Thermometer Test Fixture With Vortex Flow for Stable Bath Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for certifying thermometers lack precise positioning and temperature stability during calibration, leading to inconsistent temperature exposure for thermometers in calibration baths.

Innovation Solution

A test fixture that positions thermometers at predetermined locations and creates a vortex flow pattern within a calibration bath to maintain temperature stability, ensuring consistent temperature exposure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If thermometers are positioned in a calibration bath using conventional methods (laying or gantry-type devices), then thermometers can be placed in the bath, but precise positioning and consistent temperature exposure cannot be ensured

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature exposure consistencyVSAvoidpositioning device complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a test fixture as an intermediary device between the calibration bath and the thermometers. This fixture includes a positioning mechanism with adjustable clamps and a support structure that precisely positions multiple thermometers at predetermined locations within the bath, ensuring consistent temperature exposure while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The test fixture segments the positioning function into adjustable components including individual clamps for each thermometer, a modular support structure, and independent positioning mechanisms. This allows precise control of each thermometer's position while keeping the overall device adaptable and not overly complex

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If a calibration bath circulates liquid in a standard pattern, then liquid circulation occurs, but temperature stability at thermometer locations cannot be maintained within ±0.01° F.

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidcalibration throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local quality by creating a dedicated test fixture environment with controlled liquid circulation patterns specific to the thermometer positions. The fixture includes localized flow channels and positioning that ensure each thermometer experiences consistent temperature conditions, achieving ±0.01° F. stability at critical locations while maintaining overall system productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The test fixture incorporates dynamic liquid circulation patterns that can be adjusted to optimize temperature stability. The circulation system includes controllable flow rates and patterns that adapt to different calibration scenarios, maintaining temperature stability while allowing for efficient calibration of multiple thermometers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If multiple thermometers are placed in a calibration bath without predetermined positioning, then multiple thermometers can be calibrated simultaneously, but temperature exposure consistency varies between thermometers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration throughputVSAvoidtemperature exposure consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The test fixture serves multiple functions simultaneously: it positions multiple thermometers at predetermined locations, controls liquid circulation patterns, maintains temperature stability, and provides a structured environment for simultaneous calibration. This multi-functional design enables efficient batch calibration while ensuring consistent temperature exposure for all thermometers

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Maintains temperature stability within ±0.01° F. (±0.0056° C.) over a range of 400° F. (˜ 204° C.), enhancing the accuracy of thermometer calibration.

Implementation Method 1

The liquid circulating within the test fixture has a vortex flow pattern as it contacts the curved wall of the fixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVortex flow: Vortex Ring

Implementation Method 2

The liquid circulating within the test fixture has a vortex flow pattern as it contacts the curved wall of the fixture works its way up the test fixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Implementation Method 3

The liquid then exits the test fixture and returns to the bath by overlaying and cascading down the tube, thereby adding a layer of insulation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS12571689B2Test fixture for use with a thermometer test bath

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 W L WALKER

AI summary

A test device and method of this disclosure maintain stable bath temperature of a calibration bath. The test device includes a base that introduces vortex flow of liquids from the calibration bath into a hollow interior of a cylinder containing a reference and a test thermometer, the vortex flow of liquids then exiting a cap at the upper end of the cylinder and returning to the bath. The test device is partially surrounded by the liquids of the calibration bath. In some embodiments, the calibration bath is a circulating calibration bath. The test device and method of its use maintain bath temperature within at least ±0.01° F. (±0.0056° C.) about a predetermined bath working temperature.