Wireless Pyroelectric Temperature Sensor for High-Temperature Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional wired devices for sensing temperature parameters in harsh environments face reliability and sustainability issues due to vulnerability to extreme conditions.
Innovation Solution
A wireless temperature sensor system utilizing a pyroelectric element, such as Lithium Niobate (LiNbO3) ceramic, that generates a voltage in response to temperature changes, coupled with a coil to produce a magnetic field, and a pickup to detect this field, allowing for self-powered, high-temperature sensing without the need for additional energy input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If wired temperature sensing devices are used in harsh environments, then temperature measurement can be achieved, but reliability and sustainability deteriorate due to vulnerability to extreme conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces wired mechanical connections with wireless electromagnetic field-based temperature sensing. The pyroelectric sensor converts temperature changes directly into electrical signals that are transmitted wirelessly via electromagnetic coupling between a coil and pickup, eliminating physical wiring that would be vulnerable to harsh environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyroelectric sensor element generates its own electrical output signal in response to temperature changes without requiring external power or wiring. The sensor self-powered mechanism converts thermal energy directly into electrical signals through the pyroelectric effect, enabling autonomous operation in harsh environments where wired power supply would be problematic.
2Measurement precision
If conventional wired sensing devices are used, then temperature parameters can be gathered, but device complexity and vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the wiring infrastructure from the temperature sensing system. By using wireless electromagnetic transmission, the complex physical connections, connectors, and power supply wiring are removed, leaving only the compact pyroelectric sensor element, coil, and pickup assembly that maintains measurement precision without wiring complexity.
3Loss of information
If wired devices are deployed in harsh environments, then operational information can be obtained, but sustainability deteriorates due to material degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wired systems with wireless electromagnetic field transmission, eliminating the physical wear and material degradation that occurs in wired connections exposed to harsh environments. The wireless electromagnetic coupling between coil and pickup has no moving parts or physical contacts that would degrade over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The pyroelectric sensor's self-powered operation eliminates the need for external power wiring and associated power supply components that would be vulnerable to environmental degradation. The sensor generates its own operating energy from temperature changes, extending its operational lifespan in harsh conditions.
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 reliable and sustainable wireless temperature sensing in harsh environments, providing real-time absolute temperature measurements and maintaining functionality up to high temperatures (approximately 1200°C), overcoming the limitations of conventional wired sensors.
Implementation Method 1
a pyroelectric element configured to generate a voltage when subjected to a temperature change
Implementation Method 2
a coil electrically coupled to the pyroelectric element and configured to generate a magnetic field in response to a current induced by the voltage generated by the pyroelectric element
Implementation Method 3
a pickup configured to electromagnetically couple with and detect the magnetic field generated by the coil
Data Source
AI summary
Wireless temperature sensing systems and methods include an active sensor for determining temperature parameters in harsh environments, such as in very high temperature conditions, and wireless conveyance of the detected parameters. In an example embodiment, a pyroelectric element can generate a voltage when subjected to a temperature change. A coil is electrically coupled to the pyroelectric element and configured to generate a magnetic field in response to a current induced by the voltage generated by the pyroelectric element. A pickup is electromagnetically coupled with and detects the magnetic field generated by the coil, and the pickup is configured to provide an output corresponding to the detected magnetic field.