Smart Material Cooling Assembly for Exothermic Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cooling systems that continuously operate increase energy consumption during heating cycles and may delay components reaching their optimal operating temperature, as they are not effectively adaptable to situations where cooling is only needed when a specific temperature is exceeded.

Innovation Solution

A cooling assembly utilizing active material actuation to autonomously accelerate cooling in exothermic systems, featuring a cooling member and an external active material element that undergoes reversible changes in response to thermal signals, allowing for selective engagement and thermal link formation between a cooling source and the system, thereby reducing the need for external control systems and minimizing overheating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If continuous cooling means are used, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases and heating time is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecooling effectivenessVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling system transitions from a static continuous operation mode to a dynamic on-demand mode. The active material element dynamically adjusts the thermal coupling between the heat sink and the system based on real-time temperature conditions, enabling the cooling means to be engaged only when needed and disengaged when not required, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining cooling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the thermal conductivity parameter dynamically by utilizing the active material element's property changes. When the active material undergoes its reversible transformation in response to thermal activation signals, it alters the thermal coupling state, effectively switching the cooling system's parameter from a constant state to a variable state that adapts to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Temperature

If continuous cooling means are used, then temperature control is improved, but heating time to optimal range is delayed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidheating time

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cooling system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. The active material element responds to thermal activation signals by periodically engaging and disengaging the cooling means, creating a pulsed cooling action that provides temperature control only when the system temperature exceeds the prescribed threshold, thereby avoiding delays in heating to optimal operating range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Device complexity

If active material actuation is used for autonomous cooling, then device complexity is reduced, but control precision may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidtemperature regulation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The active material element serves as both the sensor and actuator for the cooling system. It autonomously detects thermal activation signals and automatically triggers the engagement or disengagement of the cooling means without requiring external control systems, processors, or sensors. This self-service mechanism reduces device complexity while maintaining adequate temperature regulation precision through the material's inherent reversible property changes in response to thermal conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides efficient temperature regulation, reduces energy consumption, and protects the system integrity by enabling autonomous cooling without continuous operation, thus enhancing operational efficiency and reducing the likelihood of overheating during thermal actuation cycles.

Implementation Method 1

The active material element is operable to undergo a reversible change in fundamental property when exposed to or occluded from a thermal activation signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

when exposed to or occluded from a thermal activation signal

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal activation: Thermal Expansion

Implementation Method 3

a cooling member operable to accelerate the rate, so as to cool the system, when engaged or further engaged therewith

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS8640455B2Controlling heat in a system using smart materials

Publication Date: 2014.02.04 GM GLOBAL TECHNOLOGY OPERATIONS LLC

AI summary

A cooling assembly adapted for use with an exothermic system, includes a manipulable cooling member and/or source, and an active material element operable to selectively inter-engage or further engage the member or source and the system through displacement or formation of a thermal link.