Multiple point averaging duct temperature sensor
AssigneeMamac Systems, Inc.
InventorS. Asim Gul
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A multipoint temperature sensor for measuring fluid temperature in a duct includes multiple thermistors of equal resistance, spaced apart in a circuit. Each thermistor has a positive lead and a negative lead for connecting electrically with the circuit. Wires connect the thermistors such that half of the thermistors are placed in parallel with the other half of the thermistors. The total number of thermistors in the circuit is a perfect square. Shrinkwrap fits over the thermistors and the leads. Tabs disposed on bridging clips bend around the shrinkwrap and the wires on either side of each thermistor such that the tabs do not overlap the leads. All the wires between adjacent thermistors are contained in a single, plenum rated sheathing.
Claims22
A temperature sensor for approximating fluid temperature averaged at multiple points, the sensor comprising:
- a plurality of thermistors, each thermistor having a first lead, a second lead, and a sensing element which changes electrical response between the first and second leads as a function of temperature;
- circuit wires electrically connecting the temperature sensors in a spaced relationship in a circuit via attachment to the leads, each circuit wire being formed of metal;
- sheathing around the circuit wires, such that a single sheathing defines a sheathing lumen containing all circuit wires running between adjacent, electrically connected temperature sensors;
- and
- clips bridging each thermistor, each clip having a first attachment tab for securing to the sheathing on one side of the thermistor, a second attachment tab for securing to the sheathing on the other side of the temperature sensor, and a bridge portion running between the first attachment tab and the second attachment tab, the bridge portion being sufficiently strong to transfer stress between attached sheathings.
A temperature sensor for approximating fluid temperature averaged at multiple points, the sensor comprising:
- a plurality of thermistors, each thermistor having a first lead, a second lead, and a sensing element which changes electrical response between the first and second leads as a function of temperature;
- circuit wires electrically connecting the temperature sensors in a spaced relationship in a circuit via attachment to the leads, each circuit wire being formed of metal, wherein at least two circuit wires run between every set of adjacent, electrically connected temperature sensors;
- sheathing around the circuit wires, such that a single sheathing defines a sheathing lumen containing all circuit wires running between adjacent, electrically connected temperature sensors, the sheathing being formed of a plenum-rated, flexible, dielectric material.
A temperature sensor for approximating fluid temperature averaged at multiple points, the sensor comprising:
- a plurality of thermistors, each thermistor having a first lead, a second lead, and a sensing element which changes electrical response between the first and second leads as a function of temperature;
- circuit wires electrically connecting the temperature sensors in a spaced relationship in a circuit via attachment to the leads, each circuit wire being formed of metal;
- dielectric insulation around the circuit wires;
- and
- clips bridging each thermistor, each clip having a first attachment tab secured to the dielectric insulation on one side of the thermistor, a second attachment tab secured to the dielectric insulation on the other side of the temperature sensor, and a bridge portion running between the first attachment tab and the second attachment tab, the bridge portion being sufficiently strong to transfer stress between attached dielectric insulations.
A method of constructing a multiple point averaging temperature sensor, the method comprising:
- electrically connecting a plurality of thermistors with circuit wires such that the temperature sensors are in a spaced relationship in a circuit;
- placing sheathing around the circuit wires, such that a single sheathing defines a sheathing lumen containing all circuit wires running between adjacent, electrically connected temperature sensors;
- attaching clips to bridge each thermistor, each clip having a bridge portion extending between a first attachment tab and a second attachment tab, the attaching act comprising:
- securing a first attachment tab of each clip the sheathing on one side of its corresponding thermistor;
- and
- securing a second attachment tab of each clip to the sheathing on the other side of its corresponding temperature sensor, such that the bridge portion can transfer stress between attached sheathings.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.