Flexible Volume-Variable Casing for Thermal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control devices for electric devices, such as batteries, face inefficiencies in thermal coupling and stability, leading to suboptimal temperature regulation within predetermined limits.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device featuring a volume-variable casing made of flexible material that can expand to lie flat against the electric device, enhancing thermal coupling with a fluid channel for improved efficiency, using fastening devices to secure the casing and facilitate linear fluid flow, and optionally incorporating flow-guiding elements for enhanced heat transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid casing is used for the fluid channel, then the structural stability is maintained, but the thermal coupling efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a volume-variable casing that can dynamically change its shape and volume in response to fluid pressure. When temperature control fluid is pumped into the casing, it expands to conform to the electric device's surface, maximizing thermal contact. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the casing to be both structurally stable (when deflated or at rest) and thermally efficient (when inflated and conforming to the device surface).
Solution Approach 2:
The casing's volume and shape parameters are changed by introducing temperature control fluid. This parameter change allows the casing to transition from a compact state to an expanded state that closely follows the contours of the electric device, thereby improving thermal coupling without compromising structural integrity through the controlled flexibility of the material.
2Temperature
If a flexible volume-variable casing is used, then the thermal coupling is improved, but the mechanical stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes a flexible casing made of elastic material that can deform and conform to the electric device's surface. This flexible shell approach improves thermal coupling by maximizing contact area between the temperature control fluid and the device. The mechanical stability is maintained through the elastic properties of the material and the constrained expansion within the fastening devices, preventing uncontrolled deformation.
3Temperature
If the casing is allowed to expand freely, then the thermal contact surface is maximized, but the positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature control system is segmented into distinct functional components: the expandable casing for thermal contact, and rigid fastening devices for positioning. The fastening devices act as anchors that define the positional boundaries, while the casing expands only within these defined boundaries. This segmentation allows the casing to maximize thermal contact surface area without compromising positioning precision, as the fastening devices ensure accurate placement.
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 solution improves thermal coupling and efficiency of temperature control by allowing the casing to expand and conform closely to the device, ensuring effective cooling or heating while maintaining mechanical stability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a volume-variable casing (3) of a flexible material... the volume limited by the casing (3) and forming the fluid channel (2) is greater in a state when flowed through by the temperature control fluid F than in a state in which no temperature control fluid F is flowing through the fluid channel (2)
Implementation Method 2
thermal coupling can be improved between the coolant, which is directed through the casing, and the temperature-controlled device which is to be cooled
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control device for controlling a temperature of an electric device may include at least one fluid channel through which a temperature control fluid may be flowable. The at least one fluid channel may be delimited, at least partially, by at least one volume-variable casing of a flexible material. The temperature control device may further include at least one fastening device. The at least one fastening device may surround a fluid chamber through which the temperature control fluid may be flowable. The at least one casing may be coupled to the at least one fastening device such that the fluid chamber is in fluid communication with the at least one fluid channel.