Plenum-Based Thermal Control for Multiple Chamber Test Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air circulation systems for thermal control in multiple chamber test systems are inefficient due to underutilization of vibration table surface area, leading to higher costs and increased energy consumption, as well as thermal non-uniformity across test chambers.
Innovation Solution
A multiple chamber test system with a plenum-based air circulation system that uses tangential blower fans and flow control devices to distribute temperature-controlled air equally across multiple test chambers, preventing pneumatic actuator exhaust from mixing with chamber air and allowing for varying air supply rates to maintain thermal uniformity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a relatively large vibration table surface is provided, then the capacity to support devices under test is improved, but the cost per unit tested increases and energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is divided into multiple separate test chambers, each with its own vibration table. This segmentation allows each chamber to be independently sized and thermally controlled, improving the ratio of usable test surface area to total system volume and reducing unnecessary energy consumption in larger chambers.
2Productivity
If a relatively large vibration table surface is provided, then the capacity to support devices under test is improved, but the cost per unit tested increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test system is divided into multiple separate test chambers, each with its own vibration table. This segmentation allows each chamber to be independently sized and thermally controlled, improving the ratio of usable test surface area to total system volume and reducing unnecessary energy consumption in larger chambers.
3Productivity
If multiple test chambers are provided, then the throughput is improved, but the thermal uniformity across chambers becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
Each test chamber is equipped with dedicated heating and cooling elements located within the chamber itself, allowing independent thermal control. This ensures that each chamber maintains uniform temperature conditions regardless of the number of chambers or their relative positions.
Solution Approach 2:
Heating and cooling elements are positioned locally within each test chamber rather than using a centralized system. This local quality approach ensures that each chamber can be independently controlled to maintain uniform temperature conditions, addressing the specific thermal needs of each chamber.
4Ease of operation
If air powered actuators are used, then the vibration table operation is improved, but the exhaust air mixes with the temperature controlled chamber air
Solution Approach 1:
The exhaust air from pneumatic actuators is extracted and vented separately from the test chamber through dedicated exhaust pathways. This removes the harmful factor (exhaust air mixing) while preserving the beneficial function (actuator operation), maintaining temperature control integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate exhaust air pathway acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the chamber environment. This intermediary structure allows the actuator to operate while preventing its exhaust air from directly mixing with the temperature-controlled chamber air, thus preserving thermal control.
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 system enhances the utilization of vibration table surface area, reduces energy consumption, and ensures thermal uniformity across all test chambers, thereby improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the testing process.
Implementation Method 1
Air is drawn through the intake plenum, across the heating and/or cooling elements, by one or more fans
Implementation Method 2
heating and/or cooling elements are disposed
Implementation Method 3
heating and/or cooling elements are disposed
Implementation Method 4
a flow control device or element can be disposed within or in communication with the outlet portion of the plenum, to facilitate a balanced distribution of air to the multiple test chambers
Implementation Method 5
a table air enclosure can be included to prevent the actuator exhaust air from mixing with the temperature controlled chamber air
Data Source
AI summary
A multiple chamber test system is provided. The multiple chamber test system includes a plurality of test chambers that each include a vibration table. In addition, each of the test chambers is provided with thermally controlled air from a common source. An output plenum for providing thermally controlled air to the test chambers may include a flow control device, to provide the same or similar thermal conditions in each of the test chambers. Where pneumatic actuators are used to impart movement to the vibration tables, the exhaust air from the actuators can be prevented from mixing with the thermally controlled chamber air.