Temperature control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostats are limited by fixed calibration ranges, difficulty in redefining temperature control settings, and susceptibility to drift due to aging or environmental changes, restricting their adaptability and accuracy across varying temperature applications.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that allow users to redefine temperature control ranges using an adjustable device, such as a potentiometer or touch screen, in conjunction with a temperature sensor, enabling precise set-point temperature adjustments and interpolation for accurate temperature control across a broad range, even when the sensor's location is not optimal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known thermostats are calibrated for a predetermined temperature range, then the thermostat can maintain temperature control within that range, but the operating temperature range is fixed and cannot be readily redefined according to the temperature control application or temperature sensor type
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat system dynamically adjusts the temperature range through software configuration rather than fixed mechanical calibration. The microprocessor-based system allows the temperature control range to be changed by updating calibration data in memory, enabling the same hardware to adapt to different temperature ranges and sensor types without physical reconfiguration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the calibration parameters stored in memory to redefine the temperature range. By modifying the calibration data associated with the temperature sensor, the thermostat can operate across different temperature ranges and with different sensor types, transforming a fixed-range device into a configurable one.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical thermostats are calibrated in a factory environment, then the thermostat achieves initial accuracy, but recalibration is difficult and requires specialist equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat system enables users to perform calibration adjustments themselves through software interfaces without requiring specialist equipment or factory environments. The microprocessor-based system allows end-users to configure temperature ranges and calibration parameters directly on the device, eliminating the need for external calibration services.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical calibration mechanisms with software-based calibration stored in memory. Instead of physical adjustments requiring specialist tools, the system uses digital calibration data that can be modified through electronic interfaces, making recalibration as simple as updating software parameters.
3Device complexity
If mechanical thermostats are used, then the structure is simple, but the thermostat suffers from drift in accuracy as a result of ageing
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor-based thermostat continuously monitors temperature sensor readings and compares them against stored calibration data. The system uses feedback loops to detect drift in accuracy over time and can apply compensation based on the calibration parameters, maintaining reliable temperature control despite ageing effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary calibration by storing reference temperature data in memory during manufacturing. This pre-stored calibration information serves as a baseline that the system uses to detect and compensate for drift, allowing the thermostat to maintain accuracy without requiring complex real-time adjustment mechanisms.
4Measurement precision
If digital electronic thermostats with stored calibration data are used, then the thermostat can be calibrated for specific sensors, but the calibration is fixed for a predetermined temperature sensor and cannot be readily redefined
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat system is designed with universal compatibility through software configuration. The microprocessor can be programmed to work with multiple temperature sensor types by loading appropriate calibration data from memory, allowing a single device to serve multiple sensor types and applications without hardware changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration configuration is made dynamic through software rather than fixed in hardware. The system can switch between different calibration datasets corresponding to different sensor types, enabling flexible adaptation to various temperature sensors while maintaining precise calibration for each sensor type through stored reference data.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for use in temperature control includes a step of associating a first setting of an adjustable device with a first temperature. The method may include a step of associating a second setting of the adjustable device with a second temperature. The method may include a step of determining a set-point temperature from a set-point setting of the adjustable device, the first and second settings of the adjustable device, and the first and second temperatures. The first and second temperatures may define a temperature range over which temperature is to be controlled. Such a method may allow a user to select or define a temperature range over which an object, system or environment is to be controlled from within a maximum operating temperature range of a temperature sensor. Such a method may allow a user to select or define a set-point temperature from within the selected temperature range.