Temperature calibration system with a closed fluidic system

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing temperature calibration systems using closed fluidic systems like thermosiphons face limitations at higher temperatures, as the cooling assemblies can be damaged, and current solutions either restrict the upper temperature range or lack effective alternatives.

Innovation Solution

A temperature calibration system with a closed fluidic system and a Stirling cooler, where the fluid has a critical point below the safe upper operating temperature of the cooling assembly, allowing for safe operation and heat removal without damaging the cooling components, using a fluid like R-170, R-508b, or R-23, and an external chamber to manage pressure and temperature.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If a closed fluidic system with a cooling assembly is used to remove heat from the calibration unit, then heat removal effectiveness is improved, but the cooling assembly can be damaged at higher temperatures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat removal effectivenessVSAvoidcooling assembly durability
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the fluid by selecting a fluid with a specific critical point temperature that is lower than the cooling assembly's maximum operating temperature. This parameter selection ensures that the fluid remains in vapor state at high temperatures, preventing damage to the cooling assembly while maintaining effective heat removal from the calibration unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a fluid as an intermediary substance between the calibration unit and the cooling assembly. This fluid acts as a mediator that absorbs heat from the calibration unit and transfers it to the cooling assembly in a controlled manner, preventing direct thermal contact that could damage the cooling assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the upper temperature limit is restricted to protect the cooling assembly, then cooling assembly damage is prevented, but the operating temperature range is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling assembly protectionVSAvoidoperating temperature range
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the operating temperature range by carefully selecting a fluid with a critical point temperature that is lower than the cooling assembly's maximum operating temperature. This allows the system to operate safely at higher temperatures by maintaining the fluid in vapor state, thereby expanding the usable temperature range while protecting the cooling assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If fluid migrates to the expansion tank at high temperatures, then cooling assembly is protected, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling assembly protectionVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts or removes the expansion tank component from the system by selecting a fluid whose critical point is below the cooling assembly's maximum operating temperature. This eliminates the need for the expansion tank and associated migration mechanisms, simplifying the system structure while maintaining cooling assembly protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables safe and effective heat removal from calibration units at higher temperatures without damaging the cooling assembly, by ensuring the fluid remains in a vapor state above its critical point, reducing heat transfer and protecting the cooling components.

Implementation Method 1

a closed fluidic system, such as a thermosiphon or a heat pipe that transfers fluid in the closed system undergoing phase changes between a liquid state and a vapor or gaseous state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhase change: Phase Change

Implementation Method 2

a closed fluidic system, such as a thermosiphon or a heat pipe

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermosiphon: Thermosyphon

Implementation Method 3

a cooling assembly configured to remove heat from the closed fluidic system

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP3441709B1Temperature calibration system with a closed fluidic system
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 FLUKE CORP
  • EP3441709B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3441709B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Generally described, embodiments are directed to a temperature calibration system that includes a calibration unit, a closed fluidic system configured to remove heat from the calibration unit, and a cooling assembly configured to remove heat from the closed fluidic system. The closed fluidic system includes a fluid that has a critical point that is less than a temperature that would cause damage to the cooling assembly.