Nested Spiral Temperature Control for Uniform Crystal Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems struggle to achieve uniform heating or cooling of materials, particularly during the growth of large crystals, leading to impurities or defects in the crystal lattice.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control apparatus with nested, spiral-shaped temperature control elements, preferably Fibonacci spirals, arranged to compensate for temperature differences and improve energy input or output homogeneity, utilizing a three-phase connection and possibly including a reflector element to enhance energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single spiral-shaped temperature control element is used, then the structure is simple, but the temperature uniformity across the surface is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by arranging multiple spiral-shaped temperature control elements concentrically, with each element nested within the previous one. This nested configuration allows multiple heating zones to overlap and complement each other, creating a more uniform temperature distribution across the surface while maintaining relatively simple individual element designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the temperature control function into multiple separate spiral elements rather than using a single element. Each spiral element covers a specific radial zone, and their combined effect provides comprehensive and uniform temperature control across the entire surface, addressing the limitation of a single element's coverage.
2Area of stationary object
If the temperature control element is made longer to cover more surface area, then the heated surface area increases, but the temperature differences caused by the element itself become more pronounced
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting multiple spiral elements of different lengths and radial extents, the patent achieves extended surface coverage without any single element becoming excessively long. Each element contributes to a specific zone, and their nested arrangement ensures that no single element's temperature gradients dominate the overall temperature distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by having different spiral elements optimized for different radial zones. Inner spirals may have different characteristics than outer spirals, allowing each element to be tailored to its specific location and contribute optimally to the overall temperature uniformity across the entire surface.
3Temperature
If multiple temperature control elements are added to improve temperature uniformity, then the temperature homogeneity improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested arrangement of spiral elements provides a space-efficient solution that achieves improved temperature uniformity without proportionally increasing device complexity. The concentric nesting allows multiple elements to occupy overlapping spatial volumes, reducing the overall structural footprint compared to alternative multi-element configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Each spiral-shaped temperature control element serves multiple functions: it provides heating for its specific radial zone, contributes to overall temperature uniformity through its nested position, and works synergistically with other elements. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 nested spiral design achieves more uniform temperature control, allowing for consistent energy input or output, reducing defects in materials like single crystals, and enhancing energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature control apparatus thus enables a more uniform input of energy into a material to be heated or a more uniform output of energy from a material to be cooled
Implementation Method 2
electrical heating apparatus are used to heat a material, in particular to melt the material, for example for the production of single crystals
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature control device includes a first temperature control element, which has at least sectionally a spiral-shaped course, and at least one second temperature control element, which also has at least sectionally a spiral-shaped course, the first and second temperature control elements being positioned so as to be at least partially nested within one another.