Thermoelastic Air Conditioning Module for Continuous Heating and Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional air conditioners using elastic members like rubber for heating and cooling require complex mechanisms to expand or contract these members, leading to increased size and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A cooling/heating module utilizing thermoelastic materials with an actuator that applies and removes tension to alternately heat and cool air, eliminating the need for elastic member expansion/contraction mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If elastic members like rubber are used for heating and cooling, then heating and cooling functions can be achieved, but the device size and structural complexity increase due to required expansion/contraction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical expansion/contraction system of elastic members with a thermoelastic material system that uses temperature-induced phase changes to achieve heating and cooling functions. The thermoelastic material undergoes martensitic phase transformation when cooled, enabling heat absorption, and releases heat when heated, eliminating the need for mechanical expansion/contraction mechanisms and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of thermoelastic materials, specifically the martensitic phase transformation. When the thermoelastic material is cooled below its transformation temperature, it undergoes phase change from austenite to martensite, absorbing heat in the process. When heated above the transformation temperature, it transforms back, releasing heat. This phase transition mechanism provides heating and cooling functions without requiring complex mechanical systems
2Adaptability or versatility
If elastic members like rubber are used for heating and cooling, then heating and cooling functions can be achieved, but the device size increases due to required expansion/contraction mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical expansion/contraction system of elastic members with a thermoelastic material system that uses temperature-induced phase changes to achieve heating and cooling functions. The thermoelastic material undergoes martensitic phase transformation when cooled, enabling heat absorption, and releases heat when heated, eliminating the need for mechanical expansion/contraction mechanisms and reducing structural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition properties of thermoelastic materials, specifically the martensitic phase transformation. When the thermoelastic material is cooled below its transformation temperature, it undergoes phase change from austenite to martensite, absorbing heat in the process. When heated above the transformation temperature, it transforms back, releasing heat. This phase transition mechanism provides heating and cooling functions without requiring complex mechanical systems
3Device complexity
If a single cooling/heating section is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but continuous heating and cooling operation cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the cooling/heating system into multiple independent sections, each equipped with its own thermoelastic material and control mechanism. This segmentation allows different sections to operate at different phases of the heating/cooling cycle simultaneously, enabling continuous operation while maintaining overall system simplicity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous heating and cooling operation by coordinating multiple cooling/heating sections to operate in alternating phases. While one section is in the cooling phase, another is in the heating phase, ensuring that useful action continues without interruption across the entire system
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 solution allows for efficient heating and cooling operations without increasing the device's size or complexity, enabling continuous parallel operation of heating and cooling modes.
Implementation Method 1
If tension is applied to a thermoelastic material (21), the thermoelastic material (21) has its entropy decreased to generate heat accordingly.
Implementation Method 2
If the tension applied to the thermoelastic material (21) is removed, its phase changes from martensitic phase into parent phase (austenitic phase), and the thermoelastic material (21) comes to have a decreased temperature when the material (21) is thermally insulated.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooling/heating, module configured to cool and heat air includes: first and second cooling/heating sections (20a, 20b), each having a thermoelastic material (21); and an actuator (22) applying tension to the thermoelastic material (21). The actuator (22) is configured to alternately perform the operation of applying tension to the thermoelastic material (21) of the first cooling/heating section (20a) and removing tension from the thermoelastic material (21) of the second cooling/heating section (20b) and the operation of applying tension to the thermoelastic material (21) of the second cooling/heating section (20b) and removing tension from the thermoelastic material (21) of the first cooling/heating section (20a).