Device for temperature control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for controlling the temperature of gases using micro-scale channels are limited in efficiency and effectiveness, particularly in achieving precise temperature control through the use of specific materials and configurations that can accommodate gas flow under pressure differentials.

Innovation Solution

A system and method utilizing micro channels with specific base and side materials such as aluminum, graphene, and pyrolytic graphite, formed through techniques like extrusion or cutting, to induce gas flow perpendicular to the channel cross-section, leveraging pressure differentials to manage gas flow and temperature distribution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional materials and configurations are used for micro channels, then manufacturing is simpler, but temperature control efficiency and thermal conductivity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature control efficiencyVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite material structures for micro channels, combining materials with superior thermal conductivity properties to enhance temperature control efficiency. The micro channels are constructed using composite materials that optimize heat transfer while maintaining manufacturability through established fabrication techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes geometric parameters of the micro channels, including dimensions, cross-sectional shapes, and configurations, to maximize thermal conductivity and temperature control efficiency. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the system achieves enhanced cooling performance without requiring overly complex manufacturing processes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If micro channel dimensions are reduced to enhance cooling efficiency, then thermal conductivity improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal conductivityVSAvoiddimensional precision
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent systematically optimizes the dimensional parameters of micro channels, selecting specific ranges for width, height, and length that balance thermal conductivity enhancement with manufacturability. The optimized dimensions enable effective cooling while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing tolerances and capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The micro channel structures are designed with segmented or modular configurations that facilitate precise manufacturing. By dividing the cooling system into discrete micro channel units, the patent enables controlled fabrication with appropriate precision while maintaining overall system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Temperature

If specific base and side materials are selected for micro channels, then thermal performance improves, but material selection and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal performanceVSAvoidmaterial selection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies composite material compositions for micro channel construction, combining materials with complementary thermal properties. The base and side materials are selected as specific composites that optimize heat transfer performance while being compatible with established manufacturing processes, thereby balancing thermal performance with manufacturing feasibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution enables efficient cooling of gases by forming micro channels with precise dimensions and materials, allowing for controlled temperature management through gas flow, enhancing thermal conductivity and reducing thermal resistance.

Implementation Method 1

the gas can be induced to flow through the micro channel through operation of a pressure differential between a first pressure and a second pressure, the first pressure of the gas proximal to the inflow opening being atmospheric and the second pressure of the gas proximal to the outflow opening being less than atmospheric

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

The base can be selected from a set of base materials consisting of: aluminum sheet metal, anodized aluminum, Teflon-coated aluminum, painted aluminum, graphene, pyrolytic graphite, and copper sheet metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3944307A1Device for temperature control
Publication Date: 2022.01.26 FORCED PHYSICS
  • EP3944307A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3944307A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3944307A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Materials, components, and methods consistent with the disclosure are directed to the fabrication and use of micro scale channels with a gas, where the micro channel can include a base and a side, where the base and the side can be configured to form at least at least a portion of an inflow opening, and an outflow opening. The micro channel can be configured to accommodate a flow of the gas from the inflow opening to the outflow opening in a first direction substantially perpendicular to a cross section of the micro channel. The side can have a thickness in a range 0.5 µm and 500 µm, where the micro channel with a thickness in a range 0.5 µm and 500 µm is formed, in part, by providing the side on the base.