# US 10,866,036 B1 · Thermal switch > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 10,866,036 B1 - Document ID: US10866036B1 - Status: Granted - Kind: B1 - Application number: 16/877,369 - Filed: 2020-05-18 - Granted: 2020-12-15 - Earliest claimed: 2020-05-18 - Assignees: Envertic Thermal Systems, LLC - Applicants: Envertic Thermal Systems, LLC - Inventors: Matthew Busche - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US10866036B1 ## CPC - F28F 13/00: Arrangements for modifying heat-transfer, e.g. increasing, decreasing (F28F1/00 - F28F11/00 take precedence) - H05K 7/2039: {characterised by the heat transfer by conduction from the heat generating element to a dissipating body (arrangements for increasing/decreasing heat-transfer, e.g. fins details, F28F13/00)} - F25D 19/006: {Thermal coupling structure or interface} - F28F 2013/001: {Particular heat conductive materials, e.g. superconductive elements} - F28F 2013/005: {Thermal joints} - F28F 2013/006: {Heat conductive materials} - F28F 2013/008: {Variable conductance materials; Thermal switches} - G05D 23/02: with sensing element expanding and contracting in response to changes of temperature (G05D23/13 takes precedence) - H01H 37/00: Thermally-actuated switches - F28F: DETAILS OF HEAT-EXCHANGE AND HEAT-TRANSFER APPARATUS, OF GENERAL APPLICATION (water and air traps, air venting F16) - H05K: PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS - F25D: REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR (refrigerated showcases A47F3/04; thermally-insulated vessels for domestic use A47J41/00; refrigerated vehicles, see the appropriate subclasses of classes B60 - B64; containers with thermal insulation in general B65D81/38; heat-transfer, heat-exchange or heat-storage materials, e.g. refrigerants, or materials for the production of heat or cold by chemical reactions other than by combustion C09K5/00; thermally-insulated vessels for liquefied or solidified gases F17C; air-conditioning or air-humidification F24F; refrigeration machines, plants, or systems F25B; cooling of instruments or comparable apparatus without refrigeration G12B) - G05D: SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES - H01H: ELECTRIC SWITCHES; RELAYS; SELECTORS; EMERGENCY PROTECTIVE DEVICES (contact cables H01B7/10; electrolytic self-interrupters H01G9/18; emergency protective circuit arrangements H02H; switching by electronic means without contact-making H03K17/00) ## Abstract A thermal switch having an on-state and an off-state is provided. First and second plates are composed from a thermally conductive material. The first and second plates are connected to form an internal cavity having a channel defining a gap between the first and second plate. The first reservoir is coupled to the channel and contains a thermally conductive liquid. The actuator is coupled to the first reservoir and the channel and is moveable between a first state and a second state corresponding to the on-state and the off-state of the thermal switch, respectively. Thermally conductive liquid is allowed to flow from the first reservoir to the channel when the actuator is in the first state and allowed to flow from the channel to the first reservoir when the actuator is in the second state. ## Claims ### Claim 1 A thermal switch, comprising: a first plate being composed from a thermally conductive material and forming a first side of the thermal switch; a second plate being composed from a thermally conductive material and forming a second side of the thermal switch, the second plate being coupled to the first plate by a plurality of fasteners, wherein the second side, an outer wall extending from the second side, and the first side, surround an internal cavity and form a housing; a post extending from an internal surface of the second side towards the first side, the post, outer wall and second side defining a trench; a channel having a first end and a second end and being located between an internal surface of the first side and an upper surface of the post, the channel defining a gap between the first and second plates; a first reservoir coupled to the first end of the channel and containing a thermally conductive liquid; a second reservoir coupled to the second end of the channel and containing a gas; an actuator coupled to the first reservoir and the first end of the channel; and a membrane positioned between the actuator and the first end of the channel and being located within the trench, the membrane having a first position and a second position associated with the first and second states of the actuator, respectively, the membrane being moveable between the first and second positions in response to the actuator being switched from the first state to the second state, wherein the thermally conductive liquid is pushed into the gap from the first reservoir and the gas is pushed from the gap to the second reservoir as the membrane is moved from the second position to the first position, wherein the thermally conductive liquid flows from the gap to the first reservoir and the gas in the second reservoir flows into the gap in response to the membrane being moved from the first position to the second position. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a shim located between the first and second plates configured to provide thermal isolation therebetween. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the fasteners are located partially in the outer wall of the second plate, the thermal switch further comprising an oxygen seal located between the interior surface of the first plate and an upper surface of the outer wall and adjacent the fasteners opposite the outer wall. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the second reservoir is located within the post. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a gas entry/exit point between the second reservoir and the channel. ### Claim 6 (depends on 5) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 5, wherein the gas entry/exit point is located between the interior surface of the first plate and an upper surface of the post. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 6, wherein a height of the gas entry/exit point is less than a height of the gap. ### Claim 8 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gap defines at least one conduction zone within the channel, the at least one conduction zone has a length of less than or equal to 0.5 inches. ### Claim 9 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gap defines at least one conduction zone within the channel, the at least one conduction zone has a length of less than or equal to 0.2 inches. ### Claim 10 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gap defines at least one conduction zone within the channel, the at least one conduction zone has a length of less than or equal to 0.1 inches. ### Claim 11 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the gap has a height of less than or equal to 0.2 inches. ### Claim 12 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, further comprising a dividing plate positioned between the first and second plates and configured to divide the channel into a plurality of conduction zones, each conduction zone having at least one gas entry/exit point, each of the at least one gas entry/exit points being configured to minimize entry of the thermally conductive liquid into the at least one gas entry/exit point. ### Claim 13 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the actuator includes an electric solenoid. ### Claim 14 (depends on 1) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 1, wherein the actuator includes a pneumatic actuator. ### Claim 15 A thermal switch, comprising: a first plate being composed from a thermally conductive material and forming a first side of the thermal switch; a second plate being composed from a thermally conductive material and being coupled to the first plate by a plurality of fasteners, the second plate forming a second side of the thermal switch and an outer wall extending from the second side, wherein the first side, the second side and the outer wall surround an internal cavity and form a housing, wherein the fasteners are located partially in the outer wall of the second plate; a shim located between the first and second plates configured to provide thermal isolation therebetween; an oxygen seal located between the interior surface of the first plate and an upper surface of the outer wall and adjacent the fasteners; a post extending from an internal surface of the second side towards the first side, the post, outer wall and second side defining a trench; a channel having a first end and a second end and being located between an internal surface of the first plate and an upper surface of the post, the channel defining a gap between the first and second plates; a gas entry/exit point located between the interior surface of the first plate and an upper surface of the post, wherein a height of the gas entry/exit point is less than a height of the gap, a first reservoir coupled to the first end of the channel and containing a thermally conductive liquid; a second reservoir coupled to the second end of the channel and containing a gas; a dividing plate positioned between the first and second plates and configured to divide the channel into a plurality of conduction zones; an actuator coupled to the first reservoir and the first end of the channel, the actuator being located within the trench and surrounding the post; a membrane positioned between the actuator and the first end of the channel and being located within the trench, the membrane having a first position and a second position associated with the first and second states of the actuator, respectively, the membrane being moveable between the first and second positions in response to the actuator being switched from the first state to the second state, wherein the thermally conductive liquid is pushed into the gap from the first reservoir as the membrane is moved from the second position to the first position, wherein the thermally conductive liquid flows from the gap to the first reservoir and the gas in the second reservoir flows into the gap in response to the membrane being moved from the first position to the second position. ### Claim 16 (depends on 15) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 15, wherein the trench extends around a periphery of the second plate and surrounds the post, wherein the actuator is located within the trench. ### Claim 17 (depends on 16) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 16, wherein the actuator includes an electric solenoid having a solenoid coil and a circular plunger, wherein the solenoid coil surrounds and is concentric with the post, the circular plunger being located adjacent, and being concentric with, the solenoid coil. ### Claim 18 (depends on 16) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 16, wherein the actuator is a pneumatic actuator including a plunger, a bellows coupled to the plunger and to a source of pressurized air. ### Claim 19 (depends on 15) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 15, wherein the second reservoir is located within the post. ### Claim 20 (depends on 15) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 15, wherein the gap defines at least one conduction zone within the channel, the at least one conduction zone has a length of less than or equal to 0.5 inches. ### Claim 21 (depends on 15) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 15, wherein the gap has a height of less than or equal to 0.2 inches. ### Claim 22 A thermal switch having, comprising: a first plate being composed from a thermally conductive material and forming a side of the thermal switch; a second plate being composed from a thermally conductive material and being coupled to the first plate by a plurality of fasteners, the second plate forming a second side of the thermal switch and an outer wall extending from the second side, wherein the first side, the second side and the outer wall surround an internal cavity and form a housing, wherein the fasteners are located partially in the outer wall of the second plate; a shim located between the first and second plates configured to provide thermal isolation therebetween; an oxygen seal located between the interior surface of the first plate and an upper surface of the outer wall and adjacent the fasteners; a post extending from an internal surface of the second side towards the first side, the post, outer wall and second side defining a trench, the trench being located within a central area of the thermal switch, the post surrounding the trench; a channel having a first end and a second end and being located between an internal surface of the first plate and an upper surface of the post, the channel defining a gap between the first and second plates; a gas entry/exit point located between the interior surface of the first plate and an upper surface of the post, wherein a height of the gas entry/exit point is less than a height of the gap, a first reservoir coupled to the first end of the channel and containing a thermally conductive liquid; a second reservoir coupled to the second end of the channel and containing a gas; a dividing plate positioned between the first and second plates and configured to divide the channel into a plurality of conduction zones; an actuator coupled to the first reservoir and the first end of the channel, the actuator being located within the trench; and, a membrane positioned between the actuator and the first end of the channel and being located within the trench, the membrane having a first position and a second position associated with the first and second states of the actuator, respectively, the membrane being moveable between the first and second positions in response to the actuator being switched from the first state to the second state, wherein the thermally conductive liquid is pushed into the gap from the first reservoir as the membrane is moved from the second position to the first position, wherein the thermally conductive liquid flows from the gap to the first reservoir and the gas in the second reservoir flows into the gap in response to the membrane being moved from the first position to the second position. ### Claim 23 (depends on 22) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 22, wherein the trench extends around a periphery of the second plate and surrounds the post, wherein the actuator is located within the trench. ### Claim 24 (depends on 23) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 23, wherein the actuator includes an electric solenoid having a solenoid coil and a circular plunger, wherein the solenoid coil surrounds and is concentric with the post, the circular plunger being located adjacent, and being concentric with, the solenoid coil. ### Claim 25 (depends on 23) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 23, wherein the actuator is a pneumatic actuator including a plunger, a bellows coupled to the plunger and to a source of pressurized air. ### Claim 26 (depends on 23) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 23, wherein the second reservoir is located within the post. ### Claim 27 (depends on 22) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 22, wherein the gap defines at least one conduction zone within the channel, the at least one conduction zone has a length of less than or equal to 0.5 inches. ### Claim 28 (depends on 22) A thermal switch, as set forth in claim 22, wherein the gap has a height of less than or equal to 0.2 inches. ### Claim 29 A method, including the steps of: providing a thermal switch, the thermal switch include first and second plates, a post, a channel, first and second reservoirs, an actuator and a membrane, the first plate being composed from a thermally conductive material and forming a first side of the thermal switch, the second plate being composed from a thermally conductive material and forming a second side of the thermal switch, the second plate being coupled to the first plate by a plurality of fasteners, wherein the second side, an outer wall extending from the second side, and the first side, surround an internal cavity and form a housing, the post extending from an internal surface of the second side towards the first side, the post, the outer wall and the second side defining a trench, the channel having a first end and a second end and being located between an internal surface of the first side and an upper surface of the post, the channel defining a gap between the first and second plates, the first reservoir being coupled to the first end of the channel and containing a thermally conductive liquid, the second reservoir coupled to the second end of the channel and containing a gas, the actuator coupled to the first reservoir and the first end of the channel, the membrane positioned between the actuator and the first end of the channel and being located within the trench, the membrane having a first position and a second position associated with the first and second states of the actuator, respectively, the membrane being moveable between the first and second positions in response to the actuator being switched from the first state to the second state, wherein the thermally conductive liquid is pushed into the gap from the first reservoir and the gas is pushed from the gap to the second reservoir as the membrane is moved from the first position to the second position, wherein the thermally conductive liquid flows from the gap to the first reservoir and the gas in the second reservoir flows into the gap in response to the membrane being moved from the second position to the first position; switching the actuator from the second state to the first state to push the thermally conductive liquid into the gap from the first reservoir, wherein the gas is pushed from the gap to the second reservoir as the membrane is moved from the second position to the first position; and switching the actuator from the first state to the second state to allow the thermally conductive liquid to flow from the gap to the first reservoir, wherein the gas in the second reservoir flows into the gap in response to the membrane being moved from the first position to the second position.