Multi-Zone Thermoelectric Cooler for Independent Plate Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermoelectric coolers are not configured to provide multiple temperature zones, leading to inefficient power consumption and complex alignment issues when trying to cool or heat multiple components, especially in space-constrained environments like telecommunications and microelectronics.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric cooler design featuring multiple temperature zones achieved by interconnecting sections of plates with series of thermoelectric intermediate members, allowing independent temperature control through DC power supply, constructed from semiconductor materials like Bismuth Telluride, and optionally using different materials for the plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If multiple individual thermoelectric coolers are used to create multiple temperature zones, then temperature control for multiple components is achieved, but physical space requirements increase and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple thermoelectric cooler functions into a single integrated device with multiple independent temperature zones. Multiple thermoelectric modules are combined within one plate structure, allowing multiple components to be cooled to different temperatures simultaneously without requiring separate cooler units, thus reducing physical space requirements while maintaining temperature control capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The plate is segmented into multiple independent temperature zones, each controlled by its own thermoelectric module. This segmentation allows different sections of the same plate to operate at different temperatures, enabling multiple temperature zones within a compact single-device footprint rather than requiring multiple separate coolers
2Temperature
If multiple individual thermoelectric coolers are used to create multiple temperature zones, then temperature control for multiple components is achieved, but assembly time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple thermoelectric modules into a single integrated plate assembly, the patent reduces the number of separate assembly operations required. The pre-integrated structure allows for one-time installation of the entire multi-zone cooler rather than sequential assembly of multiple individual coolers, significantly reducing assembly time and associated labor costs
3Temperature
If multiple individual thermoelectric coolers are used to create multiple temperature zones, then temperature control for multiple components is achieved, but alignment precision deteriorates due to thermal expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated single-plate design with multiple thermoelectric modules eliminates the need for precise alignment between multiple separate cooler units. Since all modules are pre-positioned and fixed within the same rigid plate structure, thermal expansion affects the entire assembly uniformly, maintaining relative alignment between zones without the cumulative alignment errors that would occur with multiple separate devices
4Ease of operation
If the entire plate is heated or cooled to a single temperature, then simple control is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality control by dividing the plate into multiple independent temperature zones, each controlled by its own thermoelectric module. This allows only the specific sections requiring temperature control to be actively cooled or heated, rather than the entire plate, significantly reducing power consumption while maintaining simple independent control of each zone through separate electrical connections
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
Enables precise temperature control of multiple components with reduced power consumption and simplified alignment by creating distinct temperature zones on a single plate, improving efficiency and reducing assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Thermoelectric coolers are solid state devices used to heat and cool items... configured to produce a temperature differential between the first and second plates
Data Source
AI summary
The present application is directed to thermoelectric coolers that include multiple temperature zones. The thermoelectric cooler may include a first series of thermoelectric intermediate members interconnecting a second plate with a first section of a first plate, and a second series of thermoelectric intermediate members interconnecting the second plate with a second section of the first plate. The first series may form a first temperature zone and the second series may form a second temperature zone. Each of the first and second series of thermoelectric intermediate members may be configured to electrically connect with a DC power supply to energize the first and second series and independently control temperatures of the first and second sections of the second plate.