Variable Conductance Thermal Conductor for Sensor Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for stabilizing inertial sensor temperatures are limited by power constraints and alignment errors, restricting the environmental temperature range and requiring discrete set points, which can lead to instability during temperature transitions and settling periods, especially in high-performance sensors.
Innovation Solution
A system with a sensor block, heaters, and a thermal conductor with variable thermal conductance, controlled by an actuation mechanism, allowing for optimized thermal stability and extended environmental range by adjusting the thermal conductance between the sensor block and chassis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If discrete temperature set points are used to extend environmental operating range, then the sensors can operate across wider temperature ranges, but temperature transitions and settling periods cause sensor parameter instability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the thermal conductance variable rather than fixed. The thermal conductance is dynamically adjusted based on the environmental temperature relative to the set point temperature, allowing the system to adapt continuously without discrete set point changes. This resolves the contradiction by enabling wide environmental operating range while maintaining sensor parameter stability through continuous adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thermal conductance parameter dynamically based on temperature conditions. When environmental temperature approaches the set point, thermal conductance is increased to enhance heat transfer and stabilize temperature. When environmental temperature is far from set point, thermal conductance is reduced to minimize heat interference. This parameter change strategy allows the system to maintain stability across wide environmental ranges.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete set points are established to cover required temperature ranges, then adequate overlap is achieved to account for tolerances, but transition and settling time is required between set point changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous useful action by maintaining continuous thermal conductance adjustment based on real-time temperature feedback. Instead of discrete set point changes followed by settling periods, the system continuously adapts thermal conductance to maintain optimal thermal conditions. This eliminates idle transition and settling time while covering the required temperature range, as the thermal management action is ongoing and adaptive rather than intermittent.
3Device complexity
If fixed thermal conductance to chassis is used during design, then thermal path is simplified, but excessive heater power is required or maximum sensor set point temperature must be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed thermal conductance into a variable parameter that adapts to operating conditions. The thermal conductance is dynamically adjusted based on the difference between environmental temperature and set point temperature. This dynamic adjustment optimizes heat transfer efficiency, reducing the heater power required to maintain set point temperature across varying environmental conditions, while maintaining relatively simple thermal path architecture.
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 the operational range of a single temperature set point for high-performance sensors, reducing maximum heater power requirements and maintaining stability without the need for frequent set point changes, enhancing energy efficiency and applicability in diverse environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal conductor moveably coupled between the sensor block and the chassis... vary a total thermal conductance from the sensor block to the chassis
Implementation Method 2
one or more heaters mounted on the sensor block... maintain the sensor block at a substantially constant temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A system for sensor thermal management and stabilization comprises a sensor block, one or more sensors mounted on the sensor block, one or more heaters mounted on the sensor block, a chassis coupled to the sensor block, a thermal conductor moveably coupled between the sensor block and the chassis, and a thermal control actuation mechanism operatively connected to the thermal conductor. The thermal control actuation mechanism is operative to cause the thermal conductor to vary a total thermal conductance from the sensor block to the chassis by moving the thermal conductor toward the chassis or away from the chassis. The total thermal conductance is varied to provide an optimized thermal stability and optimized environmental range of applicability for the one or more sensors.