Temperature control system having an impurity filter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control systems for testing electronic devices face challenges in preventing electrostatic charge generation due to ice crystals and particles in the fluid stream, which can lead to damage or destruction of devices under test, as conventional methods like conductive drain wires and dissipative tubing are ineffective in eliminating charge collection and voltage generation.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control system with a filter mesh, preferably made of stainless steel in a Dutch weave configuration, positioned between the chiller and the device under test, captures ice particles of sizes between 2.0µm and 10.0µm to prevent charge accumulation and electrostatic discharge, reducing the generation of electrostatic charges in the fluid.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional methods like conductive drain wires and dissipative tubing are used, then electrostatic charge can be managed to some extent, but they are ineffective in eliminating charge collection and voltage generation in the fluid stream
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the harmful ice crystals and particles from the fluid stream using a filter positioned in the temperature control system. This prevents the ice crystals from collecting charge and generating voltage, directly addressing the limitation of conventional methods that allow charged particles to remain in the fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter acts as an intermediary element between the temperature controller and the device under test. It intercepts and removes charged ice crystals before they can reach the sensitive electronic device, providing protection that conventional drain wires and dissipative tubing cannot achieve.
2Device complexity
If ice crystals are allowed to remain in the fluid stream, then the temperature control system can operate without additional filtration components, but electrostatic charge accumulation and voltage generation occur causing device damage
Solution Approach 1:
A filter is introduced as an intermediary component in the temperature control system. This filter selectively removes ice crystals and particles from the fluid stream while allowing the temperature-controlled fluid to pass through, thereby preventing electrostatic charge accumulation without compromising the temperature control function.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter extracts harmful ice crystals and particles from the fluid stream, separating them from the temperature-controlled fluid. This extraction process eliminates the source of electrostatic charge generation while maintaining the integrity and temperature control of the remaining fluid.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If a filter is added to remove ice crystals, then electrostatic charge generation is reduced, but the system complexity and potential fluid flow restriction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous filter mesh structure that allows temperature-controlled fluid to pass through while capturing ice crystals and particles. The porous design provides effective filtration without excessive flow restriction, balancing charge reduction with system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter mesh is positioned at a specific location in the temperature control system where it can effectively intercept ice crystals. The local placement optimizes the filter's effectiveness while minimizing its impact on overall system complexity and fluid flow characteristics.
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 filter effectively reduces electrostatic charge generation and subsequent voltage issues, protecting devices from damage by capturing ice crystals and other particles that cause charge accumulation, ensuring a safer testing environment by limiting static charge to acceptable levels.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature control system with a filter mesh, preferably made of stainless steel in a Dutch weave configuration, positioned between the chiller and the device under test, captures ice particles of sizes between 2.0µm and 10.0µm
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3
AI summary
A temperature control system for controlling a temperature of a device under test includes a fluid source and a cooling device reducing a temperature of the fluid supplied by the fluid source and outputting the fluid having the reduced temperature to a device under test. A filter is positioned between the device under test and the cooling device to filter out ice particles that lead to significant charge generation in order to prevent the device under test from being subjected to high voltages as a result of static charge generation.