement precision
If the cold reference junction is located within the electronics module, then temperature sensing is enabled, but the connector design and wiring are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cold reference junction from the electronics module and places it in the connector. This extraction simplifies the connector design by giving it a specific functional role while reducing the electronics module's complexity, and maintains temperature sensing capability through the separated configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the conventional approach where the electronics module contains the cold reference junction, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the cold reference junction in the connector. This inversion simplifies the overall system architecture and wiring while preserving temperature measurement precision.
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 solution simplifies the connector and electronics module design, eliminates the need for thermocouple-specific conductor materials, and allows for accurate temperature sensing of the cold reference junction within the connector, enhancing flexibility and reliability in high-temperature measurement systems.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature sensor is embedded within a disk or plate of insulating material, fitted within a releasable connector to form a cold reference junction, allowing for thermal and electrical contact with thermocouple conductors
Implementation Method 2
the voltage across the thermocouple conductors at the cold reference junction may be measured. From the voltage measured at the cold reference junction and a predetermined thermocouple characteristic function
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensor for a cold reference junction of a thermocouple is provided that may be incorporated permanently or removeably in a releasable connector having a first connector part arranged to engage releasably with a second connector part in which the thermocouple conductors terminate, so forming a cold reference junction for the thermocouple. When the two parts of the connector are engaged, the temperature sensor of the present invention is able to sense the temperature in the vicinity of a cold reference junction in the connector. The temperature sensor may be provided by embedding one or more thermistors into a flexible disk or plate-like seal able to fit around the conductors of the first connector part such that the thermistors make electrical contact with selected conductors of the first connector part and thermal contact with the cold reference junction.