Spiral Electromotive Component for Thermoelectric Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current thermoelectric conversion elements using the spin Seebeck effect require complex and costly manufacturing processes due to the need for multiple electromotive components with different generation efficiencies, which complicates the connection and reduces overall power generation efficiency.

Innovation Solution

A thermoelectric conversion element featuring a magnetized cylindrical magnetic body with a spirally arranged electromotive component having spin orbit coupling, where the electromotive force is generated in the same direction along the circumferential direction, simplifying manufacturing and increasing power generation efficiency without the need for varying materials or structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If multiple electromotive components with different generation efficiencies are connected in series, then sufficient voltage can be taken out, but the manufacture processes are increased and made complicated

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidmanufacture processes

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameter of the electromotive component from a linear series connection to a spiral arrangement around the magnetic body. This parameter change allows the electromotive component to be wound in a continuous spiral path, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining the series connection effect for voltage accumulation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Power

If multiple electromotive components with different generation efficiencies are connected in series, then sufficient voltage can be taken out, but the generation efficiency of electromotive force as a whole is difficult to raise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidpower generation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the spiral arrangement parameters including the pitch, diameter, and winding direction of the electromotive component. By carefully controlling these parameters, the magnetic flux linkage is maximized throughout the spiral path, ensuring uniform and efficient electromotive force generation along the entire length of the component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a spiral (curved) arrangement of the electromotive component around the cylindrical magnetic body instead of a straight linear connection. This curved configuration allows the electromotive component to follow the magnetic flux lines more effectively, improving the coupling between the magnetic body and the electromotive component, thereby enhancing overall power generation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Power

If plural kinds of electromotive components are used with different generation efficiency, then sufficient voltage can be taken out, but it is difficult to reduce the manufacture cost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevoltage outputVSAvoidmanufacture cost

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a single type of electromotive component material (containing spin-orbit coupling material) that serves multiple functions throughout the entire spiral arrangement. This uniform material selection simplifies the supply chain, reduces material costs, and eliminates the need for complex sorting and assembly processes required when using multiple different component types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple electromotive component segments into a single continuous spiral structure wrapped around the magnetic body. This consolidation reduces the number of discrete components, minimizes connection points, and simplifies the manufacturing process, thereby reducing overall manufacture cost while maintaining the cumulative voltage output effect.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 configuration allows for efficient power generation with reduced manufacturing complexity and cost, achieving high voltage output while maintaining low production costs by ensuring all electromotive components produce electromotive force in the same direction.

Implementation Method 1

a variety of thermoelectric conversion elements using the spin Seebeck effect are developed

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin Seebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 2

A thermoelectric conversion element converts thermal energy into electric power, for example, using the Seebeck effect

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeebeck effect: Seebeck Effect

Implementation Method 3

the generation efficiency of electromotive force (spin Hall effect) is made different among the electromotive components

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpin Hall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9461232B2Thermoelectric conversion element

Publication Date: 2016.10.04 DENSO CORP

AI summary

A thermoelectric conversion element includes a magnetic body and an electromotive component. The magnetic body has a pipe shape. The electromotive component is arranged to at least one of an outer surface, an inner surface, and an inside of the magnetic body. The electromotive component contains a material having a spin orbit coupling. The magnetic body is magnetized in an axial direction and has a temperature gradient in a radial direction. The electromotive component is spirally arranged around the magnetic body along a circumferential direction.