Integrated Temperature Control for Multi-Layer Ceramic Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-layer ceramic modules in systems like avionic and airborne jamming pods face challenges with temperature control, as external heaters increase system mass and have slow thermal response times, and self-heating may be restricted due to RF interference.
Innovation Solution
Integration of a temperature control system within the multi-layer ceramic module, comprising a power switch and resistive network to dissipate thermal energy, allowing for controlled heating without external heaters, optimizing thermal response and reducing system mass.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If external heaters are added to the system to increase coolant temperature during warm-up period, then the temperature control function is achieved, but the system mass increases and thermal response time becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature control function with the existing multi-layer ceramic module by integrating a heater element directly into the module structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate external heaters, thereby reducing system mass while achieving the same temperature control function. The heater is integrated within the ceramic layers, creating a unified structure that serves both as the functional module and the heating device.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heater is positioned to provide preliminary heating action during the warm-up period before the module enters normal operation. The heater can be activated independently to pre-heat the coolant and module components, enabling faster thermal response compared to external heaters that would need to heat through larger thermal masses.
2Temperature
If external heaters are used to heat the system during warm-up period, then the temperature control function is achieved, but the thermal response time becomes slow
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the heater element directly into the multi-layer ceramic module, the heating source is positioned at the origin of the thermal system rather than externally. This eliminates thermal lag associated with heat transfer through interfaces and mounting structures, significantly reducing thermal response time during warm-up operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated heater enables preliminary heating action to occur directly within the module structure, warming up the coolant and internal components simultaneously from the source. This preliminary action occurs faster than external heating because the heat is applied directly to the thermal mass that needs heating, without requiring heat to traverse external mounting interfaces.
3Weight of moving object
If self-heating is used in temperature-sensitive environments, then the mass is reduced, but RF interference may occur during warm-up period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heating function from the main operational circuitry by providing a separate, dedicated heater element that can be independently controlled. This allows the heating function to be separated from the RF-emitting components, enabling the heater to operate during warm-up without causing RF interference, while still achieving mass reduction compared to external heaters.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater is designed to operate periodically or in discrete phases - specifically during the warm-up period before normal operation. The power switch controls the heater to be active only when needed for temperature control, and inactive during normal RF operation, thereby eliminating continuous RF interference while maintaining mass reduction benefits.
4Weight of moving object
If an integrated temperature control is integrated into the multi-layer ceramic module, then the system mass is reduced and thermal response is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of the heater element within the multi-layer ceramic module structure combines multiple functions (RF operation, temperature control, and structural support) into a single unified component. While this increases internal complexity, it eliminates the need for separate external heater assemblies, mounting hardware, and control interfaces, resulting in net mass reduction and simplified system-level integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer ceramic module is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously - it acts as the RF functional module, the structural housing, and the temperature control device through the integrated heater. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components, offsetting the internal complexity with external system simplification and mass reduction.
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 integrated temperature control enables efficient and rapid thermal management within the module, eliminating the need for separate heaters, minimizing system mass, and allowing operation in temperature-sensitive environments where self-heating is not feasible.
Implementation Method 1
an integrated temperature control configured to dissipate thermal energy
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-layer ceramic module is provided that includes an integrated temperature control and a power switch. The integrated temperature control is configured to dissipate thermal energy. The power switch is configured to couple a power source for a standard component of the multi-layer ceramic module to the integrated temperature control.