Multi-Mode Heat Transfer Emitter With Composite Material Pattern
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current heat transfer systems are inefficient in directing radiated heat specifically to a target object, as they often surround heat sources and distribute heat indiscriminately among nearby structures.
Innovation Solution
A multi-mode heat transfer system featuring an emitter device with a composite material pattern that includes high thermal conductivity material inlays and a low thermal conductivity material matrix, optimized to direct heat from the inner core to a specific receiver device while minimizing heat transfer to other objects, using a combination of thermal conductivity and emissivity optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If heat receiving structures are positioned to surround the heat source, then heat is transferred amongst multiple objects, but heat cannot be directed to a specific heat receiving structure and efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating regions of high and low thermal conductivity within the outer core through a composite material pattern. This pattern includes high thermal conductivity material inlays (such as metal traces or coatings) arranged in specific geometries (radial, circular, or concentric patterns) embedded in a low thermal conductivity matrix material. This local differentiation of thermal properties enables selective heat routing to specific receiver structures while blocking heat flow to other areas, thereby improving heat transfer efficiency and directional control simultaneously.
2Ease of operation
If a composite material pattern with high and low thermal conductivity materials is used, then heat can be directed to a specific receiver, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite materials by combining high thermal conductivity inlay materials (such as metals like copper, aluminum, or silver) with low thermal conductivity matrix materials (such as ceramics, polymers, or aerogels) to form the outer core. This composite structure enables the emitter to achieve directional heat control functionality that would be impossible with homogeneous materials. The composite nature allows simultaneous heat conduction pathways to be created while other regions provide thermal insulation, enabling precise heat routing without requiring multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the outer core into distinct regions with different thermal conductivity properties. The high thermal conductivity inlays are segmented into specific patterns (radial spokes, circular rings, or concentric layers) that create defined heat flow pathways. This segmentation of the thermal conduction function into discrete material regions within the outer core enables controlled heat direction while maintaining a single integrated emitter structure, thus managing complexity through functional segmentation rather than mechanical assembly of multiple parts.
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 system effectively focuses heat transfer to a designated receiver, enhancing efficiency and reducing unwanted heat distribution, suitable for applications like thermal protection and high-temperature energy harvesting.
Implementation Method 1
heat is transferred via conduction and/or radiation amongst objects near a heat source
Implementation Method 2
Heat transfer systems generally use heat conduction and/or heat radiation principles
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein generally relate to a multi-mode heat transfer system. The heat transfer system includes an emitter device. The emitter device includes an inner core surrounded by an outer core having a thickness and an outer surface. A composite material pattern extends through at least a portion of the outer surface and at least a portion of the thickness of the outer core and is thermally coupled to the inner core. The composite material pattern in combination with an optimized emissivity surface coating/paint profile directs a heat from the inner core to an object other than the emitter device.