Thin-Film Heat-Flow Sensor with Uniform Magnetic Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing heat-flow sensors using the Seebeck effect have complex and fragile structures due to alternating connections of P-type and N-type semiconductors, leading to high thermal resistance and sensitivity issues, while those using the anomalous Nernst effect require stable magnetization and complex horizontal thermopile structures.
Innovation Solution
A thin-film heat-flow sensor with a single conductive magnetic body, comprising an insulating layer, a magnetic field application layer, and a heat-flow detection layer, where the detection layer is sandwiched between two magnetic field application layers, allowing for uniform magnetic field application and reduced thermal resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If an alternating connection structure of P-type and N-type semiconductors is used to increase extraction voltage, then the electromotive force is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and fragile with high thermal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the complex alternating connection structure of P-type and N-type semiconductors from the heat flux sensor. By using only a single P-type thermoelectric member, the patent removes the need for multiple connection points and alternating layers, thereby simplifying the structure while maintaining the essential thermoelectric functionality for heat flux detection
Solution Approach 2:
The invention employs composite material structure by combining a P-type thermoelectric member with a separate magnetization layer. This composite approach allows the thermoelectric material to generate voltage from heat flow while the magnetization layer provides the necessary magnetic field, achieving the desired electromotive force enhancement without requiring complex alternating semiconductor structures
2Measurement precision
If the thickness in the perpendicular direction is increased to achieve high sensitivity, then the sensitivity is improved, but the thermal resistance increases and heat flow is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the operational dimension from perpendicular thickness to in-plane area. By increasing the area of the thermoelectric member in the horizontal plane rather than increasing thickness in the perpendicular direction, the patent achieves higher sensitivity (larger voltage output) while maintaining low thermal resistance and allowing heat flow to pass through freely in the perpendicular direction
3Device complexity
If a single P-type thermoelectric member is used to simplify the structure, then the device complexity is reduced, but the electromotive force and sensitivity are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the magnetic field parameter by introducing a magnetization layer that provides an external magnetic field. This parameter change enables the P-type thermoelectric member to generate a much larger electromotive force through the anomalous Nernst effect, achieving sensitivity comparable to or exceeding complex alternating structures while maintaining structural simplicity
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 sensor provides high sensitivity and stability by uniformly magnetizing the detection layer with non-uniform magnetic fields, effectively detecting heat flow with a single material, reducing complexity and enhancing sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
The heat-flow detection layer includes a conductive magnetic body... an electromotive force generated in an in-plane direction by the heat flow flowing in the perpendicular direction can be detected by using the power generator of PTL 2
Implementation Method 2
a magnetic field application layer arranged on a first surface of the insulating layer and including a conductor
Data Source
AI summary
A heat-flow sensor that includes an insulating layer, a magnetic field application layer arranged on a first surface of the insulating layer and composed of a conductor, and a heat-flow detection layer arranged on a second surface of the insulating layer, the second surface facing the first surface, and the heat-flow detection layer composed of a conductive magnetic body. The heat-flow detection layer faces the magnetic field application layer via the insulating layer.