Phase-Change Gel Leakage Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Phase-change materials like n-tetradecane, with low surface tension, tend to leak through defects or permeate through containers, compromising the temperature control of temperature-sensitive materials.
Innovation Solution
A novel gel is formed by mixing phase-change materials with gelling agents like styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene tri-block copolymers at specific temperatures, creating a non-homogeneous mixture that is then cooled to room temperature, enhancing the gel's stability and preventing leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If phase-change materials like n-tetradecane are used for temperature control, then temperature regulation effectiveness is improved, but leakage through container defects and permeation through container walls occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines phase-change materials with gelling agents to create a composite gel material. This composite structure allows the phase-change material to maintain its temperature regulation properties while the gelling agent provides structural integrity and prevents leakage through defects or permeation through container walls.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the phase-change material by changing its state from a free-flowing liquid to a gel structure. This parameter change in viscosity and structural organization prevents leakage while maintaining the phase-change capability for temperature control.
2Reliability
If phase-change materials are enclosed in containers, then containment is achieved, but permeation through polyethylene containers occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
By creating a composite gel material, the invention reduces the permeation rate of the phase-change material through polyethylene container walls. The gelling agent forms a matrix that slows down molecular diffusion, extending the effective service life of the container system.
3Reliability
If gelling agents are added to phase-change materials, then leakage prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the concentration parameters of gelling agents within specific ranges (e.g., 1-10% by weight) to achieve effective leakage prevention while minimizing formulation complexity. By establishing clear parameter guidelines, the manufacturing process remains relatively simple despite the addition of multiple components.
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 resulting gel effectively maintains temperature control for temperature-sensitive materials by preventing leakage and ensuring the phase-change material remains within the container, thus maintaining the desired temperature range.
Implementation Method 1
a phase-change material, to a method of preparing the gel, to a thermal exchange implement comprising the gel
Data Source
AI summary
Gel including a phase-change material and a gelling agent. In one embodiment, the phase-change material may be n-tetradecane, n-hexadecane or mixtures thereof. The gelling agent may be a high molecular weight styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) triblock copolymer with a styrene:rubber ratio of about 30:70 to 33:67% by weight. To form the gel, the phase-change material and the gelling agent may be mixed at an elevated temperature relative to room temperature to partially, but not completely, dissolve the gelling agent. The mixture may then be cooled to room temperature. Alternatively, the phase-change material and the gelling agent may be mixed at room temperature, and the mixture may then be heated to form a viscoelastic liquid, which is then cooled to room temperature. The invention is also directed at a method of preparing the gel, a thermal exchange implement including the gel, and a method of preparing the thermal exchange implement.