Thermostatic Switch Powers Sensor Module Only on Threshold
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless temperature sensors face limitations in operational time due to small battery size, which is necessary for compactness, and conserving battery power by reducing transmission frequency can lead to missed critical temperature events.
Innovation Solution
A temperature sensing device with a thermostatic switch that powers the sensor module only when the temperature reaches a predetermined threshold, using a battery efficiently by disconnecting power during normal conditions and reconnecting during temperature events, thereby extending battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a small battery is used to keep the device compact, then the device size is reduced, but the operational time is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous operation to periodic operation by using a thermostatic switch that periodically activates the sensor module only when temperature thresholds are exceeded. This allows a small battery to provide sufficient operational time by eliminating continuous power consumption and retaining only critical monitoring capabilities.
2Duration of action of moving object
If transmission frequency is reduced to conserve battery power, then battery life is extended, but critical temperature events may be missed
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostatic switch automatically activates the sensor module based on temperature conditions without requiring manual intervention or complex processing. This self-service mechanism ensures that the system maintains high detection reliability for critical events while consuming minimal battery power, as the switch inherently responds only when temperature thresholds are exceeded.
3Reliability
If the sensor module operates continuously to ensure timely detection, then detection reliability is improved, but battery power is depleted quickly
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts and isolates the critical detection function from continuous operation by using a thermostatic switch that activates the sensor module only when temperature thresholds are exceeded. This separation allows the battery to last much longer while maintaining reliable detection of critical events, as power is consumed only during actual temperature excursions rather than continuously.
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 solution extends battery life significantly by only using power when necessary, allowing for prolonged operational duration without increasing device size or cost, while ensuring timely detection of critical temperature events.
Implementation Method 1
A thermostatic switch is connected between a battery and the sensor module so that electrical current is provided from the battery to the sensor module only when the thermostatic switch is closed. When the temperature of the thermostatic switch reaches a predetermined threshold, the switch closes
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature sensing device includes a sensor module operable to measure the temperature of a piece of equipment, a component of a piece of equipment, an area, or other desired location or apparatus. A thermostatic switch is connected between a battery and the sensor module so that electrical current is provided from the battery to the sensor module only when the thermostatic switch is closed.