Compact Thermal Control Plate Integrating Heating and Cooling Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for electronic equipment often fail to provide both heating and cooling functions efficiently, especially in uncontrolled temperature environments, and can be bulky and unreliable, particularly in space-constrained applications like edge computing.
Innovation Solution
A compact thermal control plate system that integrates both heating and cooling functions using a thermally coupled plate with cooling and heating fins, an internal fluid delivery structure, and a shared working fluid loop, allowing for simultaneous or independent operation of heating and cooling modes to manage temperature effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thermal control system integrates both heating and cooling functions, then temperature control versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines heating and cooling functions into a single integrated thermal control plate assembly. The cooling plate and heater are merged into one unit with shared components including the working fluid loop, mounting structure, and electrical connections. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining both heating and cooling capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal control plate is designed as a universal component that can perform multiple functions: cooling through the cooling plate with working fluid circulation, heating through the integrated heater, and temperature monitoring through the thermal sensor. The single component serves multiple thermal management needs, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a thermal control system includes multiple components for heating and cooling, then temperature control capability is improved, but reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging heating and cooling functions into a single integrated plate assembly with shared mounting structures and fluid loops, the patent reduces the total number of components that could potentially fail. The integration minimizes connection points and interfaces between components, thereby improving reliability while maintaining full temperature control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thermal control system uses separate heating and cooling devices, then heating and cooling functions are achieved, but space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling plate and heater are merged into a single integrated assembly that occupies a compact footprint. The heating element is positioned adjacent to the cooling plate with shared mounting structures and fluid circulation paths, eliminating the need for separate heating and cooling device footprints. This merging achieves full heating and cooling functionality within a reduced space envelope.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an electrical heater is used in a cooling loop, then heating function is added, but ease of operation decreases and energy efficiency reduces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary that manages both the cooling pump and heater operations. The controller receives temperature sensor input and automatically regulates the cooling loop and heater to maintain desired temperature, eliminating complex manual control requirements. This intermediary control system improves ease of operation while enabling versatile heating and cooling functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal sensor provides continuous feedback to the controller, which adjusts heater and cooling loop operation to maintain optimal temperature. This feedback mechanism enables efficient operation by activating heating or cooling only when and where needed, improving energy efficiency while maintaining full functional versatility.
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 system provides a robust, space-efficient, and reliable temperature control solution that can operate in varying conditions, reducing system complexity and increasing reliability while being cost-effective.
Implementation Method 1
Cooling fins are thermally coupled to the cooling plate... for better heat transfer and fluid distribution
Implementation Method 2
Heating fins are thermally coupled to the heater... for better heat transfer and fluid distribution
Implementation Method 3
The cooling plate includes a thermally conductive base that is adapted to be thermally coupled to heat-generating electronic components
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are disclosed of a thermal control plate including a cooling layer and a heating layer. The cooling layer includes a thermally conductive base adapted to be thermally coupled to one or more heat-generating electronic components, cooling fins thermally coupled to the base, and a cooling cover plate coupled to the ends of the plurality of cooling fins. The thermally conductive base, the cooling cover plate, and the plurality of cooling fins form a plurality of cooling channels through which a working fluid can flow. The heating layer includes a heater, heating fins thermally coupled to the heater, and a heating cover plate coupled to the ends of the plurality of heating fins. The heater, the heating cover plate, and the heating fins form a plurality of heating channels through which the working fluid can flow. A fluid distribution can distribute the working fluid into the heating channels and cooling channels.