Thermometer Calibration Device Vertical Axis Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermometer calibration methods, especially those using integrated fixed-point cells, suffer from reduced dynamic properties and accuracy due to the mass of the calibration device, and cannot measure ambient temperature during phase transformation temperatures, which is a limitation in applications requiring fast and precise temperature measurements.
Innovation Solution
A device and method that allows for on-site calibration of thermometers without removing them from their measuring point, using a positioning device to temporarily establish thermal contact between the temperature sensor and a fixed-point cell along a vertical axis, minimizing influence on measurement dynamics and enabling the use of larger, more accurate fixed-point cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If integrated fixed-point cells are used for on-site calibration, then calibration can be performed without removing the thermometer, but the measurement speed and dynamic properties deteriorate due to the mass of the calibration device
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a calibration device with fixed-point cell, a positioning device for movement, and a temperature sensor. This segmentation allows the calibration function to be performed without permanently attaching the calibration device to the sensor, enabling fast measurement when separated and calibration when positioned together.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning device enables dynamic movement between calibration mode (thermal contact) and measurement mode (separated). This dynamic switching allows the system to optimize between calibration capability and measurement speed by physically separating the components during measurement while maintaining calibration capability when needed.
2Ease of operation
If integrated fixed-point cells are used for on-site calibration, then calibration can be performed in-situ, but the sensor dimensions and self-heating increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed-point cell is extracted from the temperature sensor and placed in a separate calibration device. This extraction eliminates the need to increase sensor dimensions to accommodate the calibration material, while still enabling in-situ calibration through the positioning device that brings the calibration device into thermal contact with the sensor.
3Volume of moving object
If miniature fixed-point cells are used for integration, then compact design is achieved, but temperature stability and precision decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning device acts as an intermediary that enables the use of larger fixed-point cells in the calibration device without requiring the temperature sensor itself to be compact. The positioning mechanism allows thermal contact between the sensor and the larger, more stable fixed-point cell, achieving both precision and portability.
4Extent of automation
If fixed-point cells are permanently integrated into the thermometer, then automated calibration is enabled, but the complexity and cost of sensor electronics increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration device is designed as a universal unit that can calibrate multiple temperature sensors through positioning and thermal contact. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for each sensor to have integrated calibration electronics, reducing individual sensor complexity while maintaining automated calibration capability through the shared calibration device.
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 approach ensures high measurement speed and accuracy while avoiding the drawbacks of previous solutions, allowing for automated calibration without trained personnel and reducing costs, as the calibration device is only temporarily in contact with the sensor, maintaining the sensor's dynamic properties and using larger fixed-point cells for better precision.
Implementation Method 1
the positioning device (3) moves the at least one temperature sensor (2) and the calibration device (4) towards and away from one another along at least one vertical axis of the device (1)... so that thermal contact exists between the temperature sensor (2) and the fixed-point cell (4a)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device and a method for the automated calibration of thermometers for ambient temperature measurement. The device comprises at least one temperature sensor, at least one control device, at least one evaluation and storage unit, at least one positioning device and at least one calibration device, wherein the calibration device comprises at least one fixed point cell and the positioning device is formed in such a way as to move the at least one temperature sensor and the calibration device along at least one vertical axis of the device.