Magnetic Induction Gas Sorption Apparatus Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional methods for examining solid-state hydrogen sorption materials are inefficient and prone to temperature variability, requiring extensive repetitive operations and precise temperature control, which complicates the collection of reliable sorption data.

Innovation Solution

A gas sorption apparatus utilizing a magnetic induction heating system for precise temperature control and automated data collection, allowing for rapid and controlled heating of samples, minimizing temperature fluctuations and enabling efficient data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional methods are used to examine solid-state hydrogen sorption materials, then measurement precision can be achieved, but the process requires large numbers of repetitive operations over a very long period of time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorption data qualityVSAvoiddata collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus enables continuous automated sorption measurements through programmed sequential operations, eliminating idle time between repetitive manual operations. The system continuously cycles through gas introduction, pressure measurement, and temperature control without interruption, dramatically reducing the time required to collect complete isotherm data while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service through automated control of gas flow, pressure measurement, and temperature regulation. The microprocessor-controlled apparatus automatically executes measurement protocols without human intervention, managing the entire sorption characterization process from start to finish and eliminating the time loss associated with manual repetitive operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If traditional examination methods are used, then sorption data can be collected, but temperature variations in the system affect the accuracy of measured characteristics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesorption characteristic accuracyVSAvoidtemperature stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The apparatus incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the sample environment and feeds this information back to the control system. The microprocessor adjusts temperature control parameters in real-time based on measured temperature deviations, maintaining stable thermal conditions during sorption measurements and compensating for external temperature variations to ensure accurate data collection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a controlled thermal environment as an intermediary between the sample and external temperature variations. Through programmed temperature control and thermal management, the apparatus creates a stable measurement zone that isolates the sorption material from environmental temperature fluctuations, ensuring measurement precision despite external thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Temperature

If manual monitoring of temperature variation is performed, then some control is possible, but response lag time makes complete temperature control unavoidable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidresponse lag time
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The automated temperature control system operates continuously without interruption, monitoring and adjusting thermal conditions at every measurement step. This eliminates the response lag inherent in manual monitoring by maintaining constant communication between temperature sensors and the control system, ensuring immediate response to temperature changes and eliminating dead time in the control loop.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service temperature control through automated sensing and adjustment mechanisms. The microprocessor-controlled apparatus independently monitors its own thermal state and executes correction actions without human intervention, eliminating the response lag associated with manual temperature monitoring and control while maintaining precise thermal conditions throughout the experiment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Temperature

If thermal isolation of the sample is attempted, then temperature stability may improve, but the system becomes expensive and often not effective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature stabilityVSAvoidthermal isolation system
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of relying on expensive thermal isolation structures, the system uses feedback-controlled active temperature management. Temperature sensors continuously monitor the sample environment and the microprocessor adjusts heating or cooling elements in real-time to maintain stable conditions. This active control approach achieves temperature stability without requiring complex passive thermal isolation systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The apparatus replaces mechanical thermal isolation systems with electronic temperature control. Rather than using physical barriers or insulation to prevent temperature changes, the system uses electronic sensing and actuation to actively maintain thermal stability. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive thermal isolation hardware while achieving the same temperature stability goal through programmable control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 apparatus enables high-quality sorption data collection quickly and efficiently, capable of generating isotherms within a few hours, with improved temperature control and reduced impact from external temperature variations.

Implementation Method 1

the heating system includes a magnetic induction heating coil, with the sample holder being locatable within a magnetic field of the magnetic induction heating coil

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic induction heating: Induction Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11307129B2Automatic gas sorption apparatus and method
Publication Date: 2022.04.19 BATTELLE SAVANNAH RIVER ALLIANCE LLC
  • US11307129B2 patent drawing
  • US11307129B2 patent drawing
  • US11307129B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Automated apparatuses for use in examining gas sorption materials are described. Devices utilize a noncontact magnetic induction heating approach for controlling the temperature of tested materials. The apparatuses can be used to generate single or multiple isotherms simultaneously. The apparatuses can examine nanogram or microgram-scale quantities of materials of interest and can do so automatically and unattended. Pressure-composition isotherms can be provided through use of disclosed apparatuses in a period of a few hours.