Polishing Particle Temperature Control via Liquid Recirculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing polishing processes using solid particles face challenges in temperature control due to the Joule effect and friction, leading to temperature fluctuations that affect the effectiveness and homogeneity of the treatment, reduce the useful life of the particles, and impact conductivity.
Innovation Solution
A method and equipment for controlling particle temperature by recirculating a liquid through a closed circuit with a heat exchanger, incorporating a filter to prevent particle aspiration and ensuring efficient thermal adjustment, allowing simultaneous polishing and temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If solid particles are used for polishing with electrolyte and electrical current, then polishing effectiveness is improved, but temperature increases due to Joule effect and friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a liquid medium as an intermediary between the heating particles and the environment. This liquid absorbs excess heat from the particles through convection and conduction, then transports it to external heat exchangers for dissipation, thereby mediating the thermal interaction and preventing direct overheating of the polishing particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a hydraulic system where liquid circulates through the particle bed and external circuits to manage heat. The liquid flow system, including pumps and heat exchangers, uses hydraulic principles to continuously remove heat generated during polishing, converting thermal management into a fluid dynamics problem that can be controlled through flow rate and heat exchange efficiency.
2Temperature
If temperature control systems are added to polishing systems, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid medium serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as the polishing slurry carrier, the heat transfer fluid, and the electrical insulation medium. By making the liquid system multi-functional, the patent avoids adding separate dedicated cooling systems that would increase complexity, instead integrating thermal management into the existing polishing fluid circulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the polishing process fluid system with the thermal management system into a single integrated liquid circulation system. The same liquid that facilitates polishing also serves as the heat transfer medium, combining two separate functions (polishing and cooling) into one unified system, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
3Temperature
If liquid recirculation is used for thermal control, then temperature adjustment is improved, but particle contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the liquid circulation system into two distinct circuits: an internal circuit where liquid circulates directly through the particle bed for heat exchange, and an external circuit with heat exchangers and filtration systems. This segmentation allows the internal liquid to contact particles while the external system handles purification, separating the functions of heat transfer and particle filtration into different spatial zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces filters and separation devices as intermediaries between the liquid circulation system and the particle bed. These intermediary components allow the liquid to be cooled and filtered without directly removing or contaminating the solid particles, mediating the interaction between the recirculating liquid and the particle system to prevent contamination while maintaining thermal control.
4Manufacturing precision
If temperature control is implemented during polishing, then process homogeneity is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous liquid circulation and cooling during the polishing process, rather than interrupting polishing for cooling periods. The liquid continuously flows through the particle bed and external heat exchangers simultaneously with the polishing operation, maintaining continuous heat removal and allowing the polishing process to proceed without interruption, thereby preserving productivity while achieving temperature 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
Achieves efficient, homogeneous, and repetitive temperature control of solid particles, enhancing the conductivity and longevity of the polishing process.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchanger (13), inserted in the duct circuit (10) downstream of the filter (12) and of the pump (11), where the liquid (4), as it passes through the same, is thermally adjusted before returning to the container (3)
Implementation Method 2
a suction pump (11), with power suitable for causing the liquid (4) to circulate throughout the entire path of the duct circuit (10)
Implementation Method 3
a filter (12) equipped with a fine mesh (121) with a lumen size such that it allows the liquid (4) when aspirated by the pump (11) to pass through it, but not the solid particles (2)
Implementation Method 4
a lack of temperature control may occur either due to the Joule effect generated during conduction of electrical current through the particles or the part to be polished
Implementation Method 5
due to friction or a combination of both effects
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and equipment for controlling the temperature of particles in polishing processes by means of solid particles and/or solid particles containing an electrolyte, in a liquid environment. The method includes a step of aspirating the liquid from the container where the particles are located; a step of thermally adjusting the liquid; and a step of reincorporating the liquid after its thermal adjustment into the container to control the temperature of the particles. And the equipment includes: a duct circuit, with an inlet mouth and an outlet mouth in the container; a suction pump; a filter with a mesh that does not allow particles to pass through; and a heat exchanger.