Dual-Loop Temperature Control for Fast Electronic Device Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for electronic device testing are inefficient in rapidly switching between high and low temperatures, leading to prolonged test schedules and high energy consumption due to repetitive heating and cooling of the thermal conducting plate.
Innovation Solution
A dual loop type temperature control module with a first and second loop, each with a distinct working fluid, a temperature regulating device, and a controller that uses switching valves to rapidly adjust temperatures, allowing for precise regulation across a wide range by connecting the thermoelectric cooling device to the temperature regulating device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single heating unit and cooling apparatus are used to regulate the thermal conducting plate, then the system structure is simple, but the switching time between high and low temperatures is lengthy and energy consumption is high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the temperature control system into two independent loops: a first loop with a heating unit for high temperature control and a second loop with a cooling apparatus for low temperature control. Each loop has its own switching valve (first switching valve and second switching valve) that can independently regulate the thermal conducting plate. This segmentation allows simultaneous preparation of both high and low temperature paths, enabling rapid switching without waiting for one system to cool down or heat up completely, thus reducing switching time while maintaining reasonable structural complexity.
2Device complexity
If a single heating unit and cooling apparatus are used to regulate the thermal conducting plate, then the system structure is simple, but the energy consumption during repetitive heating and cooling is high
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the temperature control into two independent loops with separate heating and cooling systems, the patent enables parallel operation where both high and low temperature paths are prepared simultaneously. The switching valves direct the thermal conducting plate to the required temperature path without requiring the other system to complete its full cycle, significantly reducing repetitive heating and cooling operations and thereby lowering energy consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual loop system allows preliminary preparation of both high and low temperature paths simultaneously. While the thermal conducting plate is being heated by the first loop, the second loop is already cooled and ready, and vice versa. This preliminary action eliminates the need to wait for one system to complete its full temperature cycle before the other can be utilized, reducing wasted energy from incomplete temperature cycles.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the thermal conducting plate is heated and cooled repetitively for high/low temperature tests, then the same machine can test all objects, but the test schedule is delayed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the temperature control into independent first and second loops with separate heating and cooling apparatus. Each loop can operate independently and simultaneously prepare for high or low temperature tests. The switching valves enable rapid redirection of the thermal conducting plate between loops, allowing multiple objects to undergo high/low temperature tests on the same machine without sequential waiting, thus maintaining versatility while dramatically improving test schedule efficiency.
4Loss of time
If a dual loop type temperature control module is used to switch rapidly between temperatures, then the switching time is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves rapid temperature switching by segmenting the control system into two independent loops, each with dedicated heating or cooling apparatus and switching valves. This segmentation allows parallel preparation of temperature paths, reducing switching time. The added complexity is managed through modular design where each loop is self-contained and controlled by dedicated valves, making the system scalable and maintainable despite the increased number of components.
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
Enables rapid switching between temperature ranges, reducing energy loss and shortening test times, allowing for accurate high and low temperature detection with improved efficiency and reduced energy consumption.
Implementation Method 1
A first working fluid of a first temperature flows in the first loop. A second working fluid of a second temperature flows in the second loop.
Implementation Method 2
the thermoelectric cooling device to regulate the temperature of an object to be tested based on the reference temperature
Data Source
AI summary
A dual loop type temperature control module and an electronic device testing apparatus having the same are provided. The temperature control module comprises a first loop through which a first working fluid of a first temperature flows, a second loop through which a second working fluid of a second temperature flows, a controller for controlling a first switching valve such that the first or second working fluid flows through a temperature regulating device, and a second switching valve such that the working fluid flowing through the temperature regulating device returns to the first or second loop. The temperature regulating device adjusts a thermoelectric cooling device to reach two different reference temperatures based on the rise/fall of its temperature dependent on the working fluid. The thermoelectric cooling device regulates the temperature of the tested object under a wide range of temperature difference and with accuracy based on the reference temperatures to facilitate the detection of high/low temperature.