Thermophoretic Power Machine

Simple SummaryContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

The invention describes a device that converts heat energy into kinetic energy using two surfaces enclosing a cavity. One surface is asymmetrically structured, and both surfaces are maintained at different temperatures. A working fluid inside the cavity contains two types of particles, which interact under a temperature gradient to create a directed movement of the fluid and/or surfaces. Unlike prior systems where motion was limited to a single particle species, this mechanism uses the interaction between two particle species to enable more powerful and controllable movement.

Use CasesContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Micro- and nanoscale mechanical engines and actuators, such as in lab-on-a-chip platforms for precise fluid pumping or movement.
• Heat-driven micropumps or motors in microfluidic devices for biomedical, chemical, or analytical applications.
• Conversion of waste heat into useful mechanical movement at small scales, for example in energy harvesting devices.
• Miniaturized robotic systems where wireless (non-electrical) actuation is needed, especially in sensitive environments.
• Self-propelled microgears for automated processes in microscale manufacturing or assembly.

BenefitsContent extracted from patent full text and abstract with AI.

• Enables heat-to-motion conversion without fragile or complex electrical contacts or traditional moving parts, leading to higher reliability.
• Greater control over movement direction and force by adjusting particle species, concentration, materials, temperature, and even the geometry of the surfaces.
• Can generate larger forces than previous thermophoretic engines due to the use of denser working fluids like liquids or suspensions instead of rarefied gases.
• Directional and strength control can be adjusted in real-time during operation, offering flexibility for various applications.
• Applicable at the micro- and nanoscale, supporting miniaturization of devices for advanced lab-on-a-chip or MEMS/NEMS systems.
• Possibility to combine with other force fields (electric or magnetic), further extending controllability and application range.

Technical Classifications (CPCs)

Inventors & Applicants

Patent Abstract

The invention relates to a device for converting heat into kinetic energy, said device comprising two surfaces (1, 2a) that surround a cavity (3), wherein at least one of the surfaces (2a) is asymmetrically structured in at least one direction tangentially to the surface, and means for bringing both surfaces to different temperatures. According to the invention a working fluid comprising at least one first species of particles is arranged in the cavity, wherein a second species of particles arranged on the structured surface and/or contained in the working fluid is energised to effect a drift movement when a local temperature gradient is applied. At the same time the nature of the structuring of the surface is such that when the temperatures at the two surfaces are different, a local temperature gradient develops in the working fluid along the tangential direction. As a result, the thermophoretic drift movement caused by the temperature gradient then provokes a directed movement of the working fluid and/or of the surfaces relative to one another. The essential difference over the prior art is that the movement is not confined to the movement of a single particle species in the direction from colder to warmer regions, but is a thermophoretic relative movement of two species relative to one another, which is based on an interaction between the species.