Fail safe multi-sensor component

摘要

A system and method is presented for a multi-sensor component for an HVAC system. The multi-sensor component comprises a sensor assembly, having a temperature detector for measuring a temperature of an object or medium, a presence detector to detect the presence of the object or medium against the sensor, and a pressure detector for measuring a pressure of the medium. The temperature, presence and pressure detectors may also be affixed within a single sensor housing. In a heating mode the multi-sensor component is heated by a heater, and in a cooling mode the multi-sensor component cools toward a temperature of the object or medium, and the temperature detector provides temperature data indicative of a temperature response comprising one of a temperature change, a rate of change and a time constant of a thermal decay rate of the multi-sensor component and the presence of the object or medium.

主权项

1. A fail-safe multi-sensor component for a heating, ventilating, or air-conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
a sensor assembly, comprising
a temperature detector operable to measure a temperature of an object or a medium;a presence detector operable to detect the presence of the object or medium in contact with the multi-sensor component; anda pressure detector operable to measure a pressure of the medium against the multi-sensor component;a heater having a first element and a second element, the first element driven by a first current and the second element driven by a second current; anda controller connected to the temperature detector and the heater, wherein the controller is configured to insure failsafe operations of the temperature detector and to individually drive the first element and the second element separately while measuring the first current and the second current,wherein the temperature detector, the presence detector and the pressure detector are separate, distinct elements integrated onto a single substrate; and a sensor housing comprising the temperature detector, the presence detector and the pressure detector affixed therein on the single substrate.