Joule-Thomson Heat Transfer Assembly for Compact Cooling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional heat transfer devices for cooling are impractical due to their large size and high cost, making them unsuitable for many applications, and they lack efficiency in utilizing the Joule-Thomson effect for effective heat removal.

Innovation Solution

A heat transfer device utilizing the Joule-Thomson effect, which includes a body with a lid assembly, internal container, and puncturing devices that release a fluid to expand and cool, allowing for efficient heat transfer through a venturi mechanism, enabling compact and cost-effective cooling solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional throttling processes are used to achieve heat transfer, then cooling effect is obtained, but the equipment becomes large and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidequipment size
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the Joule-Thomson effect by changing the pressure parameters of the fluid as it passes through the throttle body, causing temperature reduction without requiring large equipment. The fluid undergoes isenthalpic expansion where pressure drop directly translates to temperature drop, achieving compact heat transfer design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention employs fluid dynamics principles by directing pressurized fluid through a restricted throttle body, creating a venturi effect that enhances mixing and heat transfer. The pneumatic system uses compressed gas or liquid to achieve cooling through controlled expansion and mixing with ambient air

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Temperature

If conventional throttling processes are used to achieve heat transfer, then cooling effect is obtained, but the equipment becomes expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling effectVSAvoidequipment cost
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system is divided into separate functional components: a throttle body for pressure reduction, injection ports for fluid introduction, and mixing zones for heat transfer. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently using simpler, more cost-effective processes while maintaining the Joule-Thomson cooling effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system utilizes the inherent properties of the compressed fluid itself to achieve cooling, eliminating the need for external refrigerants or complex cooling mechanisms. The fluid's own expansion through the throttle body provides the cooling effect, reducing material and manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If Joule-Thomson effect is utilized for heat removal, then cooling efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the throttle body, injection ports, and mixing chamber into an integrated assembly that utilizes the Joule-Thomson effect. The compressed fluid is introduced, expanded through the throttle, and mixed with ambient air in a single compact unit, achieving high cooling efficiency without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device achieves efficient cooling by leveraging the Joule-Thomson effect, providing a compact, cost-effective, and reliable heat transfer solution suitable for various applications, including electronic devices and harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

The apparatus and methods utilize the Joules-Thompson effect to remove heat from a heat source to facilitate cooling of the heat source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule-Thomson effect: Joule-Thomson Effect

Implementation Method 2

efficient heat transfer through a venturi mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3457051B1An apparatus for heat transfer, utilizing the joules-thomson effect
Publication Date: 2024.11.06 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3457051B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3457051B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3457051B1 patent drawingFigure 1C

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to heat transferring apparatuses and methods. The apparatus and methods utilize the Joules-Thompson effect to remove heat from a heat source to facilitate cooling of the heat source. In one example, an apparatus receives heat from an object to be cooled (552). The received heat is used to pressurize a fluid in a container (550, 551). The pressurized fluid is depressurized through a venturi (553) using vapor pressure as a driving force, thus cooling the fluid.