Stackable Fiber Laser Cooling Structure With Internal Fluid Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cooling systems for high-powered fiber lasers have limited cooling capacity and are not adaptable to optical fibers of different lengths and diameters, often requiring multiple devices and taking long stabilization times to maintain optimal temperature.
Innovation Solution
A modular cooling device with stackable components that combines active and passive cooling units, featuring a continuous internal channel for fluid communication and customizable design to accommodate various fiber lengths and diameters, using materials like aluminum and copper for enhanced heat dispersion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If solid spools are used for cooling, then the structure is simple, but the cooling power is limited and stabilization time is long
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is divided into multiple hollow spool segments that can be stacked together. Each segment contains internal cooling channels, and by stacking multiple segments, the total cooling surface area increases proportionally, thereby enhancing the overall cooling power while maintaining the simplicity of individual segment design
Solution Approach 2:
The design transitions from solid spools to hollow spools with internal cooling channels, adding a third dimension (internal volume) for fluid flow. This dimensional change enables heat to be removed through the internal channels while the external surface area remains available for heat dissipation, significantly improving cooling efficiency
2Device complexity
If solid spools are used for cooling, then the structure is simple, but the stabilization time is long
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the cooling device into multiple hollow spools with internal channels, the thermal mass is distributed across multiple smaller units. This segmentation allows cooling fluid to flow through multiple parallel paths, increasing the total heat transfer surface area and reducing the time required to reach thermal equilibrium
Solution Approach 2:
The introduction of internal cooling channels allows liquid coolant to flow through the hollow spools, utilizing hydraulic principles for active heat removal. The continuous fluid flow through the internal channels efficiently carries heat away from the fiber, significantly reducing stabilization time compared to passive solid spool designs
3Reliability
If custom cooling devices are designed for each fiber type, then the cooling performance is optimized, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow spool design with adjustable grooved indentations creates a universal cooling device that can accommodate different fiber types, lengths, and diameters. The grooves can be configured to match various fiber dimensions, and the stackable architecture allows the same basic design to be adapted for different applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features, such as movable grooved indentations and stackable segments, that allow the structure to adapt dynamically to different fiber configurations. This dynamic adaptability enables a single device design to serve multiple fiber types without requiring custom-designed devices for each application
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 device effectively maintains a temperature below 50°C at a pumping power of 10 kW, offering improved cooling performance and flexibility to accommodate different fiber sizes without the need for multiple devices.
Implementation Method 1
an internal channel, wherein the internal channels of the base portion, the first intermediate portion, and the top portion are in fluid communication to form a continuous internal channel configured to contain fluid
Implementation Method 2
The device effectively maintains a temperature below 50°C at a pumping power of 10 kW, offering improved cooling performance
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes a cooling device that may be configured to hold and cool an optical fiber, such as an optical fiber for a fiber laser. The cooling device of the present disclosure may include an active cooling unit having a base portion, one or multiple intermediate portions, and a top portion with a continuous internal channel configured to contain fluid for active cooling, and may further include a passive cooling unit nested within the intermediate portion. The cooling device includes a stackable, modular design that can be easily customized to accommodate different fiber lengths and diameters.