Airflow Nest Layout for Compact Multi-Object Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature control apparatuses face challenges in efficiently managing air flow for multiple objects with different temperature requirements and power dissipation rates, often necessitating separate air flows and complex ductwork, which can limit object density and increase space requirements.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus directs air flow substantially in parallel across an object's smallest planar dimension, allowing for efficient temperature control while minimizing the area presented to operators or automated transporters, and includes features like removable nests, heating elements, and temperature sensors to optimize air flow and object placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If separate air flows are used for each object to control different temperatures, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex ductwork and air flow management
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus divides the temperature control system into modular test slots, each with its own nest and air flow path. Each test slot is an independent module that can be individually controlled, allowing separate air flows for multiple objects without requiring complex centralized ductwork. The segmentation is achieved through physical separation of test slots and assignment of dedicated air movers to each slot.
Solution Approach 2:
A common air source serves multiple test slots through a universal air distribution system. The air source can supply conditioned air to multiple nests simultaneously, and the same infrastructure (housing, air source, control system) serves multiple objects with different temperature requirements. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity compared to having completely separate systems for each object.
2Ease of operation
If objects are arranged with larger access areas for operator comfort, then ease of operation is improved, but the density of object access area decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus transitions from horizontal object arrangement to vertical stacking of nests within test slots. Multiple nests are arranged vertically in a stacked configuration, allowing operators to access objects at different heights. This vertical dimension increases object density without compromising horizontal operator access space, as operators can reach multiple vertically-stacked nests from a single access point.
3Quantity of substance
If the smallest planar dimension of objects is aligned with the smallest planar dimension of the cavity, then object density is improved, but air flow efficiency may deteriorate for certain object geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The nest design allows rotational adjustment of objects to different orientations within the test slot. Objects can be dynamically repositioned between orientations optimized for density (smallest dimension aligned) and orientations optimized for air flow efficiency (largest surface area facing air flow). This dynamic adjustability allows the system to adapt to different object geometries and temperature control requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Each nest is designed with localized air flow channels and openings that can be configured to direct air flow across specific surfaces of the object. The air flow paths are tailored to the local geometry and thermal requirements of each object, allowing efficient heat transfer even when objects are densely packed in orientations that minimize their footprint.
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 approach enables efficient temperature control of multiple objects in a compact space, reducing the need for extensive ductwork and allowing for flexible object placement, thereby enhancing the density of object access areas and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature of objects may be raised, lowered, or controlled at a specific level by directing a flow of air across the object
Implementation Method 2
The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the housing further includes a heating element configured to heat the air flow or the object
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling the temperature of an object, comprises: a housing comprising: a cavity adapted to accept an object, an air inlet configured to allow air to flow into the cavity, and an air outlet configured to allow air to flow out of the cavity; and a nest configured to hold the object within the housing such that the smallest planar dimension of the object is substantially aligned with the smallest planar dimension of the cavity; wherein the nest and housing are adapted to direct air flow from the air inlet, substantially in parallel across at least one surface of the object and in the direction of the smaller dimension of the at least one surface, to the air outlet.