Wireless Temperature Sensor Powered by Thermoelectric Generator
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for measuring mold temperature during glass container formation, such as infrared radiation pyrometers and wired thermal probes, are either expensive, complex, or limited in precision due to surface conditions and require frequent maintenance, and do not allow continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A wireless transmission device that uses a thermoelectric generator to power a wireless transmission module, connected to a thermal probe, which transmits measurements via radio waves to a control module, with thermal insulation to protect the passive radiator from infrared radiation and reduce heating, allowing for self-sufficient energy and reduced maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If infrared pyrometers are used to measure mold surface temperature, then operator safety and comfort are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to surface condition sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal probe as an intermediary element that physically contacts the mold surface to obtain accurate temperature measurements, while the wireless transmission module acts as another intermediary to transmit this data without requiring operator proximity to hazardous areas. This resolves the contradiction by separating the measurement function from the observation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/optical infrared pyrometer system with a thermal probe combined with wireless transmission. The thermal probe uses direct thermal contact rather than infrared radiation detection, eliminating the sensitivity to surface conditions while the wireless module eliminates the need for physical wiring.
2Measurement precision
If wired thermal probes are used to measure mold temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and maintenance requirements worsen due to wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired electrical connection system with a wireless transmission system. The thermal probe remains the same for accurate measurement, but the data transmission is achieved through wireless radio frequency communication instead of physical wires, eliminating installation complexity and maintenance requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transmission module enables the system to transmit data autonomously without requiring physical connections. The module self-configures and maintains wireless communication, eliminating the need for manual wiring installation and maintenance that would otherwise be required.
3Reliability
If thermal probes are inserted into mold bodies, then continuous temperature monitoring is improved, but ease of manufacture worsens due to installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature monitoring system into two independent segments: the thermal probe that contacts the mold and the wireless transmission module that communicates data. This segmentation allows the probe to be installed in the mold while the transmission module is separately positioned and configured, simplifying overall installation and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transmission module serves as an intermediary that bridges the thermal probe and the control system without requiring permanent installation in the mold. This allows continuous monitoring while maintaining ease of manufacture, as the module can be positioned externally and configured without mold modifications.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple measurement points are implemented per mold, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity worsens due to increased wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the wired connection system with wireless transmission, allowing multiple thermal probes to be deployed at different measurement points on the mold without increasing wiring complexity. Each probe communicates independently through wireless radio frequency, enabling precise temperature distribution monitoring while maintaining simple 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
Enables continuous, precise temperature monitoring of multiple molds without complex wiring or frequent maintenance, reducing costs and improving operational safety and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a thermoelectric generator comprising a hot face opposite a cold face, the hot face being positioned opposite the inner face of the sole
Implementation Method 2
a passive radiator positioned opposite the cold face of the thermoelectric generator
Implementation Method 3
a heat-conducting via connecting the cold face of the thermoelectric generator to the passive radiator
Implementation Method 4
thermal insulation interposed between the sole and the passive radiator, the thermal insulation extending beyond the contours of the passive radiator so as to protect, or substantially protect, the passive radiator from infrared radiation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for wirelessly transmitting measurements taken by a temperature sensor. The wireless transmission device (2A) comprises: - a sole (4); and - a thermoelectric generator (10) positioned opposite the sole; - a passive radiator (16) positioned opposite the thermoelectric generator; and - a heat conductor (18) connecting the thermoelectric generator to the passive radiator; and - a heat insulator (36) interposed between the sole and the passive radiator, the heat insulator protruding beyond the periphery of the passive radiator so as to protect same from the infrared radiation originating from a heat source located in front of the sole; and - a wireless transmission module (26) powered by the thermoelectric generator, which transmission module can be connected to a temperature sensor and transmit the measurements thereof by radio wave to a control module.