Thermal Actuator Mass Redistribution via Interconnected Fluid Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing 'passive' thermal actuators cannot actuate based on temperature differences between different sections of the same actuator, limiting their functionality as sensors and mechanical energy converters.
Innovation Solution
A thermal actuator comprising at least two containers with a fluid mixture of a liquid and gaseous component, where a temperature difference causes fluid transfer between the containers, altering the mass distribution and actuating a mechanism, such as a valve, through interconnected lower regions promoting liquid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing passive thermal actuators are used, then they can act as temperature sensors comparing surroundings to preset temperature, but they cannot actuate based on temperature differences between different sections of the same actuator
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into multiple containers (first container and second container) that are interconnected through lower regions. Each container can independently sense temperature variations in its local environment, enabling the system to respond to temperature differences between sections rather than requiring a single preset temperature reference.
Solution Approach 2:
A fluid communication system connects the lower regions of the containers, serving as an intermediary that transfers mass between containers in response to temperature-driven density changes. This intermediary mechanism enables the conversion of thermal energy differences into mechanical actuation without requiring external control systems.
2Temperature
If thermal energy is converted into mechanical energy by expansion of material, then phase transition or thermal expansion occurs at given temperature, but the actuator cannot respond to temperature differences between sections
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a single-temperature-sensing approach to a multi-dimensional temperature gradient sensing approach. By positioning containers at different spatial locations and connecting them through lower regions, the system can detect and respond to temperature differences across multiple dimensions, enabling section-specific actuation responses.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes changes in fluid density parameters in response to temperature variations. As temperature differences between containers cause density changes in the fluid, the fluid redistributes itself through the interconnected lower regions, automatically translating thermal parameter changes into mechanical mass transfer and actuation forces.
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 actuation based on temperature differences, allowing for efficient conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy and precise control of fluid flow, enhancing the functionality of thermal actuators in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
the first fluid comprising a first liquid component and a second gaseous component
Implementation Method 2
the second gaseous component may comprise a vapour of the first liquid component
Implementation Method 3
respective lower regions of the interior portions of the at least two containers of the thermal actuator are interconnected so as to promote a flow of a liquid component of the fluid therebetween
Implementation Method 4
a change in a temperature difference between two of the at least two containers within a predetermined range of temperature difference causes a quantity of a fluid contained in the thermal actuator to be transferred from the one to another container
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2i
Figure 3a~3c
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a thermal actuator which comprises at least two containers containing a first fluid. The at least two containers define interior portions that are interconnected such that the interior portions of the containers are in fluidal communication with each other. The first fluid comprises a first liquid component and a second gaseous component. The thermal actuator is arranged such that a change in a temperature difference between one container and the or another container and within a predetermined range of temperature difference causes a quantity of a fluid contained in the thermal actuator to be transferred from the one container to the or another container such that a mass distribution of the thermal actuator is altered in response to the change in temperature difference so as to cause actuation.