Integrated Multifunctional Sensor for Precision Displacement and Temperature Measurement in Industrial Target-Cylinder Systems

In industrial applications, accurate measurement of displacement and temperature in target-cylinder systems is critical for high performance and safety. This work presents a new sensor system that combines non-contact inductive displacement sensing with accurate temperature measurement, offering a cost-effective solution for multifunctional monitoring. The sensor uses principles of inductance and the temperature coefficient of resistance to counter cross-sensitivity between displacement and temperature, thus ensuring reliable measurements for various industrial applications. The methodology involved an elaborate experimental setup and data analysis, including the use of an artificial neural network (ANN) model for temperature variation prediction and compensation, which significantly improved sensor accuracy. The multifunctional sensor was tested and determined on calculated percentage errors. Displacement was measured with an error of about 1.92%, and temperature measurement had an error of around 1.06%. Acceptable industrial standards have these, and hence the system needs high reliability and precision. The results have validated the sensor’s capability for simultaneous displacement and temperature measurement, bringing it within the realm of applicability in many industrial scenarios. This research is an important step forward in the development of sensor technology, providing thorough monitoring for better operational efficiency and control.