Wrapped Thermoelectric Power Module for Compact Field Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermoelectric power generation devices are not well-suited for small form factor, integrated packages suitable for easy field deployability in remote sensing and communication applications, particularly in varying environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A thermoelectric power source wrapped around an inner thermal insulator, integrated with an electronics module that includes voltage regulation and wireless communication circuitry, and mechanically secured by thermal transfer elements to prevent thermal shorting, allowing for a compact, self-powered platform for remote sensing and communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional thermoelectric power generation devices are used, then power generation capability is achieved, but the device size and complexity become unsuitable for small form factor integrated packages
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric power source is wrapped around an inner thermal insulator that is positioned within the housing, creating a nested configuration where the power source encircles the insulator. This nesting arrangement achieves compact integration of multiple functional components in a small footprint while maintaining power generation capability through the thermoelectric effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional planar or linear thermoelectric device configurations to a wrapped-around configuration where the thermoelectric power source is arranged in a circular or annular shape around the inner thermal insulator. This dimensional change enables more efficient space utilization and compact integration within the housing.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If thermoelectric power source and electronics are integrated, then battery replacement time is extended, but physical configuration becomes unsuitable for field deployability
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated platform is divided into distinct functional modules: the thermoelectric power source wrapped around the inner thermal insulator, the electronics module positioned within the housing, and the upper and lower thermal transfer elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall compactness and ease of deployment in field conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the thermoelectric power source, thermal management components, and electronics module into a single integrated platform housed within a common housing. This combination eliminates the need for separate battery replacements by using thermoelectric power generation, while the compact integrated design maintains field deployability.
3Volume of moving object
If thermal transfer elements are positioned close together, then compactness is achieved, but thermal shorting may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The inner thermal insulator serves as an intermediary component positioned between the thermoelectric power source and the electronics module. This insulator prevents direct thermal contact between the upper and lower thermal transfer elements, blocking thermal shorting paths while allowing the platform to maintain a compact configuration with efficient space utilization.
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 provides a compact, robust, and environmentally sealed platform capable of operating in a wide range of conditions, eliminating the need for battery replacements and reducing maintenance, with reliable energy generation from low temperature differences and efficient power conditioning.
Implementation Method 1
the thermoelectric effect, sometimes referred to as the Seebeck effect, can be used to convert temperature differences directly into electricity
Implementation Method 2
a flexible substrate wrapped around an inner thermal insulator
Data Source
AI summary
A wrapped thermoelectric power source having an inner and an outer insulator is provided within a housing formed, at least partially, by an upper and lower thermal transfer elements. The thermoelectric power source including a plurality of coupled pairs of thin film materials possessing thermoelectric properties, the pairs disposed on a flexible substrate and electrically coupled in any series/parallel combination, with the flexible substrate wrapped around an inner thermal insulator. The thermoelectric power source may be sized such that at least a portion of an electronics module may be disposed at least partly within the inner thermal insulator. The electronics module is electrically coupled to the thermoelectric power source, and includes components for voltage regulation and/or power conditioning. A mechanical means, connected to both the upper and the lower thermal transfer elements, holds those elements substantially adjacent opposite sides of the thermoelectric power source while preventing thermal shorting between the upper and lower thermal transfer elements. In one aspect, the electronics module further includes applications circuitry such as, but not limited to, one or more of sensors, data storage, signal processing, computational resources and wireless communication circuitry.