Temperature Sensor Device with Variable Thermal Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature detection devices often suffer from measurement errors due to the temperature sensor itself and its installation position, leading to incorrect temperature readings.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least two temperature sensors and variable heat transfer paths with different thermal resistances, allowing for the calculation of the true temperature of a heat source by adjusting the heat flow between the sensors, eliminating the need for a constant reference temperature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single temperature sensor is used for measurement, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision deteriorates due to installation position errors and sensor characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature measurement system is segmented into multiple temperature sensors (at least two sensors) positioned at different locations. Each sensor measures temperature at its specific position, and through mathematical evaluation considering the different thermal conductivities and installation positions, the true temperature of the heat source is calculated, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining manageable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
A heat transfer medium serves as an intermediary between the temperature sensors and the heat source. The thermal conductivities of the installation positions and heat transfer paths are evaluated to compensate for installation errors. By using the heat transfer medium and mathematical evaluation, the true temperature can be determined accurately without requiring perfect sensor installation
2Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors with different thermal conductivities are used, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different installation positions are designed with different local thermal conductivity characteristics. The system deliberately creates variations in thermal conductivities at different sensor locations, which are then used as known parameters in the mathematical evaluation. This local differentiation enables accurate temperature calculation while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes thermal conductivity parameters by using sensors with different thermal conductivities or by creating different thermal paths with known conductivity ratios. These parameter variations are incorporated into the mathematical evaluation model, allowing accurate temperature determination without requiring complex hardware adjustments
3Measurement precision
If sensors are directly coupled to the heat source, then measurement response is fast, but measurement precision deteriorates due to installation errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary evaluation of thermal conductivities and installation positions before final temperature calculation. By pre-characterizing the thermal paths and using mathematical models that account for these parameters, the system can accurately determine temperature without requiring perfect direct coupling, thus maintaining both precision and reasonable response time
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
Enables accurate determination of the true temperature of a heat source by using the temperature differences and thermal resistances to calculate the correct temperature, reducing measurement errors and improving accuracy in applications like calorimeters and heat cost allocators.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor (1) which is thermally coupled to a heat source (x)
Implementation Method 2
temperature sensor for measuring media temperature
Implementation Method 3
a variable heat transfer path with a variable thermal resistance, via which the second temperature sensor (2) can be thermally coupled to the first temperature sensor (1)
Implementation Method 4
second temperature sensor (2) which is thermally coupled to the first temperature sensor (1) via the variable heat transfer path
Implementation Method 5
Its thermal resistance can be electronically controlled by switching the switch's operating voltage on and off
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device (V) for sensing temperature, comprising at least a first temperature sensor (1) and a second temperature sensor (2). According to the invention, the first temperature sensor (1) can be or is thermally coupled to a heat source (x), the temperature (Tx) of which should be determined, wherein the device (V) comprises a variable heat transfer segment having a variable thermal resistance, by means of which the second temperature (2) can be or is thermally coupled to the first temperature sensor (1), or comprises a first heat transfer segment (a) for thermally coupling the second temperature sensor (2) to the first temperature sensor (1), which first heat transfer segment has a first thermal resistance (Ra), a second heat transfer segment (b) for thermally coupling the second temperature sensor (2) to the first temperature sensor (1), which second heat transfer segment has a second thermal resistance (Rb) different from the first thermal resistance (Ra), and a switching unit (5) for switching between the first heat transfer segment (a) and the second heat transfer segment (b), such that the second temperature sensor (2) can be or is thermally coupled to the first temperature sensor (1) by means of the first heat transfer segment (a) or by means of the second heat transfer segment (b). The invention further relates to a method for sensing temperature.