Temperature Control Apparatus Merging Fluid Paths

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional temperature control apparatuses require numerous valves to adjust fluid flow rates, complicating configuration and control, especially when heating or cooling a target to specific temperatures.

Innovation Solution

A temperature control apparatus with a heat exchange section, main and sub flow paths, and a flow rate adjusting section that merges fluids from different paths to simplify the control system by reducing the number of valves needed, using a chiller section with valves to manage fluid flow and temperature adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If valves are provided on both the high temperature fluid flow path and the low temperature fluid flow path to adjust flow rates, then temperature control capability is improved, but the number of valves increases and system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoidnumber of valves

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the flow rate adjustment function for both high temperature and low temperature fluids into a single valve located on the low temperature fluid flow path. This valve controls the mixing ratio between the two fluids, thereby achieving temperature control without requiring separate valves for each fluid path, thus reducing system complexity while maintaining control capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a mixing flow path as an intermediary element that combines the high temperature and low temperature fluid flows. By controlling the mixing ratio through a single valve on the low temperature path, the system achieves precise temperature control of the mixed fluid without needing independent valve control for each temperature path

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 simplifies the temperature control system, reduces the number of valves, and enhances the efficiency of temperature adjustments for both high-temperature and low-temperature tests, while maintaining fluid utilization efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a heat exchange section exchanging heat with the device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 2

a mixture flow path merging the fluids from the main flow path and the sub flow path and causing the merged fluids to flow to the heat exchange section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid mixing:

Data Source

PatentUS9535112B2Temperature control apparatus and test system using main flow path and sub flow path

Publication Date: 2017.01.03 ADVANTEST CORP

AI summary

Increase in number of valves complicates the configuration and control. A temperature control apparatus for controlling a temperature of a device, includes; a heat exchange section exchanging heat with the device; a main flow path causing a fluid to flow; a sub flow path causing, to flow, a fluid having a temperature different from a temperature of the fluid flowing through the main flow path; a mixture flow path merging the fluids from the main flow path and the sub flow path and causing the merged fluids to flow to the heat exchange section; and a flow rate adjusting section adjusting an amount of a fluid flowing from the sub flow path to the mixture flow path, in relation to the fluid flowing through the main flow path.