Thermomagnetic Sensor for Sealed Battery Internal Temperature Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature sensors face challenges in measuring internal temperatures, especially when direct electrical contact is impractical or impossible, such as in sealed devices, and in providing accurate temperature distribution mapping without interfering with the device's operation.
Innovation Solution
A thermomagnetic sensor utilizing a ferromagnetic material with temperature-dependent magnetic permeability, which decreases monotonically with temperature, and an alternating magnetic field to remotely measure temperature without direct electrical contact, allowing for internal temperature measurement and 2D/3D temperature mapping.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors (e.g., thermal couples) are used to measure internal temperature, then temperature measurement capability is provided, but direct electrical contact is required which is impractical or impossible in sealed devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional electrical contact-based temperature sensing with a thermomagnetic sensing mechanism. A ferromagnetic probe is inserted into the sealed device, and an external alternating magnetic field source induces magnetic flux changes in the probe that correspond to temperature variations. These changes are detected by external coils without requiring electrical connections through the sealed container, thus substituting the mechanical/electrical contact system with a magnetic field-based system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors with leads are provided for temperature distribution mapping, then temperature mapping capability is improved, but the sensor leads interfere with the mapping and may be detrimental to device operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the need for physical sensor leads by using a ferromagnetic probe that can be positioned at the measurement point and an external alternating magnetic field source with detection coils. The magnetic field penetrates the sealed device housing, induces flux changes in the probe that are detected externally, thereby mapping temperature distribution without any leads extending into the device that could interfere with operation.
3Measurement precision
If conventional temperature sensors are used, then temperature measurement is achieved, but the sensors require direct electrical contact which complicates the device structure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes the complex electrical connection infrastructure required by conventional sensors with a simplified thermomagnetic system. The ferromagnetic probe serves as the sensing element, and the alternating magnetic field source with external coils provides non-contact measurement capability, eliminating the need for electrical penetrations, connectors, and associated shielding or isolation components that would complicate the device structure.
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 remote and non-invasive temperature measurement within sealed devices, facilitating accurate internal temperature monitoring and mapping without interfering with the device's operation, overcoming the limitations of conventional sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a ferromagnetic material having a temperature-dependent magnetic permeability characterized by a maximum magnetic permeability value below a Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic material. The temperature-dependent magnetic permeability monotonically decreases as a function of temperature between the maximum value and the Curie temperature
Implementation Method 2
an alternating magnetic field source to produce an alternating magnetic field in a vicinity of the thermomagnetic probe to facilitate a measurement of the temperature-dependent magnetic permeability as function of temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A thermomagnetic sensor includes a thermomagnetic probe that includes a ferromagnetic material having a temperature-dependent magnetic permeability characterized by a maximum magnetic permeability value at a temperature below a Curie temperature of the ferromagnetic material. The thermomagnetic sensor further includes an alternating magnetic field source to produce an alternating magnetic field in a vicinity of the thermomagnetic probe to facilitate a measurement of the temperature-dependent magnetic permeability as function of temperature remotely using a thermomagnetic effect. A predetermined relationship between the temperature-dependent magnetic permeability and temperature in a range between the maximum magnetic permeability value and the Curie temperature provides a measurement of a temperature local to the thermomagnetic probe. A battery-temperature measurement system includes the thermomagnetic probe in a battery, a magnetic field coil to apply the alternating magnetic field, and a magnetic permeability measurement apparatus to measure the temperature-dependent magnetic permeability.