Thermocouple Slip-Ring Structure for Accurate Rotating Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing temperature detection structures using thermocouples in rotating equipment suffer from inaccuracies due to the generation of thermoelectromotive force in components different from the thermocouple, leading to errors in temperature measurement.
Innovation Solution
The structure includes a configuration with rotating and fixed electrodes connected by conductive portions in a uniform heat environment, using slip rings and insulation to minimize thermoelectromotive force interference, ensuring accurate temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If different materials are used for electrodes, terminals, and balls compared to the thermocouple, then electrical conductivity and mechanical properties are improved, but thermoelectromotive force is generated causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (ice) to create a reference temperature point. By placing the thermocouple in an ice bath, a stable 0°C reference point is established, allowing accurate temperature measurement despite the presence of different materials in the electrical circuit. The intermediary ice bath isolates the thermocouple from thermal interference while maintaining electrical connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a thermally inert environment using ice to establish a controlled temperature reference point. The ice bath acts as a thermal buffer that maintains a constant 0°C environment, isolating the measurement system from external thermal variations and eliminating the harmful thermal effects of material interfaces.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If rollable balls are used to conduct electricity to rotating portions, then abrasion during use is prevented, but thermoelectromotive force is generated in components different from the thermocouple causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The ice bath serves as a intermediary that decouples the electrical connection from thermal measurement. The rollable balls maintain electrical conductivity throughout rotation, and the ice bath reference point allows the system to ignore the thermal effects introduced by these intermediate components, focusing measurement on the known 0°C reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the temperature reference measurement from the rotating electrical circuit by using the ice bath as a separate, stationary reference point. This separates the electrical function (performed by rotating balls and electrodes) from the thermal measurement function, allowing each to operate independently without interfering with the other's performance.
3Measurement precision
If multiple connection portions are provided in a uniform heat environment, then the influence of temperature on conductive portions is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple connection portions (electrodes, terminals, and conductive paths) into a single uniform thermal environment (the ice bath). By combining all these elements in the same 0°C environment, the temperature gradients between different connection points are eliminated, and no additional complex thermal management structures are needed beyond the simple ice bath containment.
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 allows for high-accuracy temperature measurement by reducing the influence of thermoelectromotive force, maintaining a uniform heat environment, and preventing heat transmission between rotating and fixed contacts.
Implementation Method 1
thermoelectromotive force is generated due to the temperature difference between a measurement point at which one ends of two types of metal are in contact with each other, and a temperature measuring instrument side on which the other ends of the two types of metal are connected
Data Source
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AI summary
To provide a temperature detection structure including a thermocouple capable of measuring temperature with high accuracy. The temperature detection structure is provided with: a first rotating connection portion RP1 at which a first measurement-point-side thermocouple conductor 12P and a first rotating-side metal 13P are connected; a second rotating connection portion RM1 at which a second measurement-point-side thermocouple conductor 12M and a second rotating-side metal 13M are connected; a first fixed connection portion FP1 at which a first temperature-measuring-instrument-side thermocouple conductor 16P and a first fixed-side metal 15P are connected; and a second fixed connection portion FM1 at which a second temperature-measuring-instrument-side thermocouple conductor 16M and a second fixed-side metal 15M are connected.