2D Wire Mesh RTD for Nonuniform Surface Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature sensing technologies, such as traditional point sensors and infrared thermography, struggle to accurately measure nonuniform surface temperatures, especially when direct contact or optical access is limited, and textile-based sensors hinder flexibility and direct contact.
Innovation Solution
Two-dimensional resistance temperature detectors formed from insulated wires arranged in a mesh structure that directly contact the surface, allowing for accurate measurement of average temperature over a surface by conforming to its shape and providing maximum contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional point sensors are used for temperature measurement, then the device structure is simple, but the measurement precision is insufficient for nonuniform surface temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional point sensors (zero-dimensional) to a two-dimensional mesh structure composed of insulated wires. This dimensional expansion allows the sensor to capture temperature variations across a surface area rather than at a single point, directly addressing the limitation of point sensors in measuring nonuniform temperature distributions.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is divided into multiple insulated wire segments arranged in a mesh pattern. Each wire segment acts as an independent temperature sensing element, and the collective response of all segments provides comprehensive surface temperature information. This segmentation enables the sensor to resolve spatial temperature variations while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Area of stationary object
If infrared thermography is used for 2D thermal sensing, then the measurement coverage is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced due to requiring direct optical access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the optical-based infrared thermography system with a mechanical contact-based resistance temperature detector. Instead of using infrared radiation detection requiring line-of-sight access, the solution uses electrical resistance measurement through direct physical contact of the mesh sensor with the surface, eliminating optical access constraints while maintaining two-dimensional measurement capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If textile-based temperature sensors are used, then the adaptability to surface shape is improved, but the contact quality deteriorates due to textile structure interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible mesh structure made of thin insulated wires that can conform to curved and irregular surface geometries. The mesh configuration allows the sensor to adapt to surface shape variations while maintaining direct wire-to-surface contact, avoiding the thermal insulation effect and contact interference problems associated with textile-based sensors.
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
The two-dimensional resistance temperature detectors provide accurate average surface temperature measurements, even in nonuniform and complex geometries, enhancing flexibility and contact, suitable for applications like human thermoregulation and medical procedures.
Implementation Method 1
two-dimensional resistance temperature detectors
Implementation Method 2
directly contacting the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A two-dimensional resistance temperature detector for determining average temperature over a surface may include a continuous length of insulated wire having a first end and a second end. The insulated wire may be arranged to form a mesh structure with respective sections of the insulated wire overlapping and contacting one another. A method for determining average temperature over a surface may include positioning a two-dimensional resistance temperature detector over the surface such that an insulated wire of the two-dimensional resistance temperature detector directly contacts the surface, determining a resistance of the insulated wire, and determining an average surface temperature based at least in part on the resistance of the insulated wire. The insulated wire may be arranged to form a mesh structure with respective sections of the insulated wire overlapping and contacting one another.