Microstructured Heat Transfer Component Curved Surface Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for producing microstructures on heat transfer surfaces are limited in their ability to enhance both heat and mass transport, as well as chemical reactivity, particularly in systems with curved surfaces, and do not effectively utilize concave and convex areas for heat transfer and catalytic reactions.

Innovation Solution

A method involving electroplating and mechanical spray compacting processes to create microstructures on components with curved surfaces, using a radiation-sensitive photoresist that adapts to the surface shape, forming continuous microstructures on both convex and concave areas, and incorporating microfine pores through ion beam technology and deep etching.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional electroplating methods are used on flat surfaces, then microstructures can be produced, but they cannot effectively cover curved surfaces with concave and convex areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to curved surfacesVSAvoiduniformity of microstructure coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a radiation-sensitive photoresist that can adapt to curved surfaces, allowing the formation of microstructures on components with concave and convex areas. The photoresist is applied in a plasticized state, enabling it to conform to the surface curvature, and then hardened to maintain the adapted shape, achieving uniform microstructure coverage on non-planar surfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the photoresist from plasticized (flexible) to hardened (rigid) through radiation exposure. This parameter change allows the photoresist to first adapt to the curved surface geometry and then maintain that adaptation during subsequent processing steps, enabling precise microstructure formation on complex geometries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If microstructures are produced only on convex surfaces, then production is simpler, but heat transfer and mass transport efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat transfer efficiencyVSAvoidcomplexity of microstructure application
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal method for producing microstructures that works on all surface types (convex, concave, and curved). The photoresist application process and electroplating method are designed to be universally applicable to any component geometry, enabling microstructure formation throughout the entire heat transfer surface area, thereby maximizing heat transfer and mass transport efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If ion beam technology and deep etching are used to create microfine pores, then heat transfer performance increases, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemass transport efficiencyVSAvoidease of microstructure production
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the photoresist in a plasticized state before electroplating, allowing it to adapt to the surface geometry in advance. This preliminary adaptation simplifies subsequent processing steps, as the photoresist is already positioned correctly to receive the metal layer and guide the formation of microfine pores through ion beam technology and deep etching, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 method significantly enhances heat transfer and mass transport efficiency, increases the effectiveness of heat transfer surfaces, and enables effective chemical reactivity by uniformly covering both convex and concave areas with microstructures, improving the performance of heat exchangers and reactors.

Implementation Method 1

a radiation-sensitive photoresist, which can be adapted or adapted to complement the shape of the curved structure, is applied at least partially to the surface of the component

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotopolymerisation: Photopolymerisation

Implementation Method 2

The microstructure elements are worked up on the component to be produced, in particular on a component designed as a tube, by means of electroplating coating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroplating: Electroplating

Implementation Method 3

incorporating microfine pores through ion beam technology and deep etching

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon beam: Ion Beam

Implementation Method 4

The microstructure elements are worked up on the component to be produced, in particular on a component designed as a tube, by means of electroplating coating and/or mechanical spray compacting processes

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpray: Spray

Data Source

PatentEP2229570B1Method for producing a component
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 ERK ECKROHRKESSEL GMBH
  • EP2229570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2229570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2229570B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a component for performing heat transfer and/or technical reaction control, in particular for carrying out a heterogeneous catalysis, with at least one surface which has a domed structure with concave portions, wherein this component has microstructure elements arranged on at least one of its surfaces. The invention also relates to a method for producing the component and to a method for achieving efficient heat and/or mass transfer and/or chemical reactivity in the operation of plants for the transmission of thermal energy and/or technical reaction control with the aid of the component and to use of the component for such processes.