Nested Dual-Tank Liquid Feeding for Stable Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cyclically liquid feeding apparatuses for cooling loads using two types of liquids with different temperatures are bulky and costly due to separate installations of high-temperature and low-temperature tanks, leading to unbalanced liquid levels and difficulties in temperature adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A compact apparatus design featuring an outer tank with an inner tank nested inside, a valve unit for feeding and mixing liquids, and liquid level sensors to manage liquid levels, allowing for stable operation and efficient temperature adjustment by controlling the flow between the tanks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If high-temperature tank and low-temperature tank are installed at different positions separated from each other, then temperature control capability is improved, but apparatus size and installation space are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The inner tank storing low-temperature liquid is nested inside the outer tank storing high-temperature liquid. This nested configuration allows both tanks to occupy the same spatial footprint, dramatically reducing the apparatus size and installation space while maintaining the capability to store and supply both high-temperature and low-temperature liquids for cooling control
2Temperature
If high-temperature tank and low-temperature tank are installed at different positions separated from each other, then temperature control capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and heat-insulating processes are increased
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the inner tank within the outer tank, the apparatus requires only one heat-insulating structure (the insulation layer on the outer tank) instead of requiring separate heat-insulating processes for two independently installed tanks. This reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The heat-insulating function is merged into a single unified structure surrounding the outer tank, eliminating the need for separate heat-insulating processes on multiple independently installed tanks. This consolidation reduces both manufacturing cost and complexity
3Temperature
If liquid is fed from two separated tanks, then temperature control capability is improved, but liquid level balance and temperature adjustment stability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Liquid level sensors are installed in both the outer tank and inner tank to detect liquid levels. When an imbalance is detected (e.g., inner tank liquid level higher than outer tank), the control unit automatically opens the communication valve to allow liquid flow from the inner tank to the outer tank, restoring balance. This feedback mechanism maintains stable liquid levels and temperatures during operation
4Stability of the object's composition
If reserve tank is provided to absorb liquid level variation, then liquid level balance is improved, but installation space and temperature control complexity are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The communication valve mechanism merges the liquid level balancing function directly into the existing dual-tank structure. When the inner tank liquid level exceeds the outer tank level, liquid automatically flows through the opened communication valve from the inner tank to the outer tank, absorbing the liquid level variation without requiring any additional reserve tank or extra space
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 compact and cost-effective operation by stabilizing liquid levels and facilitating temperature adjustments, preventing abrupt changes and ensuring accurate temperature control for the load.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger configured to cool the liquid
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat the liquid
Implementation Method 3
liquid for cooling is cyclically fed from the cyclically liquid feeding apparatus and cool the load
Data Source
AI summary
An outer tank and an inner tank having liquid at different temperatures, and a load are connected to each other via outer and inner tank liquid circulating channels and a valve unit. A first opening-and-closing valve is connected to a first bypass flow-channel connecting an outer tank feed channel and an inner tank feedback channel, a second opening-and-closing valve is connected to a second bypass flow channel connecting an inner tank feed channel and an outer tank feedback channel to detect the liquid level of the liquid in the outer tank and the liquid level of the liquid in the inner tank by a liquid level sensor. The liquid levels are adjusted by selectively opening the first opening-and-closing valve and the second opening-and-closing valve when the liquid levels in both tanks become uneven in the process of cyclically feeding the liquid from the tanks to the load.