Air Jacketed Bead Bath Thermal Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current bead baths in laboratory settings lack precision and uniformity in temperature control, often experiencing slight temperature swings due to conventional conduction-based heating methods, which are not suitable for maintaining temperatures within 1/10 of a degree Celsius required for precise scientific applications.

Innovation Solution

An air-jacketed bead bath design utilizing a Peltier device to heat or cool air, which is then circulated through a bed of metal beads, providing consistent and precise temperature control by convection, rather than the conventional conduction method.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conduction-based heating elements are used to heat the bead bath, then heat transfer speed is improved, but temperature precision and uniformity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer speedVSAvoidtemperature precision

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium between the Peltier device and the metal beads. The Peltier device heats or cools the air, which then circulates through the bead bed to transfer thermal energy. This intermediary approach allows for more uniform and controllable temperature distribution compared to direct conduction heating elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the conventional mechanical heating elements with a Peltier device that uses electrothermal conversion. The Peltier device directly converts electrical energy to thermal energy through the Peltier effect, eliminating the need for separate heating elements and providing more precise temperature control through electronic regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If conduction-based heating elements are used to heat the bead bath, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but temperature uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidtemperature uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

Air serves as a mobile intermediary that can distribute heat uniformly throughout the bead bed. The circulating air ensures that thermal energy is distributed evenly across all beads, preventing the temperature gradients and hot spots that occur with localized conduction heating elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs air circulation (pneumatic system) to transfer thermal energy. By using pressurized or circulated air through the bead bed, the system achieves uniform heat distribution and maintains consistent temperature throughout the entire bead bath volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

3Device complexity

If conventional heating elements are used, then device simplicity is maintained, but temperature control precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice simplicityVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical heating element assemblies with a solid-state Peltier device. The Peltier device integrates heating and cooling functions in a single component controlled by electrical current, simplifying the overall system architecture while achieving superior temperature control precision through electronic regulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system achieves precise temperature control by changing the electrical parameters (current direction and magnitude) supplied to the Peltier device. By adjusting these electrical parameters, the system can precisely control the amount and direction of heat transfer, enabling temperature control within 1/10 of a degree Fahrenheit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This solution achieves precise temperature control within 1/10 of a degree Fahrenheit, ensuring thermal uniformity across the bead bed and minimizing temperature fluctuations, making it suitable for demanding scientific applications.

Implementation Method 1

a Peltier device to heat or cool air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

the primary transfer of heat to the metal beads from the bead bath is accomplished by convection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS11511282B2Air jacketed bead bath

Publication Date: 2022.11.29 SHELDON MFG

AI summary

A laboratory sample/specimen temperature control device, specifically a metal bead bath that has its metal bead temperature controlled by a continuous flow of air into the bed of beads that is heated or cooled by a Peltier device that the air flows over. This provides great thermal uniformity across the bed of beads and constantly monitors and regulates the heat or cooling input rather than utilizing an on/off modulation temperature input approach.