Temperature calibration system with separable cooling assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature calibration systems using closed fluidic systems like thermosiphons face limitations at higher temperatures, as pressure can damage the cooling assembly, leading to performance issues and the need for restricted operating ranges.
Innovation Solution
A temperature calibration system with a cooling assembly that can move between a coupled and decoupled position, using mechanical components like compression springs to protect the cooling assembly from elevated temperatures by creating a gap, and electrical components like linear actuators to re-couple when necessary, allowing safe operation across a wider temperature range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If the cooling assembly is thermally coupled to the condenser to remove heat, then heat removal efficiency is improved, but the cooling assembly is damaged by elevated temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling assembly is made movable between a coupled position (for heat removal) and a decoupled position (for protection). The system dynamically adjusts the thermal coupling state based on operating conditions, allowing the cooling assembly to be thermally connected when temperatures are safe and thermally disconnected when temperatures exceed safe limits, thus resolving the contradiction between heat removal efficiency and component protection
Solution Approach 2:
A movable support structure acts as an intermediary between the cooling assembly and the condenser. This intermediary mechanism enables controlled thermal coupling and decoupling, serving as a mediator that allows heat transfer when needed while protecting the cooling assembly from damaging temperatures through mechanical separation
2Reliability
If the upper temperature limit is restricted to protect the cooling assembly, then component damage is prevented, but the operating range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static temperature limitation approach to a dynamic control approach. By making the cooling assembly movable and controlling its coupling state based on real-time temperature conditions, the system can operate across a wider temperature range while still protecting the cooling assembly, thus expanding the operating range without compromising reliability
3Adaptability or versatility
If the cooling assembly is made movable to protect from heat, then temperature range is expanded, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling assembly is segmented into separable components: the cooling device itself and the movable support structure. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be isolated and protected independently from the condenser, enabling temperature range expansion while keeping the added mechanical complexity localized and manageable
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 system effectively protects the cooling assembly from damage at high temperatures while maintaining heat removal efficiency, enabling operation above ambient temperatures without compromising component integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a closed fluidic system, such as a thermosiphon or heat pipe... that transfers fluid in the closed system undergoing phase changes between a liquid state and a vapor or gaseous state
Implementation Method 2
a closed fluidic system, such as a thermosiphon or heat pipe
Implementation Method 3
a closed fluidic system, such as a thermosiphon or heat pipe
Implementation Method 4
the cooling assembly is abutting the condenser... in which the cooling assembly is thermally coupled to a component of the closed fluidic system
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
Generally described, embodiments are directed to a temperature calibration system that includes a closed fluidic system and a cooling assembly configured to remove heat from the closed fluidic system. The cooling assembly is configured to move between a coupled position, in which the cooling assembly is thermally coupled to (e.g., abutting) a condenser of the closed fluidic system, and a decoupled position, in which the cooling assembly is thermally decoupled (e.g., spaced apart) from the condenser of the closed fluidic system. In at least one embodiment, while in the decoupled position, components of the cooling assembly may be protected from damage that may occur at elevated temperatures.