Thermal immersion circulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current thermal immersion circulators face limitations in efficiently heating and circulating fluids, particularly in maintaining precise temperature control and compact design, as they often require complex control systems and may not effectively manage fluid flow and heat distribution.
Innovation Solution
The proposed thermal immersion circulator features a tubular design with a heating element wrapped around the main body, a TRIAC switch for temperature control, and an impeller for fluid circulation, integrated with a motor and thermal isolation barriers to enhance heat management and fluid flow, allowing for efficient heating and circulation while maintaining a compact form.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a heating element and control system are integrated into the main body, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is wrapped around the main body and the TRIAC switch is physically coupled to the tubular side wall, integrating the heating and control functions into the main structure. This merging approach achieves precise temperature control while avoiding additional separate components that would increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The main body serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural core, the fluid flow passage conduit, and the mounting surface for both the heating element and control switch. The tubular side wall provides both structural support and thermal conduction pathways, demonstrating multi-functionality that reduces overall device complexity.
2Productivity
If the outlet is spaced toward the second end relative to the inlet, then fluid circulation efficiency is improved, but device length increases
Solution Approach 1:
The outlet is positioned at a different angular position around the tubular side wall rather than simply extending the length. This spatial arrangement in a different dimension (angular/azimuthal position) allows improved fluid circulation by creating a more effective flow path while maintaining a compact linear footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid flow path is designed to move dynamically through the system with the outlet positioned to optimize circulation patterns. The spacing and angular positioning of the outlet relative to the inlet creates dynamic flow characteristics that enhance circulation efficiency without requiring a longer device.
3Loss of energy
If the heating element is wrapped around the main body, then heat distribution efficiency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating element is wrapped in a helical or spiral pattern around the tubular main body, following the curved surface. This curved configuration maximizes the surface area contact between the heating element and the main body, improving heat distribution efficiency. The helical wrap also naturally accommodates the cylindrical geometry, making it manufacturable using standard winding techniques.
4Measurement precision
If thermal isolation barriers are integrated, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal isolation barriers are placed specifically at critical locations where thermal interference occurs, such as between the heating element and non-heat-treated portions of the device. This localized application of thermal isolation achieves precise temperature control in the fluid path without adding complex insulation systems throughout the entire device.
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 design achieves precise temperature control, efficient fluid circulation, and a compact form factor, improving the overall performance and usability of thermal immersion circulators in applications such as sous vide cooking and laboratory settings.
Implementation Method 1
a heating element to heat the fluid
Implementation Method 2
a pump or other mechanism to circulate the fluid
Implementation Method 3
an electric heating element controlled by a Triac
Implementation Method 4
a pump or other mechanism to circulate the fluid
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A thermal immersion circulator can comprise a heater including a hollow cylindrical main body having an inlet opening at a first end thereof and an outlet opening in a side wall thereof. The heater can include a flexible circuit board having a plurality of resistive bands controlled by controlling electronics such as TRIACs, which can be water-cooled. A thermal immersion circulator including such a heater can be used in scientific laboratories or sous vide food cooking.