Fluid control apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid control apparatuses with cylindrical covers are ineffective in transferring heat from a heater to a pipe and fluid control device, limiting their ability to maintain temperature.
Innovation Solution
A fluid control apparatus featuring a metal plate with a heater, joint blocks, and a heat transfer cover with a rectangular cross-sectional shape, where the heat transfer cover includes a first and second cover member that abut the metal plate and fluid control device, respectively, allowing for efficient heat transfer along a predetermined direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cylindrical cover is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but heat transfer from the heater to the pipe and fluid control device is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple segments (first cover member and second cover member) that can be assembled around the pipe. This segmentation allows the cover to conform to the rectangular cross-section of the pipe and provide effective heat transfer surfaces while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a cylindrical shape to a rectangular cross-sectional shape that matches the pipe geometry. This dimensional change enables the cover to make proper contact with the pipe surfaces in multiple directions, significantly improving heat transfer efficiency from the heater to the pipe and fluid control device.
2Temperature
If a rectangular cross-sectional cover is used, then heat transfer is improved, but the cover structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rectangular cover is segmented into multiple members that can be manufactured separately using standard fabrication processes and then assembled. This segmentation maintains manufacturing ease by allowing each component to be produced with conventional methods while achieving the overall rectangular configuration needed for effective heat transfer.
3Temperature
If the cover does not contact the pipe adequately, then manufacturing is simpler, but temperature maintenance is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is designed with different contact surfaces and configurations at different locations to ensure adequate thermal contact with the pipe. The first and second cover members have specific abutment surfaces that contact the pipe and fluid control device at critical heat transfer zones, providing localized quality enhancement for temperature maintenance without requiring complex overall structure.
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 reliable heat transfer from the metal plate to the pipe and fluid control devices, ensuring the fluid is provided at a predetermined temperature, enhancing temperature maintenance and apparatus efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a heater configured to heat the metal plate
Implementation Method 2
heat transfer from the heater to the pipe and fluid control device
Implementation Method 3
heat transfer cover provided on the installation surface of the metal plate... capable of reliably transferring heat from a heater to a pipe and a fluid control device
Data Source
AI summary
A fluid control apparatus includes: a metal plate; a heater configured to heat the metal plate; a first joint block and a second joint block provided on an installation surface of the metal plate, extending in a predetermined direction, and formed with a flow passage therein; a first pipe extending along the predetermined direction between the first joint block and the second joint block; a heat transfer cover provided on the installation surface of the metal plate; and a first fluid control device mounted to the first joint block and the second joint block so as to straddle over the first pipe. The heat transfer cover has a rectangular cross-sectional shape, extends along the predetermined direction, and includes a first cover member and a second cover member mounted around an outer circumference of the first pipe in contact with each other. The first cover member covers a part in a cross section of the first pipe and has a first abutment surface abutting on the installation surface of the metal plate. The second cover member covers another part in a cross section of the first pipe and has a second abutment surface abutting on the first fluid control device.