Thermometer With Thermocouple Gradient Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature sensors in process automation often face measurement inaccuracies due to temperature gradients caused by thermal resistors and deposition layers, which are difficult to detect and correct using existing methods.
Innovation Solution
A thermometer device with temperature-sensitive sensor elements electrically contacted via connection lines divided into sections of different materials, forming thermocouples to directly detect temperature gradients at the sensor location, reducing measurement falsifications by detecting thermovoltage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a temperature sensor is separated from the medium by protective tubes and measuring inserts, then the sensor is protected from environmental damage, but temperature gradients occur causing measurement inaccuracies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermocouple as an intermediary measurement element between the temperature sensor and the medium. This thermocouple directly contacts the medium through the protective tube, measuring the actual medium temperature at the sensor location without requiring the sensor itself to be in direct contact, thus maintaining both protection and measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the direct thermal conduction measurement method with a thermoelectric measurement method. Instead of relying on thermal equilibrium through the protective tube, the system uses a thermocouple to generate a thermovoltage that directly indicates the temperature difference, substituting mechanical thermal transfer with an electrical measurement approach
2Reliability
If deposition layers form on the protective tube, then the sensor remains protected from medium corrosion, but thermal coupling deteriorates causing measurement errors
Solution Approach 1:
The thermocouple acts as a mediator that measures the temperature at its own location within the protective tube, unaffected by deposition layers on the outer surface. This intermediary measurement point provides accurate temperature data even when thermal coupling between the medium and sensor deteriorates
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the thermovoltage signal from the thermocouple to detect changes in measurement values. When deposition layers cause thermal resistance increases, the feedback mechanism identifies these changes through signal analysis, allowing for compensation or diagnostic alerts
3Measurement precision
If the protective tube and measuring insert are made too short to reduce temperature gradients, then measurement accuracy improves, but sensor protection from environmental damage decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermocouple serves as an intermediary that enables accurate temperature measurement without requiring the sensor to be positioned close to the medium. The thermocouple can be located at the tip of a long protective tube while the main sensor remains protected within the housing, decoupling the measurement point from the sensor location
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
Significantly improves measuring accuracy by directly detecting temperature gradients at the sensor location, reducing measurement errors and allowing for real-time correction.
Implementation Method 1
the first section of the first connection line and at least a part of the second connection line form a first difference temperature sensor in the form of a thermocouple
Implementation Method 2
the temperature is determined by a thermovoltage which arises between the unilaterally connected thermo wires made of different materials
Data Source
AI summary
A device for determining the temperature of a medium includes a temperature sensor with a resistance element placed in electrical contact using first and second connection lines, wherein the first connection line is divided into a first section and a second section. The first section faces the sensor element and is composed of a first material, and the second section faces away from the sensor element and is composed of a second material which differs from the first material. The second connection line is composed of the second material. The first section of the first connection line and at least one part of the second connection line form a first difference temperature sensor in the form of a thermocouple. The first and second connection lines are attached to the resistance element so that the first difference temperature sensor detects a temperature gradient at the location of the temperature sensor.