Vehicle Temperature Sensor Calibration via Cross-Reference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature measurement systems using thermistors often experience significant deviations in resistance versus temperature properties, leading to inaccuracies and potential system dysfunction, especially in mass-produced vehicle systems, where comprehensive calibration is costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
A temperature measurement system comprising a controller, a memory, and two temperature sensors, where the controller determines the temperature of a desired location by comparing measured voltage differences using a calibratable method based on a tolerance band or look-up table, allowing for accurate calibration without extensive logistics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If comprehensive calibration of each thermistor is performed as a final step in manufacture, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost and logistical complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration by comparing readings from multiple temperature sensors against each other and adjusting their values automatically. The controller identifies discrepancies between sensors and applies correction factors without requiring external calibration equipment or manual intervention, allowing the system to calibrate itself during normal operation or at scheduled intervals.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs calibration during the manufacturing process or before deployment rather than as a final step requiring complex logistics. By integrating calibration into the assembly process and using pre-stored reference data in memory, the system eliminates the need for post-manufacturing calibration campaigns and reduces logistical complexity.
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive calibration of each thermistor is performed, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration using its own sensors and stored reference data, eliminating the need for expensive external calibration services or specialized equipment. The controller automatically adjusts sensor readings by comparing them against reference temperatures stored in memory, reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses multiple temperature sensors to cross-validate and calibrate each other's readings. By having redundant sensors that can serve as references for one another, the system eliminates the need for expensive primary calibration standards and reduces manufacturing costs while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Ease of manufacture
If commercially available thermistors are used without calibration, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but temperature measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-calibration during operation by comparing sensor readings against reference temperatures stored in memory. This allows the use of inexpensive commercial thermistors while maintaining accuracy through automatic correction of deviations, eliminating the need for expensive pre-calibrated sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature sensor readings and compares them against expected values from look-up tables or reference sensors. When deviations are detected, the controller applies correction factors to maintain accurate measurements, providing continuous feedback-based accuracy improvement without requiring expensive calibrated components.
4Measurement precision
If multiple temperature sensors are used for comparison-based calibration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple temperature sensors serve dual functions: they provide temperature measurements for system control and simultaneously serve as reference standards for calibrating other sensors. Each sensor can act as both a measurement device and a calibration reference, reducing the need for separate calibration equipment and simplifying the overall system 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 approach enhances the accuracy of temperature measurements while minimizing costs and complexity by calibrating the system based on comparisons between known and measured temperatures, ensuring precise temperature sensing in vehicle systems.
Implementation Method 1
a first temperature sensor configured to transmit a measured voltage difference representative of a temperature of a first location to the controller; and a second temperature sensor configured to transmit a temperature of a second location to the controller
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature measurement system of a vehicle includes a controller, a first temperature sensor associated with a first location, and a second temperature sensor associated with a second location. The temperature measurement system is calibratable based upon a comparison of a temperature of the first location and a temperature of the second location, wherein the temperature of at least one of the first location and the second location is determined after a predetermined time from an end of operation of the vehicle.