Pipe Centering Device with Latent Heat Storage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing thermal management systems in fluid circulation pipes face challenges in efficiently storing and delivering thermal energy without significantly affecting fluid flow, particularly in vehicles where engine oil temperature needs to be managed for performance and emission control.

Innovation Solution

Integration of heat exchange devices with latent heat storage materials within the pipe wall, featuring a central body and positioning structure that allows for efficient thermal energy transfer and fluid flow, including cylindrical, ring, and honeycomb configurations to optimize heat exchange surface area and fluid passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If heat exchange devices are placed in the pipe volume, then thermal energy storage efficiency is improved, but fluid flow rate decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storage efficiencyVSAvoidfluid flow rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The heat exchange devices are nested within the pipe structure itself, with the central body containing latent heat storage material positioned inside the pipe volume and the positioning structure integrated into the pipe wall. This nesting approach allows thermal energy storage functionality to be embedded without occupying separate external space that would obstruct fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges multiple functions into a single integrated structure: the pipe wall serves as both the structural boundary and as part of the heat exchange system, while the positioning structure simultaneously provides mechanical support and thermal conduction pathways. This merging allows thermal energy storage to occur without adding separate components that would impede fluid flow.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Loss of energy

If heat exchange devices contact the pipe wall, then heat exchange efficiency is improved, but device positioning complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat exchange efficiencyVSAvoidpositioning structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The positioning structure is segmented into distinct functional zones: the central body containing latent heat storage material, the positioning structure with passages for fluid circulation, and the heat exchange portions contacting the pipe wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for the central body, creates fluid circulation passages, enables heat exchange with the pipe wall, and maintains structural integrity. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby simplifying the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of energy

If multiple devices are arranged in series, then thermal energy storage capacity is improved, but pressure drop increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal energy storage capacityVSAvoidpressure drop

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of arranging multiple heat exchange devices in series along the fluid flow path (one-dimensional arrangement), the invention positions multiple devices in parallel within the pipe cross-section (two-dimensional arrangement). This dimensional change allows thermal energy storage capacity to be increased without forcing fluid to pass through multiple devices sequentially, thereby minimizing pressure drop.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution enables high-efficiency thermal energy storage and transfer while maintaining a high fluid flow rate, reducing pressure drops and allowing for flexible pipe configurations, including bends, through the use of phase-change materials and innovative positioning structures.

Implementation Method 1

each device containing a material for storing thermal energy by accumulation of latent heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLatent heat accumulation: Latent Heat

Implementation Method 2

material for storing thermal energy by accumulation of latent heat to be placed in heat exchange with a circulating surrounding fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 3

to be placed in heat exchange with a circulating surrounding fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS11054191B2Moving device for centering in a pipe

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 HUTCHINSON SA

AI summary

A device for heat exchange and positioning in a pipe. The device includes a central body containing a material for storing thermal energy by latent heat accumulation, to be placed in thermal exchange with a circulating surrounding fluid. The device also includes structure for positioning the central body in the volume. The positioning structure is connected to, and extends around, the central body The position structure is also connected to reserving passages that enable contact between the central body and the surrounding fluid and the circulation of the surrounding fluid.