Temperature Calibrator Air-Gap Cooling to Prevent Overheating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature calibrators require complex setups and procedures due to the use of thermosiphons to prevent overheating of cooling units, particularly when switching between high and low temperatures, which complicates the operation and implementation.
Innovation Solution
A method and structure that eliminate the need for thermosiphons by using an actuator to create an air gap between the cooling unit and calibration block, allowing thermal separation and preventing overheating through controlled adjustment of the air gap based on temperature thresholds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a thermosiphon is used to prevent overheating of the cooling unit, then the cooling unit is protected from damage, but the device complexity increases and the operation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the thermosiphon component from the system entirely. Instead of using a thermosiphon to prevent overheating, the invention uses direct control of the cooling unit's operation based on temperature sensor feedback, eliminating the need for this intermediate thermal management device and simplifying the overall system structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a temperature sensor continuously monitors the temperature of the calibration block and provides signals to the control unit. The control unit adjusts the cooling unit's operation based on this feedback, enabling precise temperature control without requiring complex passive thermal management devices like thermosiphons.
2Reliability
If a thermosiphon is used to transfer coolant to external chamber, then overheating is prevented, but the ease of operation deteriorates when switching between high and low temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit receives continuous temperature feedback from the temperature sensor and automatically adjusts the cooling unit's operation. When the temperature exceeds a predetermined threshold, the control unit reduces or stops cooling unit operation, preventing overheating without requiring manual intervention or complex operational procedures for temperature switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-regulation of temperature through the feedback control mechanism. The temperature sensor and control unit work together to automatically manage the cooling unit, eliminating the need for operator intervention when switching between temperature ranges and simplifying the operational procedure.
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
Simplifies the operation and design of temperature calibrators by protecting the cooling unit from overheating without the need for thermosiphons, reducing component complexity and ensuring safe operation across temperature ranges.
Implementation Method 1
a heating means for heating the calibration block
Implementation Method 2
a cooling unit for cooling the calibration block
Implementation Method 3
the refrigerant is condensed on the side of the thermosiphon located on the cooling unit, and evaporated again on the side of the thermosiphon located on the calibration block
Implementation Method 4
the refrigerant is condensed on the side of the thermosiphon located on the cooling unit, and evaporated again on the side of the thermosiphon located on the calibration block
Implementation Method 5
an air gap between the calibration block and the cooling unit can be generated and/or adjusted
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating a temperature calibrator (1) for calibrating a temperature sensor (10), comprising a calibration block (11) into which the temperature sensor (10) is inserted, a heating medium (12) with which the calibration block (11) is heated, and a cooling unit (13) with which the calibration block (11) is cooled. According to the invention, an actuator (14) is provided with which the cooling unit (13) is brought into thermal contact with the calibration block (11) during cooling and is spatially separated from the calibration block (11) during heating by forming an air gap (15). The invention further relates to a temperature calibrator (1) for carrying out the invention.