Cooling device and display device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional electrocaloric cooling devices face durability issues due to repeated bending of electrocaloric effect materials and limitations in volume and shape, which restrict cooling efficiency and durability.

Innovation Solution

A cooling device design featuring a heat source, heat sink, and electrocaloric portion with adjustable thickness and length actuators, along with thermal switches, allowing for flexible volume and shape design, and high thermal conductivity layers to enhance heat transfer and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electrocaloric effect material is repeatedly bent to cool the heat source, then the cooling function is achieved, but the durability of the electrocaloric effect material deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidnumber of bending cycles

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical bending system with an electric field control system. Instead of physically bending the electrocaloric effect material to change its thermal contact, electric fields are applied to control the thermal conductivity of the material, achieving the same cooling function without mechanical deformation. This substitution eliminates wear and fatigue associated with repeated bending, significantly improving durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from mechanical deformation (bending) to electric field strength. By applying different electric field intensities and directions to the electrocaloric effect material, the thermal conductivity is dynamically adjusted, enabling thermal contact switching without physical movement. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by maintaining cooling functionality while eliminating mechanical stress.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If the volume of the electrocaloric effect material is increased to improve cooling efficiency, then the cooling capacity is improved, but the material cannot be freely shaped or enlarged beyond a certain volume

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidvolume and shape adjustability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces dynamic control of thermal conductivity through electric field application. The electrocaloric effect material can dynamically switch between high and low thermal conductivity states, allowing the system to adapt to different cooling requirements. This dynamic property enables the material to function effectively at various volumes and shapes, as the thermal performance can be optimized through electric field control rather than being fixed by physical dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent makes the electrocaloric effect material multi-functional by enabling it to serve as both a structural component and a controllable thermal management element. The material can be configured in various volumes and shapes while maintaining its cooling function through electric field control. This universality allows the same material to be adapted to different application requirements without being constrained by fixed volume or shape limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the electrocaloric effect material is constrained in volume to maintain durability, then the durability is improved, but the cooling efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidcooling efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the controlling parameter from physical volume to electric field intensity. By adjusting the electric field parameters, the thermal conductivity of the material is optimized to achieve high cooling efficiency regardless of the material's volume. This allows small-volume materials to deliver high cooling performance through enhanced electric field control, resolving the contradiction between limited volume and cooling efficiency while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 design enables high durability and flexible volume and shape adjustment of electrocaloric materials, improving cooling efficiency and maintaining display device characteristics in high temperature environments.

Implementation Method 1

an electrocaloric effect material, which controls an electric dipole moment of a substance by an electric field, and has an electrocaloric effect of generating or absorbing heat by a change in an entropy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrocaloric effect: Electrocaloric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a first actuator 3U and a second actuator 3D of each of which a thickness and a length vary depending on an applied electric field

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conductivity change: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11320178B2Cooling device and display device

Publication Date: 2022.05.03 SHARP KK

AI summary

The cooling device includes an electrocaloric portion including an electrocaloric effect material, a first thermal switch including a first actuator, and a second thermal switch including a second actuator, in which a thickness and a length of the first actuator and the second actuator are changed depending on an electric field to be applied.