Thermally Adaptive Bypass Port Using Differential CTE Beads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Memory shape alloys used in turbomachinery applications are prone to shape changes due to working fluid temperatures, making them difficult to control and utilize effectively.
Innovation Solution
A thermally adaptive device is developed, featuring a base with a first material and beads made of a second material with different coefficients of thermal expansion, integrated with a thermoelectric junction, such as a Peltier device, to control shape changes by applying thermal input and driving current, allowing for a controllable bypass port without movable parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If memory shape alloys are used in turbomachinery applications, then complex machinery can be avoided, but the shape of the alloy is undesirably controlled by working fluid temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE). The first material and second material are specifically selected to have different CTE values, allowing the composite structure to counteract unwanted thermal expansion and maintain shape stability under varying temperature conditions while avoiding complex control machinery.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite materials consisting of a base made from a first material and beads made from a second material with different CTE. This composite structure creates a thermally adaptive device that can maintain dimensional stability despite temperature variations from working fluids, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and shape stability.
2Ease of operation
If a bypass port is controlled using traditional mechanical means, then the port can be opened or closed, but movable parts increase device complexity and reduce reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control systems with a thermally adaptive material-based system. By driving current through the thermoelectric junction, thermal energy is generated that causes controlled expansion or contraction of the base and beads, thereby opening or closing the bypass port without any movable mechanical parts, reducing complexity and improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes thermal expansion principles where the different CTE of the first and second materials causes differential expansion when heated. This differential expansion allows the bypass port to be opened or closed through controlled thermal input, eliminating the need for complex mechanical actuators and movable parts.
3Ease of manufacture
If uniform material is used throughout the base, then manufacturing is simplified, but controlled shape change at specific regions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing beads made from a second material at specific locations within the base structure. These beads are positioned to provide localized thermal expansion characteristics, enabling controlled shape changes at specific regions of the base while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through additive manufacturing processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention segments the base structure into regions with different material properties. The base is composed of a first material with voids that are lined with beads of a second material. This segmentation allows different parts of the structure to respond differently to thermal input, enabling localized shape control while maintaining overall structural integrity.
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
The device achieves selective opening or closing of a bypass port through controlled thermal expansion, enhancing the operational efficiency of turbomachinery components like compressor cases by managing shape changes and fluid flow.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoelectric junction is a Peltier device
Implementation Method 2
a base having an outer boundary and a plurality of base voids, formed from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE); beads that line ones of the base voids, formed from a second material having a second CTE that differs from the first CTE
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A device comprising a base (70) having an outer boundary (80) and a plurality of base voids (95), the base formed from a first material having a first coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE); beads (90) that line ones of the base voids, formed from a second material having a second CTE that differs from the first CTE, wherein each of the beads has a bead void; and a thermoelectric junction (150) around the outer boundary, or within one or more of the bead voids.