Heater Band Chamber Temperature Control Without Hot-Air Vibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing testing apparatuses that rely on circulated hot air for temperature control often suffer from vibrations, poor temperature uniformity, and loss of testing stations due to inadequate temperature control, leading to inconsistent results.

Innovation Solution

The development of apparatuses that utilize a heater band covering at least 70% of the chamber's circumference, in conjunction with a temperature sensor and controller, to maintain precise temperature control without circulating hot air, ensuring uniformity and reducing vibrations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If circulated hot air is used for temperature control, then temperature can be maintained across multiple stations, but vibrations from fans lead to testing inconsistencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidtesting consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature control system into individual heating zones, with each testing station having its own heater and temperature control. This segmentation eliminates the need for a single large fan to circulate air across multiple stations, thereby reducing vibrations and improving testing consistency while maintaining temperature control at each location independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent removes the fan component from the temperature control system by using direct heating elements at each testing station. This extraction of the fan eliminates the source of vibrations that caused testing inconsistencies, while the heating elements directly provide the necessary thermal energy without requiring air circulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If circulated hot air is used for temperature control, then heating can be achieved, but poor temperature control at or near the tested specimen occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating capabilityVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements local heating elements positioned directly at or near each testing station, allowing independent temperature control tailored to the specific requirements of each specimen. This local quality approach ensures precise temperature control at the specimen location without being affected by air circulation patterns that cause temperature variations in other areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses direct heating elements as intermediaries between the power source and the specimen, eliminating the need for air circulation as an intermediate heat transfer medium. This direct heating approach provides more precise and responsive temperature control at the specimen location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If circulated hot air is used for temperature control, then heating can be provided, but loss of use of testing stations due to poor temperature uniformity occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating provisionVSAvoidtesting station usability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the temperature control into independent zones at each testing station, with each zone having its own heating and control system. This allows each station to maintain optimal temperature independently, preventing the temperature uniformity issues that would cause stations to be taken out of service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

By providing localized heating control at each testing station, the system ensures that each station can maintain the required temperature uniformity for its specific tests, maximizing the usability and productivity of all testing stations without being constrained by air circulation limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 solution provides improved temperature control and uniformity near the specimen, reducing testing inconsistencies and extending the usability of testing stations, thereby enhancing the reliability of test results.

Implementation Method 1

a heater band that is (a) arranged on the outer surface or the inner surface of the chamber, and (b) in contact with at least 70% of a circumference of the chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a temperature sensor having a sensing portion, wherein the sensing portion is arranged adjacent to the sample holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal sensing: Thermocouple

Implementation Method 3

a heat shield, wherein at least a portion of the heat shield is arranged between the heater and the sample holder

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS11474054B2Temperature control apparatuses and methods

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 EQUISTAR CHEMICALS LP

AI summary

Provided herein are apparatuses that include a testing device and a controller. The testing device may include a chamber, a sample holder, a temperature sensor, and a heater band or a heater. The controller may be in communication with at least one of the temperature sensor and the heater band or the heater. The apparatuses may include one or more testing devices, and the testing devices may be arranged in a bin. Methods of performing a test with the apparatuses are also provided.