Thermocouple Plug Connector with Integrated Temperature Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermocouple plug connectors suffer from thermal contact resistance issues, leading to measurement errors due to temperature gradients between the comparison point and the temperature sensor, especially when using thermocouples with different cross sections or thermal conductivities, and under varying ambient temperatures.
Innovation Solution
An electric plug connector with integrated electrical temperature sensors, where at least one part of the temperature sensing region is attached to the contacting means via a joint, allowing for direct measurement of the comparison point temperature and improved heat transfer using heat-conducting materials or adhesives, ensuring the temperature sensor is in close proximity to the thermocouple conductors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a clamp connection is used to electrically connect thermocouple conductors to contacting means, then the connection is simple and universal, but thermal contact resistance occurs leading to measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temperature sensor as an intermediary element that is thermally coupled to the contacting means. This sensor acts as a mediator between the thermocouple conductors and the measurement system, directly measuring the temperature at the comparison point without being affected by thermal contact resistance in the electrical connections. The sensor is positioned and thermally coupled such that it measures the true comparison point temperature, eliminating measurement errors caused by thermal contact resistance at the clamp connections.
2Device complexity
If the temperature sensor is positioned away from the comparison point, then the electrical connection is simpler, but temperature gradients cause measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a thermal equipotential condition by thermally coupling the temperature sensor directly to the contacting means at the comparison point. This ensures that the sensor and the comparison point are at the same temperature, eliminating temperature gradients and measurement errors. The sensor is positioned and thermally coupled such that no temperature difference exists between the measurement location and the actual comparison point, achieving thermal equipotentiality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If thermocouples with different cross sections and thermal conductivities are used, then the system is more versatile, but thermal contact resistance varies causing inconsistent measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor serves as a universal intermediary that decouples the measurement process from the specific thermal properties of different thermocouple conductors. By directly measuring the temperature at the comparison point through thermal coupling with the contacting means, the sensor provides consistent and accurate measurements regardless of the thermocouple's cross section or thermal conductivity, ensuring measurement consistency across different thermocouple types.
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 configuration eliminates thermal contact resistance errors, allows for flexible use of thermocouples with varying cross sections and thermal conductivities, and compensates for dynamic temperature changes, ensuring accurate temperature measurements without additional error from the electrical connections.
Implementation Method 1
at least one part of the temperature sensing region of the first temperature sensor is attached to the first contacting means by a joint
Implementation Method 2
The measuring principle of thermocouples for measuring temperature is based, according to the thermoelectric effect, on the development of a thermoelectric voltage between two wire conductors that are connected to one another at one end when the connecting point has a different temperature from the two open conductor ends
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an electric plug connector for electrically connecting at least one first and one second thermocouple conductor, comprising at least one electrically conductive first and second contacting means, wherein the first thermocouple conductor is to be connected to the first contacting means, and the second thermocouple conductor is to be connected to the second contacting means, at least one first electrical temperature sensor, which is provided with a temperature sensing region and with at least one first and one second electrical contact, wherein at least one part of the temperature sensing region of the first temperature sensor is directly attached to the first contacting means by a joint.