Elastocaloric device and corresponding method for producing such a device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elastocaloric devices face issues such as increased wear due to friction, unfavorable deformation, reduced preload due to plastic deformation, complex manufacturing, and inefficient use of installation space, leading to reduced cooling/heating performance and increased failure risk.
Innovation Solution
The elastocaloric device employs a clamping mechanism with opposing clamping devices that securely clamp the end sections of elastocaloric elements, allowing only the central sections to move for heat exchange, minimizing friction and ensuring uniform mechanical stress, while utilizing spheroidal or ellipsoidal shell elements to optimize space and prevent bending stresses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a clamping element is designed to be releasably connectable to a refrigeration device, then the elastocaloric device can be easily installed and removed, but the connection mechanism increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The elastocaloric device is divided into separate functional modules: the elastocaloric element, the clamping element with connection features, and the refrigeration device interface. This segmentation allows the clamping element to be independently designed with simple attachment mechanisms (such as clips, snaps, or magnetic connections) that enable easy installation and removal without complicating the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed with self-locking or self-retaining features that automatically secure the elastocaloric device to the refrigeration device without requiring additional tools or complex assembly procedures. The connection mechanism may include self-adjusting elements that automatically engage and lock into place, providing ease of operation while maintaining simplicity.
2Reliability
If the elastocaloric element is surrounded by a housing, then protection and structural support are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is merged with the clamping element into a single integrated component. This combination provides the necessary protection and structural support for the elastocaloric element while eliminating the need for separate manufacturing and assembly steps for the housing, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed as a thin-walled protective shell that provides sufficient mechanical protection and structural support for the elastocaloric element. This thin-film approach reduces material usage and manufacturing complexity while maintaining the necessary protection and structural integrity during operation and installation.
3Ease of manufacture
If connection features are integrated into the clamping element, then assembly is simplified, but the clamping element design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: providing mechanical clamping force to secure the elastocaloric device, integrating connection features for attachment to the refrigeration device, and offering structural support. This multi-functionality simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for separate components while the modular design approach keeps the complexity manageable through standardized connection interfaces.
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 design enhances the service life of the device by reducing friction and plastic deformation, maintains consistent preload, and optimizes space utilization, resulting in improved cooling/heating performance and increased reliability.
Implementation Method 1
An elastocaloric device comprises an elastocaloric element (10)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an elastocaloric device (200; 300; 400) that is designed to assume a first state, in which an elastocaloric material emits thermal energy on the basis of the elastocaloric effect, and a second state, in which the elastocaloric material absorbs thermal energy on the basis of the elastocaloric effect. The elastocaloric device (200; 300; 400) has: a plurality of elements (210; 310, 410), which are made of an elastocaloric material, and at least two clamping elements (220; 320; 420), which lie opposite each other and each of which clamps a respective end section (211; 211; 411) of each element (210; 310; 410) such that only a central section (212; 312; 412) of each element (210; 310; 410), said central section lying between the clamping elements (220; 320; 420) lying opposite each other, can be set to the first state and the second state for absorbing and emitting thermal energy. The invention additionally relates to a clamping element and to a corresponding production method.