TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a sensor to measure temperature of a fluid in an automobile. More particularly, the disclosure relates to the temperature sensor provided with split type adapter.

BACKGROUND OF DISCLOSURE

The existing sensors to measure the temperature of fluid in an automobiles uses a Hexagon bar for total height of the adaptor. The adaptor is procured by machining the bar to the required shape and size. The adaptor is made as a single piece and hence material cost and machining cost will be high.

In the present scenario there is a need that the bottom side of the adaptor remains same for all the temperature sensor variants. The topside of the adaptor varies with respect to hexagon and thread sizes. And hence the existing adaptor fails meet these criteria.

Also the draw backs of the existing adaptors are, Raw Material cost: The adaptor is manufactured from the hexagonal bar and
hence the cost is more.

Scrap: During machining of the hexagonal bar the material wastage is more and hence more scarp.

Machining time: the machining time to manufacture the adaptor is more and it leads to loss of production and less economical.

No. of Variance: during machining the variance in size is more and hence it leads to more wastage of components and time for reworking.

Hence the present disclosure is provided to overcome the one or all the issues stated above.

STATEMENT OF THE DISCLOSURE

Accordingly the present disclosure provides a temperature sensor adapter (1) comprising: adaptor head (1a) made of alloy steel, and tube (1b) connected to bottom of the adaptor head (1a) using predetermined process and bonding elements, wherein tube (1b) is made of copper, and also provides a method of assembling a sensor, said method comprising acts of: inserting tube (1b) into adaptor head (1a) and joining the adapter head (1a) and the tube (1b) using predefined process and bonding elements; placing thermistor (2) inside tube (1b) bottom end; placing disc (3) above the thermistor (2); positioning spring (4) inside the tube (1b) such that the terminal blade (6) and the thermistor (2) are connected by the spring (4) to transfer the sensed temperature for measuring the temperature. Connecting top housing (5) at top of the adapter (1) and connecting a terminal blade (6) to the top housing (5).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS

The novel features and characteristic of the disclosure are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, as well as a preferred mode of use, further objectives and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to the following detailed description of an illustrative embodiment when read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. One or more embodiments are now described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein like reference numerals represent like elements and in which:

Fig. 1 shows a temperature sensor.

Figs. 2a, 2b and 2c shows an adaptor, adaptor head and tube respectively.

Fig. 3 shows an adaptor where tube is inserted into adaptor head.

Fig.4 shows various views of an adaptor where 4a shows top view, and 4b show the side view and, 4c and 4d shows enlarged view of the soldered portion of the adaptor.

Fig.5 shows perspective view of a temperature sensor.

The figures depict embodiments of the disclosure for purposes of illustration only. One skilled in the art will readily recognize from the following description that alternative embodiments of the structures and methods illustrated herein may be employed without departing from the principles of the disclosure described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof. In the drawings, similar symbols typically identify similar components, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made, without departing from the spirit or scope of the subject matter presented herein. It will be readily understood that the aspects of the present disclosure, as generally described herein, and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged, substituted, combined, and designed in a wide variety of different configurations, all of which are explicitly contemplated and make part of this disclosure.

This disclosure is drawn, inter-alia, a sensor to measure the temperature of the fluid. More particularly relates to the temperature sensor provided with split type adapter.

The principal embodiment of the present disclosure provides a temperature sensor adapter comprising: adaptor head (1a) made of alloy steel, and tube (1b) connected to bottom of the adaptor head (1a) using predetermined process and bonding elements, wherein tube (1b) is made of copper.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adapter (1) is provided with housing (5) having wherein plurality of o-rings (7) between the adaptor (1) and the top housing (5).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a thermistor (2) placed at bottom end of the tube (1b).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a spring (4) is connected between a terminal blade (6) connected to the top housing (5); and the thermistor (2) to measure the temperature.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adapter head (1a) and tube (1b) are joined by a method selected from a group comprising induction soldering, brass brazing, silver brazing, cupro brazing and resistance welding.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bonding elements are selected from a group comprising silver wire, lead free solder wire, copper wire and flux coated lead free solder wire.

The present disclosure is also in relation with a method of assembling a sensor, said method comprising acts of: inserting tube (1b) into adaptor head (1a) and joining the adapter head (1a) and the tube (1b) using predefined process and bonding elements; placing thermistor (2) inside tube (1b) bottom end; placing disc (3) above the thermistor (2); positioning spring (4) inside the tube (1b) such that the terminal blade (6) and the thermistor (2) are connected by the spring (4) to transfer the sensed temperature for measuring the temperature; connecting top housing (5) at top of the adapter (1); and connecting a terminal blade (6) to the top housing (5).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adapter head (1a) and tube (1b) are joined by a method selected from a group comprising induction soldering, brass brazing, silver brazing, cupro brazing and resistance welding.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the bonding elements are selected from a group comprising silver wire, lead free solder wire, copper wire and flux coated lead free solder wire.

The Fig. 1 in an exemplary embodiment illustrates sectional view of the temperature sensor (A). The temperature sensor (A) comprising of thermistor (2), compression spring (4), disc (3), silicone oil, o-rings (7), top housing (5) and terminal blade (6).

Fig. 2a in an exemplary embodiment illustrates adaptor (1). The adaptor (1) is split into two parts i.e. Adaptor head (1a) as shown in Fig. 2b and tube (1b) as shown in Fig. 2c.

The single adopter can be realized using two pieces i.e. the adaptor head (1a) and tube (1b).

The tube (1b) is inserted into the adaptor head (1a) and joined. This is shown in Fig. 3.

The joining is done by process selected from the group comprising induction soldering, brass brazing, silver brazing, cupro brazing and resistance welding. And the bonding material is selected from the group comprising silver wire, lead free solder wire, copper wire, flux coated lead free solder wire.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, in adaptor head (1a) the hexagon length and No. of threads is reduced as per thin nut standards. In tube (1b) outside diameter is reduced and standardized.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adapter (1) comprises is two parts as
Adaptor head (1a) made up of Alloy Steel and Tube (1b) made up of Copper.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, zinc Nickel alloy plated and blue passivated in Adaptor head (1a) gives good corrosion resistance (Near by 700Hrs.). Also material gives good machinability. Since the copper tube has high Thermal conductivity, efficient heat transfer takes place to sensing element.

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the temperature sensing element i.e. thermistor (2) is placed inside the tube (1b). The disc (3) is mounted on the thermistor (2). The spring (4) is positioned between the thermistor (2) and terminal blade (6).

Wherein the said spring (4) acts as a conducting material to transform the temperature. The terminal blade is connected to the gauge to measure the temperature of the fluid.

Fig. 4 in an exemplary embodiment illustrates various views of an adaptor (1) where 4a shows top view, and 4b show the side view and, 4c and 4d shows enlarged view of the soldered portion of the adaptor (1).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the adaptor head (1a) and tube (1b) are machined separately for the required dimensions using conventional method. In adaptor head (1a) a counter bore of dia 8.5 is turned for suitable depth depending on required total height. Tube (1b) is inserted in to counter bore of adaptor head (1a) (Location fit).

In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the two parts of the adapter (1) are joined using the induction soldering process. Lead free solder wire is used as a bonding element.

The solder wire is coiled and placed over the joining area of the adaptor head (1b) (refer figure 4). The assembly is located inside the copper coil tube of the induction heater (5KW to 30KW). The heater generates heat through the copper coil tube which in turn the adaptor assembly is heated by induction. Once the melting point of the solder wire (220°C) is reached the solder wire melts and bonds the adaptor assembly. The heating is carried out locally (near threaded portion of the adaptor top) at short interval of time. For proper filling of the solder wire a suitable entry chamfer of 0.8mmx45°is provided in the counter bore of adaptor head (1a).

Advantages

1. Raw material cost reduced: The adapter used in the temperature sensor is made of two different materials which are less expensive. Hence the cost of raw material is reduced.

2. Machining timing reduced: In the present disclosure the adapter can be easily manufactured by joining of two elements and hence machining time is reduced when compare to the adapter made of single piece.

3. Standardization of component: The tube of the adapter in the present disclosure can be fit into any adapter head and hence the tube becomes standard component.

4. Less no. of variance: Since the machining process is less the components have less variance in their shape and size. And hence the inspection time also reduces.

5. Controlled inventory: Since the present disclosure has standard components and less variance the better inventory control is possible.

6. Low cost of the material used for the adapter.

7. High accuracy: thermal conductivity of copper is higher than its alloy brass.

8. Thickness of tube in proposed design is less, so heat transfer will be high.
Equivalents

With respect to the use of substantially any plural and/or singular terms herein, those having skill in the art can translate from the plural to the singular and/or from the singular to the plural as is appropriate to the context and/or application. The various singular/plural permutations may be expressly set forth herein for sake of clarity.

It will be understood by those within the art that, in general, terms used herein, and especially in the appended claims (e.g., bodies of the appended claims) are generally intended as "open" terms (e.g., the term "including" should be interpreted as "including but not limited to," the term "having" should be interpreted as "having at least," the term "includes" should be interpreted as "includes but is not limited to," etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is intended, such an intent will be explicitly recited in the claim, and in the absence of such recitation no such intent is present. For example, as an aid to understanding, the following appended claims may contain usage of the introductory phrases "at least one" and "one or more" to introduce claim recitations. However, the use of such phrases should not be construed to imply that the introduction of a claim recitation by the indefinite articles "a" or "an" limits any particular claim containing such introduced claim recitation to inventions containing only one such recitation, even when the same claim includes the introductory phrases "one or more" or "at least one" and indefinite articles such as "a" or "an" (e.g., "a" and/or "an" should typically be interpreted to mean "at least one" or "one or more"); the same holds true for the use of definite articles used to introduce claim recitations. In addition, even if a specific number of an introduced claim recitation is explicitly recited, those skilled in the art will recognize that such recitation should typically be interpreted to mean at least the recited number (e.g., the bare recitation of "two recitations," without other modifiers, typically means at least two recitations, or two or more recitations). Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C" would include but not be limited to systems that have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.). It will be further understood by those within the art that virtually any disjunctive word and/or phrase presenting two or more alternative terms, whether in the description, claims, or drawings, should be understood to contemplate the possibilities of including one of the terms, either of the terms, or both terms. For example, the phrase "A or B" will be understood to include the possibilities of "A" or "B" or "A and B."

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims.

Referral Numerals:

1. Adaptor. 1a.Adaptor head. 1b.Tube.
2. Thermistor.
3. Disc.
4. Spring.
5. Top housing.
6. Terminal blade.
7. O-rings.

We claim:

1. A temperature sensor adapter comprising:

a. adaptor head (1a) made of alloy steel, and

b. tube (1b) connected to bottom of the adaptor head (1a) using
predetermined process and bonding elements, wherein tube (1b) is
made of copper.

2. The temperature sensor adapter as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the adapter (1) is provided with housing (5) having wherein plurality of o-rings (7) between the adaptor (1) and the top housing (5).

3. The temperature sensor adapter as claimed in the claim 1, wherein a thermistor (2) placed at bottom end of the tube (1b).

4. The temperature sensor adapter as claimed in the claim 1, wherein a spring (4) is connected between a terminal blade (6) connected to the top housing (5); and the thermistor (2) to measure the temperature.

5. The temperature sensor adapter as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the adapter head (1a) and tube (1b) are joined by a method selected from a group comprising induction soldering, brass brazing, silver brazing, cupro brazing and resistance welding.

6. The temperature sensor adapter as claimed in the claim 1, wherein the bonding elements are selected from a group comprising silver wire, lead free solder wire, copper wire and flux coated lead free solder wire.

7. A method of assembling a sensor, said method comprising acts of:

a. inserting tube (1b) into adaptor head (1a) and joining the adapter head
(1a) and the tube (1b) using predefined process and bonding elements;

b. placing thermistor (2) inside tube (1b) bottom end;

c. placing disc (3) above the thermistor (2);

d. positioning spring (4) inside the tube (1b) such that the terminal blade (6)
and the thermistor (2) are connected by the spring (4) to transfer the
sensed temperature for measuring the temperature;

e. connecting top housing (5) at top of the adapter (1); and

f. connecting a terminal blade (6) to the top housing (5).

8. The method as claimed in the claim 7, wherein the adapter head (1a) and tube (1b) are joined by a method selected from a group comprising induction soldering, brass brazing, silver brazing, cupro brazing and resistance welding.

9. The method as claimed in the claim 7, wherein the bonding elements are selected from a group comprising silver wire, lead free solder wire, copper wire and flux coated lead free solder wire.