Method for controlling the temperature of a test sample
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional temperature control methods for measuring devices, particularly those using Peltier elements, are limited by maximum temperature constraints, leading to slow cooling processes and high peak power requirements, which result in inefficiencies and mechanical challenges.
Innovation Solution
A device with a heat storage element having a high heat capacity, preferably at least 2:1 or 5:1 ratio to the measuring cell, allows for controlled temperature management by transferring heat between the temperature control element, heat storage element, and measuring cell, enabling rapid temperature equalization without interrupting the cooling process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If Peltier elements are used for cooling the measuring cell, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the maximum temperature is limited to 120°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-cools a heat storage element (heat sink) before the measuring cell needs cooling. This stored cold energy is then transferred to the measuring cell, allowing rapid cooling without requiring the Peltier element to operate at high power levels continuously, thus maintaining efficient cooling while staying within temperature limits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a heat storage element as an intermediary between the Peltier element and the measuring cell. This mediator stores thermal energy and transfers it to the measuring cell, enabling the system to achieve rapid cooling effects without the Peltier element directly facing the temperature constraints of the measuring cell.
2Temperature
If the cooling unit is mechanically separated from the measuring cell, then temperature limit is avoided, but mechanical complexity and volume increase
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage element serves as a thermal intermediary that can be thermally coupled or decoupled from the measuring cell through simple thermal contact mechanisms rather than complex mechanical separation systems. This approach avoids temperature limits while maintaining mechanical simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical separation and reconnection mechanisms with a simpler thermal coupling approach using a heat storage element. The thermal energy storage and transfer mechanism substitutes for elaborate mechanical systems that would be needed to physically separate cooling units from the measuring cell.
3Speed
If fixed contact between cooling unit and measuring cell is used, then cooling speed is improved, but peak power requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage element is pre-cooled before the measuring cell requires cooling. This stored cold energy is then rapidly transferred to the measuring cell, achieving fast cooling speeds without requiring high peak power from the Peltier element during the actual cooling process.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storage element acts as a thermal buffer that decouples the power requirements from the cooling speed requirements. By storing thermal energy beforehand, it enables rapid heat transfer to the measuring cell without demanding high instantaneous power from the Peltier element.
4Reliability
If thermal diode with liquid layer is used, then Peltier element overheating is prevented, but cooling speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat storage element is pre-cooled to a low temperature before the measuring cell needs cooling. This pre-stored cold energy enables rapid heat absorption from the measuring cell without requiring continuous high-power operation of the Peltier element, thus maintaining fast cooling speeds while preventing overheating.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat storage element serves as a thermal intermediary that protects the Peltier element from overheating by absorbing excess heat during measurement phases and releasing stored cold energy during cooling phases. This mediation maintains reliability while preserving cooling speed through efficient thermal energy management.
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 prevents overheating of Peltier elements and significantly enhances the speed of temperature control, reducing the need for high peak power and mechanical complexity, allowing for efficient and rapid cooling and heating of measuring samples.
Implementation Method 1
a heat storage element (3) coupled in a heat-transferring manner to the temperature control element
Implementation Method 2
Peltier elements are used as temperature control or cooling elements
Data Source
Figure 1~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for controlling the temperature of a test sample in a measuring device for measuring material properties of the test sample, comprising a measuring cell for receiving the test sample, at least one temperature controlling element, and a thermal storage element which is coupled to the temperature controlling element so as to transfer heat. Means are provided for changing the thermal resistance between the thermal storage element and the measuring cell in order to selectively thermally decouple the thermal storage element and the measuring cell or to couple the thermal storage element and the measuring cell together so as to transfer heat. The ratio of the thermal capacity of the thermal storage element to the thermal capacity of the measuring cell is greater than 1:1, preferably at least 2:1, preferably at least 5:1.