EVAPORATOR WITH FINNED CHANNELS

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/711,277, filed Oct. 24, 2024, which is hereby fully incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to an ice maker evaporator for making ice (e.g., nugget-type ice).

BACKGROUND

A traditional nugget-type ice maker evaporator includes a cylindrical tube filled with water. The evaporator cylindrical tube has a refrigeration circuit that spirals around the outer surface of the cylindrical tube for heat transfer from the evaporator to the refrigerant. An internal auger rotates to continuously scrape ice off the cold inner surface of the cylindrical tube.

SUMMARY

One general aspect of the present disclosure includes a cooling system, including: a main body extending between a first end portion and a second end portion; an inlet port extending outwardly with respect to an outer surface of the main body; a first plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a first number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins; a first barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a first cavity defined at least by the first end portion of the main body, a first portion of the outer surface of the main body, the first plurality of fins, and the first barrier, where the first cavity is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the first number of microchannels; a second plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a second number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins; a second barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a second cavity defined at least by the second plurality of fins, a second portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the second barrier, where the second cavity is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels; a third plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a third number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins; a third barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; and a third cavity defined at least by the first barrier, the third barrier, a third portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the third plurality of fins, where the third cavity is in fluid communication with the third number of microchannels.

Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a cooling system, including: a main body extending between a first end portion and a second end portion; an inlet port extending outwardly with respect to an outer surface of the main body; a first plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a first number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins; a first barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a first cavity defined at least by the first end portion of the main body, a first portion of the outer surface of the main body, the first plurality of fins, and the first barrier, where the first cavity is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the first number of microchannels; a second plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a second number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins; a second barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; and a second cavity defined at least by the second plurality of fins, a second portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the second barrier, where the second cavity is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels, and where the second plurality of fins includes the first plurality of fins.

Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a cooling system, including: a main body extending between a first end portion and a second end portion; a first plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a first number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins; a first barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a first cavity defined at least by the first end portion of the main body, a first portion of the outer surface of the main body, the first plurality of fins, and the first barrier, where the first cavity is in fluid communication with the first number of microchannels; a second plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a second number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins; a second barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a second cavity defined at least by the second plurality of fins, a second portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the second barrier, where the second cavity is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels; a third plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a third number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins; a third barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; and a third cavity defined at least by the first barrier, the third barrier, a third portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the third plurality of fins, where the third cavity is in fluid communication with the third number of microchannels.

Another general aspect of the present disclosure includes a cooling system of a nugget-ice-making device, the cooling system includes: a tubular outer body extending between a first outer body end portion and a second outer body end portion; a tubular inner body extending longitudinally between a first inner body end portion and a second inner body end portion, where the tubular inner body has a same perimetric shape as the tubular outer body but is perimetrically smaller than—and shares a common longitudinal axis with—the tubular outer body, such that a volumetric space is defined between an outward-facing surface of the tubular inner body and an inward-facing surface of the tubular outer body; a first plurality of fins attached—and forming a first plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface of the tubular inner body and the inward-facing surface of the tubular outer body, which barriers define a first number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins, where a first end of each fin of the first plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary of—a first cavity; an inlet port disposed nearer to the first outer body end portion of the tubular outer body than to the second outer body end portion, and providing a path of fluid communication with the first cavity; a second plurality of fins attached—and forming a second plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface of the tubular inner body and the inward-facing surface of the tubular outer body, which second plurality of fins defines a second number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins, where a first end of a first subplurality of the second plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary of—the first cavity, while a second end of a second subplurality of the second plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary of—a second cavity, and where a first barrier disposed next to the first plurality of fins defines a second boundary of the first cavity; and a third plurality of fins attached—and forming a third plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface of the tubular inner body and the inward-facing surface of the tubular outer body, which third plurality of barriers defines a third number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins, where a second end of a first subplurality of the third plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary of—the second cavity, while a first end of a second subplurality of the third plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary of—a third cavity, and where a second barrier disposed next to the second plurality of fins defines a second boundary of the second cavity, and where the first cavity is in direct fluid communication with the second cavity via the first number of microchannels, and is in indirect fluid communication with the third cavity further via the second number of microchannels.

A device/method according to the present disclosure may include any combination of the features described above and/or the original as-filed claims.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be within the scope of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of an evaporator with an outer sleeve, an inlet port, and an outlet port.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 1, without the outer sleeve, showing the first, third, fifth, and seventh cavities.

FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial view of the evaporator of FIG. 2, showing the first and third cavities.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged partial view of the evaporator of FIG. 2, showing the fifth and seventh cavities.

FIG. 5 is another perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 2, showing the second, fourth, and sixth cavities.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged partial view of the evaporator of FIG. 5, showing the second and fourth cavities.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged partial view of the evaporator of FIG. 5, showing the sixth cavity.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of FIG. 2, without the inlet port and the outlet port.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of FIG. 1, showing a fluid flow path.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of a fluid flow path of the evaporator of FIG. 2.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an evaporator with an outer sleeve, an inlet port, and an outlet port.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 11, without the outer sleeve, showing nine cavities.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged partial view of the evaporator of FIG. 12, showing the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth cavities.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged partial view of the evaporator of FIG. 12, showing the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, and ninth cavities.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of FIG. 12, without the inlet port and the outlet port.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of FIG. 11, showing a fluid flow path.

FIG. 17 is an illustration of a fluid flow path of the evaporator of FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of another embodiment of an evaporator with an outer sleeve, an inlet port, and an outlet port.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 18, without the outer sleeve, showing a first, second, third, and seventh cavities, and illustrating a fluid flow path.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 18, without the outer sleeve, showing a second, third and fourth cavities, and illustrating a fluid flow path therethrough.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 18, without the outer sleeve, showing a third, fourth, and fifth cavities, and illustrating a fluid flow path therethrough.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 18, without the outer sleeve, showing a fourth, fifth, and sixth cavities, and illustrating a fluid flow path therethrough.

FIG. 23 is a perspective view of the evaporator of FIG. 18, without the outer sleeve, showing a fifth, sixth, and seventh cavities, and illustrating a fluid flow path therethrough.

FIG. 24 is an illustration of a cross-sectional view of the evaporator of FIG. 18.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Various embodiments are described below with reference to the drawings in which like elements generally are referred to by like numerals. The relationship and functioning of the various elements of the embodiments may better be understood by reference to the following detailed description. However, embodiments are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale, and in certain instances details may have been omitted that are not necessary for an understanding of embodiments disclosed herein, such as - for example - conventional fabrication and assembly.

Generic Description

The invention is defined by the claims, may be embodied in many different forms, and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey enabling disclosure to those skilled in the art. As used in this specification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Reference herein to any industry standards (e.g., ASTM, ANSI, IEEE standards) is defined as complying with the currently published standards as of the original filing date of this disclosure concerning the units, measurements, and testing criteria communicated by those standards unless expressly otherwise defined herein.

The terms “about,” “substantially,” “generally,” and other terms of degree, when used with reference to any volume, dimension, proportion, or other quantitative or qualitative value, are intended to communicate a definite and identifiable value within the standard parameters that would be understood by one of skill in the art (e.g., equivalent to a mechanical engineer with experience in this field), and should be interpreted to include at least any legal equivalents, minor but functionally-insignificant variants, standard manufacturing tolerances, and including at least mathematically significant figures (although not required to be as broad as the largest range thereof), including a variance of up to, for example 5%, 2%, 1%, or less or more as would be deemed appropriate by one of skill in the art. In addition, the term “configured to” is used to describe structural limitations in a particular manner that requires specific construction to accomplish a stated function and/or to interface or interact with another component(s), and is not used to describe mere intended or theoretical uses.

Referring to FIGS. 1-23, embodiments of a cooling system (e.g., an evaporator of a nugget-ice-making device) are provided. As shown and discussed in greater detail below, the cooling system includes a main body (e.g., a tube) and a plurality of microchannels (e.g., formed by fins with a fin thickness that may range between about 0.01 inches and about 0.06 inches, and with a width ranging between about 0.03 inches and about 0.125 inches, where the fin thickness and the microchannel width are dependent on the size (capacity) of the cooling system, so may vary without departing from the scope of the present invention) disposed across a surface of the main body, and fluid-sealingly enclosed on the outside edges of the main body/microchannels by an outer sleeve. Fluid (e.g., refrigerant or other material that may include liquid and/or gas) may flow in the plurality of microchannels to extract heat from the water within the main body, so that ice may be formed in the main body. It will be appreciated that the embodiments of cooling system/evaporator described below are not limited to be used in a nugget-ice-making device. They may be used in other cooling or ice making devices for heat transfer purposes, including but not limited to, freezers, condensers, and water chillers.

Referring to FIGS. 1-10, an embodiment of the cooling system 100 is provided. The cooling system 100 includes a main body 102 (e.g., tubular inner body 102) extending (e.g., longitudinally) between a first end portion 104 (e.g., first inner body end portion 104) and a second end portion 106 (e.g., second inner body end portion 106). The cooling system 100 also includes an outer sleeve 108 (e.g., tubular outer body 108 extending between a first outer body end portion 110 and a second outer body end portion 112) disposed circumferentially around the main body 102 between the first end portion 104 and the second end portion 106.

Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 8, and 9, the tubular inner body 102 may have a same perimetric shape as the tubular outer body 108 but is perimetrically smaller than—and shares a common longitudinal axis 162 (or at least with longitudinally-aligned axes) with—the tubular outer body 108, such that a volumetric space is defined between an outward-facing surface 114 (e.g., outer surface 114) of the tubular inner body 102 and an inward-facing surface 116 (e.g., inner surface 116) of the tubular outer body 108.

Referring to FIGS. 2-10, the cooling system 100 includes a first plurality of fins 120 extending outwardly from the outer surface 114 (e.g., outward-facing surface 114) of the main body 102. The first plurality of fins 120 are attached—and forming a first plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 114 of the tubular inner body 102 and the inward-facing surface 116 of the tubular outer body 108, and the first plurality of fluid-communication barriers defines a first number of microchannels 122 between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins 120.

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a first barrier 124 extends outwardly from the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and a first cavity 126 is defined at least by the first end portion 104 of the main body 102, a first portion 114a of the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, the first plurality of fins 120, and the first barrier 124. An inlet port 118 may extend outwardly with respect to the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and the first cavity 126 is in fluid communication with the inlet port 118 and the first number of microchannels 122. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 1, as an example, the inlet port 118 is disposed nearer to the first outer body end portion 110 of the tubular outer body 108 than to the second outer body end portion 112, and providing a path of fluid communication with the first cavity 126 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10).

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, and 6, the cooling system 100 also includes a second plurality of fins 128 extending outwardly from the outer surface 114 of the main body 102. The second plurality of fins 128 are attached—and forming a second plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 114 of the tubular inner body 102 and the inward-facing surface 116 of the tubular outer body 108. The second plurality of fins 128 defines a second number of microchannels 130 between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins 128. As shown in FIG. 8, the second plurality of fins 128 includes the first plurality of fins 120 and the first barrier 124.

As shown in FIG. 6, for example, a second barrier 132 extends outwardly from the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and a second cavity 134 is defined at least by the second plurality of fins 128, a second portion 114b of the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and the second barrier 132, where the second cavity 134 is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels 130.

Referring to FIGS. 3, 5 and 8, each fin of the first plurality of fins 120 includes a first end 120a and a second end 120b, where the first end 120a of each fin of the first plurality of fins 120 is disposed at—and at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the first cavity 126, and where the second end 120b of each fin of the first plurality of fins 120 at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of the second cavity 134. Referring to FIG. 3, the first barrier 124 is disposed next to the first plurality of fins 120 and defines a second boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of the first cavity 126.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, and 8, the second plurality of fins 128 includes a first subplurality 136 (e.g., corresponding to the first plurality of fins 120, as shown in FIG. 8) and a second subplurality 138 of the second plurality of fins 128. A first end of the first subplurality 136 (e.g., corresponding to the first end 120a of the first plurality of fins 120, as shown in FIG. 3) of the second plurality of fins 128 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the first cavity 126, while a second end 128b of the second subplurality 138 of the second plurality of fins 128 is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the second cavity 134. As shown in FIG. 6, the second barrier 132 is disposed next to the second plurality of fins 128 and defines a second boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of the second cavity 134.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the cooling system 100 may also include a third plurality of fins 140 extending outwardly from the outer surface 114 of the main body 102. The third plurality of fins 140 are attached—and forming a third plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 114 of the tubular inner body 102 and the inward-facing surface 116 of the tubular outer body 108. The third plurality of barriers defines a third number of microchannels 142 between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins 140. A third barrier 144 extends outwardly from the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and a third cavity 146 is defined at least by the first barrier 124, the third barrier 144, a third portion 114c of the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and the third plurality of fins 140, where the third cavity 146 is in fluid communication with the third number of microchannels 142.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8, in some embodiments, the third plurality of fins 140 includes a subplurality (e.g., the second subplurality 138) of the second plurality of fins 128 and the second barrier 132, where each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 128 includes a first end 128a and a second end 128b, where the first end 128a of each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 128 at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of the third cavity 146, and where the second end 128b of each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 128 at least partially defines the first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of the second cavity 134. In other words, the third plurality of fins 140 includes a first subplurality 148 (e.g., corresponding to the second subplurality 138 of the second plurality of fins 128, as shown in FIG. 8) and a second subplurality 150 of the third plurality of fins 140. A second end 140b of the first subplurality 148 (corresponding to the second end 128b of the second subplurality 138 of the second plurality of fins 128, as shown in FIG. 6) of the third plurality of fins 140 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the second cavity 134, while a first end 140a of the second subplurality 150 of the third plurality of fins 140 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the third cavity 146 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3 and 8).

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 5, 6, and 8, the first cavity 126 is in direct fluid communication with the second cavity 134 via the first number of microchannels 122, and is in indirect fluid communication with the third cavity 146 further via the second number of microchannels 130. As shown, the second cavity 134 is greater (e.g., greater dimension in the longitudinal direction) than the first cavity 126, where the second cavity 134 is in fluid communication with the first cavity 126 via a first subset of the second number of microchannels 130, and where the second cavity 134 is in fluid communication with the third cavity 146 via a second subset of the second number of microchannels 130.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, each fin of the first, second and third plurality of fins 120, 128, and 140, and each barrier of the first, second, and third barriers 124, 132, and 144 sealingly engages the inner surface 116 of the outer sleeve 108, such that fluid may flow into the inlet port 118, through the microchannels formed between adjacent fins, and then out of an outlet port 152 according to a predetermined flow path, described in greater detail below. As shown, each fin of the first, second, and third plurality of fins 120, 128, and 140 extends around less than an entire perimeter of at least a portion of the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, (e.g., extends around less than an entire perimeter of the volumetric space).

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the cooling system 100 may also include a fourth plurality of fins 154 extending outwardly from the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, defining a fourth number of microchannels 156 between adjacent fins of the fourth plurality of fins 154. A fourth barrier 158 extends outwardly from the outer surface 114 of the main body 102. A fourth cavity 160 is defined at least by the second barrier 132, the fourth barrier 158, a fourth portion 114d of the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and the fourth plurality of fins 154, where the fourth cavity 160 is in fluid communication with the fourth number of microchannels 156. Referring to FIG. 8, the fourth plurality of fins 154 includes a subplurality of the third plurality of fins 140.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, 5, and 7, in this embodiment, there are seven cavities in total. A fifth cavity 168 is defined at least by the third barrier 144, the fifth barrier 166, a fifth portion 114e of the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and the fifth plurality of fins 164, defining a fifth number of microchannels 170 between adjacent fins of the fifth plurality of fins 164. A sixth cavity 174 is defined at least by the fourth barrier 158, the second end portion 106 of the main body 102, a sixth portion 114f of the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and the sixth plurality of fins 172, defining a sixth number of microchannels 176 between adjacent fins of the sixth plurality of fins 172. A seventh cavity 180 is defined at least by the fifth barrier 166, the second end portion 106 of the main body 102, a seventh portion 114g of the outer surface 114 of the main body 102, and the seventh plurality of fins 178, defining a seventh number of microchannels 182 between adjacent fins of the seventh plurality of fins 178. As shown, the outlet port 152 is in fluid communication with the seventh cavity 180. For the sake of simplicity, these structures will not be discussed in detail. Based on the descriptions above and the figures, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand the configuration and the fluid communication relationship of these fins, barriers, microchannels, and cavities.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 5, 9 and 10, a fluid flow path from the inlet port 118 to the outlet port 152 across the outer surface 114 of the main body 102 is described below. As shown in FIG. 10, a fluid 184 (e.g., refrigerant) may enter the first cavity 126 via the inlet port 118, and then flows into the first end of the first number of microchannels 122 in a first direction 186 and also in a second direction 188, around at least a portion of a circumference of the main body 102. The first direction 186 and the second direction 188 may be disposed 180 degrees apart, where the first direction 186 may be clockwise and the second direction 188 may be counter-clockwise, if looking at the main body 102 from the first end portion 104 towards the second end portion 106.

Then the fluid 184 flows out of the second end of the first number of microchannels 122 and into the second cavity 134, and due to the configuration difference (e.g., shape, dimension) between the first cavity 126 and the second cavity 134, the fluid 184 then flows toward the second end portion 106 of the main body 102 and into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the first barrier 124 and the second barrier 132) of the second number of microchannels 130 in a third direction 190 and also in a fourth direction 192, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 102. The third direction 190 and the fourth direction 192 are disposed 180 degrees apart, where the third direction 190 is opposite the first direction 186, and the fourth direction 192 is opposite the second direction 188. The third direction 190 may be counter-clockwise and the fourth direction 192 may be clockwise, if looking at the main body 102 from the first end portion 104 towards the second end portion 106.

Then the fluid 184 flows out of the first end of the subset of the second number of microchannels 130 and into the third cavity 146, flows toward the second end portion 106 of the main body 102 and into the first end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the second barrier 132 and the third barrier 144) of the third number of microchannels 142 in the first direction 186 and also in the second direction 188 around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 102. Then the fluid 184 flows out of the second end of the subset of the third number of microchannels 142 and into the fourth cavity 160, flows toward the second end portion 106 of the main body 102 and into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the third barrier 144 and the fourth barrier 158) of the fourth number of microchannels 156 in the third direction 190 and also in the fourth direction 192, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 102.

Then the fluid 184 flows out of the first end of the subset of the fourth number of microchannels 156 and into the fifth cavity 168, flows toward the second end portion 106 of the main body 102 and into the first end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the fourth barrier 158 and the fifth barrier 166) of the fifth number of microchannels 170 in the first direction 186 and also in the second direction 188, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 102. Then the fluid 184 flows out of the second end of the subset of the fifth number of microchannels 170 and into the sixth cavity 174, flows toward the second end portion 106 of the main body 102 and into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the fifth barrier 166 and the second end portion 106 of the main body 102) of the sixth number of microchannels 176 in the third direction 190 and also in the fourth direction 192, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body. Then the fluid 184 flows out of the first end of the subset of the sixth number of microchannels 176, into the seventh cavity 180, and then out of the outlet port 152.

Referring to FIGS. 11-17, another embodiment of the cooling system 200 is provided. The cooling system 200 includes a main body 202 (e.g., tubular inner body 202) extending (e.g., longitudinally) between a first end portion 204 (e.g., first inner body end portion 204) and a second end portion 206 (e.g., second inner body end portion 206). The cooling system 200 also includes an outer sleeve 208 (e.g., tubular outer body 208 extending between a first outer body end portion 210 and a second outer body end portion 212) disposed circumferentially around the main body 202 between the first end portion 204 and the second end portion 206.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 12, 15, and 16, the tubular inner body 202 may have a same perimetric shape as the tubular outer body 208 but is perimetrically smaller than—and shares a common longitudinal axis 262 with—the tubular outer body 208, such that a volumetric space is defined between an outward-facing surface 214 (e.g., outer surface 214) of the tubular inner body 202 and an inward-facing surface 216 (e.g., inner surface 216) of the tubular outer body 208.

Referring to FIGS. 12-17, the cooling system 200 includes a first plurality of fins 220 extending outwardly from the outer surface 214 (e.g., outward-facing surface 214) of the main body 202. The first plurality of fins 220 are attached—and forming a first plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 214 of the tubular inner body 202 and the inward-facing surface 216 of the tubular outer body 208, and the first plurality of fluid-communication barriers defines a first number of microchannels 222 between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins 220.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, for example, a first barrier 224 extends outwardly from the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and a first cavity 226 is defined at least by the first end portion 204 of the main body 202, a first portion 214a of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, the first plurality of fins 220, and the first barrier 224. An inlet port 218 may extend outwardly with respect to the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the first cavity 226 is in fluid communication with the inlet port 218 and the first number of microchannels 222. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, as an example, the inlet port 218 is disposed nearer to the first outer body end portion 210 of the tubular outer body 208 than to the second outer body end portion 212, and providing a path of fluid communication with the first cavity 226 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 17).

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 13, the cooling system 200 also includes a second plurality of fins 228 extending outwardly from the outer surface 214 of the main body 202. The second plurality of fins 228 are attached—and forming a second plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 214 of the tubular inner body 202 and the inward-facing surface 216 of the tubular outer body 208. The second plurality of fins 228 defines a second number of microchannels 230 between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins 228. As shown, the second plurality of fins 228 includes the first plurality of fins 220 and the first barrier 224.

As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, for example, a second barrier 232 extends outwardly from the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and a second cavity 234 is defined at least by the second plurality of fins 228, a second portion 214b of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the second barrier 232, where the second cavity 234 is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels 230.

Referring to FIG. 13, each fin of the first plurality of fins 220 includes a first end 220a and a second end 220b, where the first end 220a of each fin of the first plurality of fins 220 is disposed at—and at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the first cavity 226, and where the second end 220b of each fin of the first plurality of fins 220 at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of the second cavity 234. As shown, the first barrier 224 is disposed next to the first plurality of fins 220 and defines a second boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of the first cavity 226.

Referring to FIG. 13, the second plurality of fins 228 includes a first subplurality 236 (e.g., corresponding to the first plurality of fins 220) and a second subplurality 238 of the second plurality of fins 228. A first end of the first subplurality 236 (e.g., corresponding to the first end 220a of the first plurality of fins 220) of the second plurality of fins 228 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the first cavity 226, while a second end 228b of the second subplurality 238 of the second plurality of fins 228 is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the second cavity 234. As shown, the second barrier 232 is disposed next to the second plurality of fins 228 and defines a second boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of the second cavity 234.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and 15, for example, the cooling system 200 may also include a third plurality of fins 240 extending outwardly from the outer surface 214 of the main body 202. The third plurality of fins 240 are attached—and forming a third plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 214 of the tubular inner body 202 and the inward-facing surface 216 of the tubular outer body 208. The third plurality of barriers defines a third number of microchannels 242 between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins 240. A third barrier 244 extends outwardly from the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and a third cavity 246 is defined at least by the first barrier 224, the third barrier 244, a third portion 214c of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the third plurality of fins 240, where the third cavity 246 is in fluid communication with the third number of microchannels 242.

Referring to FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the third plurality of fins 240 includes a subplurality (e.g., the second subplurality 238) of the second plurality of fins 228 and the second barrier 232, where each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 228 includes a first end 228a and a second end 228b, where the first end 228a of each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 228 at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of the third cavity 246, and where the second end 228b of each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 228 at least partially defines the first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of the second cavity 234. In other words, the third plurality of fins 240 includes a first subplurality 248 (e.g., corresponding to the second subplurality 238 of the second plurality of fins 228) and a second subplurality 250 of the third plurality of fins 240. A second end 240b of the first subplurality 248 (corresponding to the second end 228b of the second subplurality 238 of the second plurality of fins 228) of the third plurality of fins 240 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the second cavity 234, while a first end 240a of the second subplurality 250 of the third plurality of fins 240 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of—the third cavity 246.

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and 17, the first cavity 226 is in direct fluid communication with the second cavity 234 via the first number of microchannels 222, and is in indirect fluid communication with the third cavity 246 further via the second number of microchannels 230. As shown, the second cavity 234 is greater (e.g., greater dimension in the longitudinal direction) than the first cavity 226, where the second cavity 234 is in fluid communication with the first cavity 226 via a first subset of the second number of microchannels 230, and where the second cavity 234 is in fluid communication with the third cavity 246 via a second subset of the second number of microchannels 230.

Referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, each fin of the first, second and third plurality of fins 220, 228, and 240, and each barrier of the first, second, and third barriers 224, 232, and 244 sealingly engages the inner surface 216 of the outer sleeve 208, such that fluid may flow into the inlet port 218, through the microchannels formed between adjacent fins, and then out of an outlet port 252 according to a predetermined flow path, as described in greater detail below. As shown, each fin of the first, second, and third plurality of fins 220, 228, and 240 extends around less than an entire perimeter of at least a portion of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202. (e.g., extends around less than an entire perimeter of the volumetric space)

Referring to FIGS. 12, 13, and 17, the cooling system 100 may also include a fourth plurality of fins 254 extending outwardly from the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, defining a fourth number of microchannels 256 between adjacent fins of the fourth plurality of fins 254. A fourth barrier 258 extends outwardly from the outer surface 214 of the main body 202. A fourth cavity 260 is defined at least by the second barrier 232, the fourth barrier 258, a fourth portion 214d of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the fourth plurality of fins 254, where the fourth cavity 260 is in fluid communication with the fourth number of microchannels 256. Referring to FIG. 12, the fourth plurality of fins 254 includes a subplurality of the third plurality of fins 240.

Referring to FIG. 12, in this embodiment, there are nine cavities in total. A fifth cavity 268 is defined at least by the third barrier 244, the fifth barrier 266, a fifth portion 214e of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the fifth plurality of fins 264, defining a fifth number of microchannels 270 between adjacent fins of the fifth plurality of fins 264. A sixth cavity 274 is defined at least by the fourth barrier 258, a sixth barrier 294, a sixth portion 214f of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the sixth plurality of fins 272, defining a sixth number of microchannels 276 between adjacent fins of the sixth plurality of fins 272. A seventh cavity 280 is defined at least by the fifth barrier 266, a seventh barrier 296, a seventh portion 214g of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the seventh plurality of fins 278, defining a seventh number of microchannels 282 between adjacent fins of the seventh plurality of fins 278. An eighth cavity 298 is defined at least by the sixth barrier 294, the second end portion 206 of the main body 202, an eighth portion 214h of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the eighth plurality of fins 299, defining an eighth number of microchannels 297 between adjacent fins of the eighth plurality of fins 299. A ninth cavity 295 is defined at least by the seventh barrier 296, the second end portion 206 of the main body 202, a ninth portion 214i of the outer surface 214 of the main body 202, and the ninth plurality of fins 293, defining a ninth number of microchannels 291 between adjacent fins of the ninth plurality of fins 293. As shown, the outlet port 252 is in fluid communication with the ninth cavity 295. For the sake of simplicity, these structures will not be discussed in detail. Based on the descriptions above and the figures, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand the configuration and the fluid communication relationship of these fins, barriers, microchannels, and cavities. As shown in FIG. 12, the main body 202 also includes a common barrier 289 extending between the first end portion 204 and the second end portion 206 of the main body 202. The common barrier 289 is configured to form a boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of each of the first to the ninth cavities.

Referring to FIGS. 12 and 17, a fluid flow path from the inlet port 218 to the outlet port 252 across the outer surface 214 of the main body 202 is described below. As shown in FIG. 17, a fluid 284 (e.g., refrigerant) may enter the first cavity 226 via the inlet port 218, and then flows into the first end of the first number of microchannels 222 in a first direction 286 around at least a portion of a circumference of the main body 202, and then flows out of the second end of the first number of microchannels 222 and into the second cavity 234. Then, the fluid 184 flows toward the second end portion 106 of the main body 102 and into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the first barrier 224 and the second barrier 232) of the second number of microchannels 230 in a second direction 288 around at least a portion of a circumference of the main body 202, and then flows out of the first end of the subset of the second number of microchannels 230 and into the third cavity 246. The first direction 286 and the second direction 288 are disposed 180 degrees apart, where the first direction 286 may be clockwise and the second direction 288 may be counter-clockwise, if looking at the main body 202 from the first end portion 204 towards the second end portion 206.

Then the fluid 284 flows toward the second end portion 206 of the main body 202 and into a first end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the second barrier 232 and the third barrier 244) of the third number of microchannels 242 in the first direction 286, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 202. Then the fluid 284 flows out of the second end of the subset of the third number of microchannels 242 and into the fourth cavity 260, flows toward the second end portion 206 of the main body 202 and then into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the third barrier 244 and the fourth barrier 258) of the fourth number of microchannels 256 in the second direction 288, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 202.

Then the fluid 284 flows out of the first end of the subset of the fourth number of microchannels 256 and into the fifth cavity 268, flows toward the second end portion 206 of the main body 202 and into the first end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the fourth barrier 258 and the fifth barrier 266) of the fifth number of microchannels 270 in the first direction 286, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 202. Then the fluid 284 flows out of the second end of the subset of the fifth number of microchannels 270 and into the sixth cavity 274, flows toward the second end portion 206 of the main body 102 and into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the fifth barrier 266 and the sixth barrier 294) of the sixth number of microchannels 276 in the second direction 288, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 202.

Then the fluid 284 flows out of the first end of the subset of the sixth number of microchannels 276, into the seventh cavity 280, flows toward the second end portion 206 of the main body 202 and into the first end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the sixth barrier 294 and the seventh barrier 296) of the seventh number of microchannels 282 in the first direction 286, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 202. Then the fluid 284 flows out of the second end of the subset of the seventh number of microchannels 282 and into the eighth cavity 298, flows toward the second end portion 206 of the main body 102 and into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the seventh barrier 296 and the second end portion 206 of the main body 202; corresponding to the ninth plurality of fins 293) of the eighth number of microchannels 297 in the second direction 288, around at least a portion of the circumference of the main body 202. Then the fluid 284 flows out of the first end of the subset of the eighth number of microchannels 297, into the ninth cavity 295, and then out of the outlet port 252.

Referring to FIGS. 18-23, another embodiment of the cooling system 300 is provided. The cooling system 300 includes a main body 302 (e.g., tubular inner body 302) extending (e.g., longitudinally) between a first end portion 304 (e.g., first inner body end portion 304) and a second end portion 306 (e.g., second inner body end portion 306). The cooling system 300 also includes an outer sleeve 308 (e.g., tubular outer body 308 extending between a first outer body end portion 310 and a second outer body end portion 312) disposed circumferentially around the main body 302 between the first end portion 304 and the second end portion 306.

Referring to FIGS. 18 and 24, the tubular inner body 302 may have a same perimetric shape as the tubular outer body 308 but is perimetrically smaller than—and shares a common longitudinal axis 362 with—the tubular outer body 308, such that a volumetric space is defined between an outward-facing surface 314 (e.g., outer surface 314) of the tubular inner body 302 and an inward-facing surface 316 (e.g., inner surface 316) of the tubular outer body 308.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 24, the cooling system 300 includes a first plurality of fins 320 extending outwardly from the outer surface 314 (e.g., outward-facing surface 314) of the main body 302. The first plurality of fins 320 are attached—and forming a first plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 314 of the tubular inner body 302 and the inward-facing surface 316 of the tubular outer body 308, and the first plurality of fluid-communication barriers defines a first number of microchannels 322 between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins 320.

As shown in FIG. 19, for example, a first barrier 324 extends outwardly from the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and a first cavity 326 is defined at least by the first end portion 304 of the main body 302, a first portion 314a of the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, the first plurality of fins 320, and the first barrier 324. An inlet port 318 may extend outwardly with respect to the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and the first cavity 326 is in fluid communication with the inlet port 318 and the first number of microchannels 322. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 18, as an example, the inlet port 318 is disposed nearer to the first outer body end portion 310 of the tubular outer body 308 than to the second outer body end portion 312, and providing a path of fluid communication with the first cavity 326 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 19).

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the cooling system 300 also includes a second plurality of fins 328 extending outwardly from the outer surface 314 of the main body 302. The second plurality of fins 328 are attached—and forming a second plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 314 of the tubular inner body 302 and the inward-facing surface 316 of the tubular outer body 308. The second plurality of fins 328 defines a second number of microchannels 330 between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins 328. As shown, the second plurality of fins 328 includes the first plurality of fins 320 and the first barrier 324.

As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, for example, a second barrier 332 extends outwardly from the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and a second cavity 334 is defined at least by the second plurality of fins 328, a second portion 314b of the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and the second barrier 332, where the second cavity 334 is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels 330.

Referring to FIG. 19, each fin of the first plurality of fins 320 includes a first end 320a and a second end 320b, where the first end 320a of each fin of the first plurality of fins 320 is disposed at—and at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of—the first cavity 326, and where the second end 320b of each fin of the first plurality of fins 320 at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of the second cavity 334. As shown, the first barrier 324 is disposed next to the first plurality of fins 320 and defines a second boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of the first cavity 326.

Referring to FIGS. 19 and 20, the second plurality of fins 328 includes a first subplurality 336 (e.g., corresponding to the first plurality of fins 320, as shown in FIG. 19) and a second subplurality 338 of the second plurality of fins 328. A first end 328a of the first subplurality 336 (e.g., corresponding to the first end 320a of the first plurality of fins 320, as shown in FIG. 19) of the second plurality of fins 328 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of—the first cavity 326, while a second end 328b of the second subplurality 338 of the second plurality of fins 328 is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of—the second cavity 334. As shown in FIGS. 19 and 20, the second barrier 332 is disposed next to the second plurality of fins 328 and defines a second boundary (e.g., longitudinal boundary) of the second cavity 334.

Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21, the cooling system 300 may also include a third plurality of fins 340 extending outwardly from the outer surface 314 of the main body 302. The third plurality of fins 340 are attached—and forming a third plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface 314 of the tubular inner body 302 and the inward-facing surface 316 of the tubular outer body 308. The third plurality of barriers defines a third number of microchannels 342 between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins 340. As shown in FIG. 20, a third barrier 344 extends outwardly from the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and a third cavity 346 is defined at least by the first barrier 324, the third barrier 344, a third portion 314c of the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and the third plurality of fins 340, where the third cavity 346 is in fluid communication with the third number of microchannels 342.

Referring to FIG. 20, in some embodiments, the third plurality of fins 340 includes a subplurality (e.g., the second subplurality 338) of the second plurality of fins 328 and the second barrier 332, where each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 328 includes a first end 328a and a second end 328b, where the first end 328a of each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 328 at least partially defines a first boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of the third cavity 346, and where the second end 328b of each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins 328 at least partially defines the first boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of the second cavity 334. In other words, the third plurality of fins 340 includes a first subplurality 348 (e.g., corresponding to the second subplurality 338 of the second plurality of fins 328) and a second subplurality 350 of the third plurality of fins 340. A second end 340b of the first subplurality 348 (corresponding to the second end 328b of the second subplurality 338 of the second plurality of fins 328) of the third plurality of fins 340 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of—the second cavity 334, while a first end 340a of the second subplurality 350 of the third plurality of fins 340 is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary (e.g., circumferential boundary) of—the third cavity 346.

Referring to FIG. 20, the first cavity 326 is in direct fluid communication with the second cavity 334 via the first number of microchannels 322, and is in indirect fluid communication with the third cavity 346 further via the second number of microchannels 330. As shown in FIG. 19, as an example, the second cavity 334 is greater (e.g., greater dimension in a circumferential direction) than the first cavity 326, where the second cavity 334 is in fluid communication with the first cavity 326 via a first subset of the second number of microchannels 330, and where the second cavity 334 is in fluid communication with the third cavity 346 via a second subset of the second number of microchannels 330.

Referring to FIGS. 9, 10, 18, 19, and 24, it will be understood that each fin of the first, second and third plurality of fins 320, 328, and 340, and each barrier of the first, second, and third barriers 324, 332, and 344 sealingly engages the inner surface 316 of the outer sleeve 308, such that fluid may flow into the inlet port 318, through the microchannels formed between adjacent fins, and then out of an outlet port 352 according to a predetermined flow path, as described in greater detail below. As shown, each fin of the first, second, and third plurality of fins 320, 328, and 340 extends along a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 362 of the main body 302 (e.g., tubular inner body).

Referring to FIGS. 21 and 22, the cooling system 300 may also include a fourth plurality of fins 354 extending outwardly from the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, defining a fourth number of microchannels 356 between adjacent fins of the fourth plurality of fins 354. A fourth barrier 358 extends outwardly from the outer surface 314 of the main body 302. A fourth cavity 360 is defined at least by the second barrier 332, the fourth barrier 358, a fourth portion 314d of the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and the fourth plurality of fins 354, where the fourth cavity 360 is in fluid communication with the fourth number of microchannels 356. Referring to FIG. 21, the fourth plurality of fins 354 includes a subplurality of the third plurality of fins 340.

Referring to FIGS. 19-23, in this embodiment, there are seven cavities in total. A fifth cavity 368 is defined by the third barrier 344, the fifth barrier 366, a fifth portion 314e of the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and the fifth plurality of fins 364, defining a fifth number of microchannels 370 between adjacent fins of the fifth plurality of fins 364. A sixth cavity 374 is defined by the fourth barrier 358, the sixth barrier 394, the second end portion 306 of the main body 302, a sixth portion 314f of the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and the sixth plurality of fins 372, defining a sixth number of microchannels 376 between adjacent fins of the sixth plurality of fins 372. A seventh cavity 380 is defined by the fifth barrier 366, the seventh barrier 396, the first end portion 304 of the main body 302, a seventh portion 314g of the outer surface 314 of the main body 302, and the seventh plurality of fins 378, defining a seventh number of microchannels 382 between adjacent fins of the seventh plurality of fins 378. As shown, the outlet port 352 is in fluid communication with the seventh cavity 380. For the sake of simplicity, these structures will not be discussed in detail. Based on the descriptions above and the figures, a person of ordinary skill in the art will understand the configuration and the fluid communication relationship of these fins, barriers, microchannels, and cavities.

Referring to FIGS. 19-23, a fluid flow path from the inlet port 318 to the outlet port 352 across the outer surface 314 of the main body 302 is described below. As shown in FIG. 19, a fluid 384 (e.g., refrigerant) may enter the first cavity 326 via the inlet port 318, and then flows into the first end of the first number of microchannels 322 in a first direction 386 towards the second end portion 306 of the main body 302 through at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the main body 302.

Then the fluid 384 flows out of the second end of the first number of microchannels 322 and into the second cavity 334, and due to the configuration difference (e.g., shape, dimension) between the first cavity 326 and the second cavity 334, the fluid 384 then flows into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the first barrier 324 and the second barrier 332) of the second number of microchannels 330 in a second direction 388 towards the first end portion 304 of the main body 302 through at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the main body 302. In this embodiment, the first direction 386 and the second direction 388 are disposed 180 degrees apart.

Then the fluid 384 flows out of the first end of the subset of the second number of microchannels 330 and into the third cavity 346, and into the first end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the second barrier 332 and the third barrier 344) of the third number of microchannels 342 in the first direction 386 through at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the main body 302. Then the fluid 384 flows out of the second end of the subset of the third number of microchannels 342 and into the fourth cavity 360, and into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the third barrier 344 and the fourth barrier 358) of the fourth number of microchannels 356 in the second direction 388 through at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the main body 302.

Then the fluid 384 flows out of the first end of the subset of the fourth number of microchannels 356 and into the fifth cavity 368, and into the first end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the fourth barrier 358 and the fifth barrier 366) of the fifth number of microchannels 370 in the first direction 386 through at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the main body 302. Then the fluid 384 flows out of the second end of the subset of the fifth number of microchannels 370 and into the sixth cavity 374, and then into the second end of a subset (e.g., disposed between the fifth barrier 366 and the sixth barrier 394) of the sixth number of microchannels 376 in the second direction 388, through at least a portion of the longitudinal length of the main body 302. Then the fluid 384 flows out of the first end of the subset of the sixth number of microchannels 376, into the seventh cavity 380, and then out of the outlet port 352.

The cooling system according to the embodiments discussed above with reference to FIGS. 1-23, as examples, is advantageous. The use of fins/finned channels increases the area of contact (e.g., surface area from which the fluid (e.g., refrigerant) will extract heat) for heat exchange and increases turbulence (as the fluid comes back and forth) without increasing pressure drop and without substantially changing the size of the cooling system. It will help reduce the size of the compressor to be used with the cooling system, achieving significant energy save as it increases heat transfer from the evaporator to the fluid (e.g., refrigerant).

In some embodiments, the fins may be made from composites which can be an amalgamation of high thermal conductivity with structural strength and corrosion resistance. In some embodiments, the fins may be made from food grade Aluminium Bronze, food grade Stainless steel, food grade composites or any other high conductivity alloy. In some embodiments, the fins and the heat exchanger surfaces (e.g., the outer surface of the inner body) may be coated with nano-coatings to enhance the heat-transfer properties and durability. In some embodiments, the fins may be provided with protrusions and/or grooves to enhance the turbulence, thereby increasing the efficiency of heat exchanger.

Referring to FIGS. 1-23 above, it will be understood that the number and the configuration (e.g., shape, size) of the cavities, the number and the configuration (e.g., shape, size) of microchannels that are in direct fluid communication with each cavity, the configuration (e.g., shape, size) of each barrier, the configuration (e.g., shape, size) of each fin, and the arrangement/positioning of the fins, cavities, barriers, and the inlet and out ports may be varied, as desired and/or needed (e.g., to balance pressure drop and uniform flow), without departing from the present invention. It will be understood that by changing any one or more of these features, a predetermined fluid flow path may be achieved.

As one example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, each cavity has a diamond shape, which is advantageous for balancing the fluid flow so that a desired pressure drop may be achieved to allow the fluid to flow into each microchannel evenly. But the cavity may have other configurations (e.g., shape, size), including but not limited to those shown in the embodiments in FIG. 12 and FIG. 19. Also, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, some cavities are aligned in a longitudinal direction, but the cavities may not be aligned in other embodiments, without departing from the scope of the present invention. As another example, in the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 and 11, the inlet port and the outlet port are disposed on opposite end portions of the main body, while in the embodiment shown in FIG. 18, both of the inlet port and the outlet port are disposed on the same end portion of the main body. The inlet port and the outlet port may be disposed on other locations of the main body without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Although the fins in FIGS. 1-23 are shown to extend in parallel directions (e.g., circumferentially or longitudinally), in other embodiments, some fins may not extend in parallel directions without departing from the scope of the present invention. The fluid flow path may be varied, as desired and/or needed, for varying cooling effect, without departing from the scope of the present invention, e.g., by varying the ratio of selected parameters (e.g., the number and dimension of cavities, the number and dimension of microchannels in direct fluid communication with each cavity)

Each cavity with the microchannels (e.g., formed between adjacent fins) in direct fluid communication with the cavity may constitute a manifold. In some embodiments, the cooling system may include adjustable manifolds, where the manifold has a variable flow path that is stationarily, manually, or automatically modified as a result of feedback to obtain the best possible fluid (e.g., refrigerant) flow. In some embodiments, the cooling system may include integrated manifolds, where the manifolds are integrated into the heat exchanger body (e.g., the inner body and/or the outer body, as discussed above), thereby reducing connection points and potential leak joints. In some embodiments, the cooling system may include modular manifolds, where the manifolds may be quickly assembled or disassembled to create a manifold topology that meets the needs of a specific cooling system/requirement. A modular manifold would facilitate maintenance by allowing individual blocks of the manifold to be removed and replaced without causing the maintenance team to have to reset other relevant critical aspects. A modular manifold may also create a customized shape that changes as required by the heat exchanger.

The subject matter of the disclosure may also relate, among others, to the following aspects:

A first aspect relates to a cooling system, comprising: a main body extending between a first end portion and a second end portion; an inlet port extending outwardly with respect to an outer surface of the main body; a first plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a first number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins; a first barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a first cavity defined at least by the first end portion of the main body, a first portion of the outer surface of the main body, the first plurality of fins, and the first barrier, wherein the first cavity is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the first number of microchannels; a second plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a second number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins; a second barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a second cavity defined at least by the second plurality of fins, a second portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the second barrier, wherein the second cavity is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels; a third plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a third number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins; a third barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; and a third cavity defined at least by the first barrier, the third barrier, a third portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the third plurality of fins, wherein the third cavity is in fluid communication with the third number of microchannels.

A second aspect relates to the cooling system of aspect 1, wherein the first cavity is in fluid communication with the second cavity via the first number of microchannels.

A third aspect relates to the cooling system of any one of aspects 1 or 2, wherein the second cavity is in fluid communication with the first cavity via a first subset of the second number of microchannels, and wherein the second cavity is in fluid communication with the third cavity via a second subset of the second number of microchannels.

A fourth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein the second plurality of fins includes the first plurality of fins and the first barrier.

A fifth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein the third plurality of fins includes a subplurality of the second plurality of fins and the second barrier.

A sixth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein the second cavity is greater than the first cavity.

A seventh aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, further comprising an outer sleeve disposed circumferentially around the main body between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein each fin of the first, second and third plurality of fins and each barrier of the first, second, and third barriers sealingly engages an inner surface of the outer sleeve.

An eighth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein each fin of the first, second, and third plurality of fins extends around less than an entire perimeter of at least a portion of the outer surface of the main body.

A ninth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein each fin of the first, second, and third plurality of fins extends along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body.

A tenth aspect relates to a cooling system, comprising: a main body extending between a first end portion and a second end portion; an inlet port extending outwardly with respect to an outer surface of the main body; a first plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a first number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins; a first barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a first cavity defined at least by the first end portion of the main body, a first portion of the outer surface of the main body, the first plurality of fins, and the first barrier, wherein the first cavity is in fluid communication with the inlet port and the first number of microchannels; a second plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a second number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins; a second barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; and a second cavity defined at least by the second plurality of fins, a second portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the second barrier, wherein the second cavity is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels, and wherein the second plurality of fins includes the first plurality of fins.

An eleventh aspect relates to the cooling system of aspect 10, wherein each fin of the first plurality of fins includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each fin of the first plurality of fins at least partially defines a first boundary of the first cavity, and wherein the second end of each fin of the first plurality of fins at least partially defines a first boundary of the second cavity.

A twelfth aspect relates to the cooling system of any one of aspects 10 or 11, further comprising a third plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a third number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins; a third barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; and a third cavity defined at least by the first barrier, the third barrier, a third portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the third plurality of fins, wherein the third cavity is in fluid communication with the third number of microchannels, and wherein the third plurality of fins includes a subplurality of the second plurality of fins.

A thirteenth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins includes a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins at least partially defines a first boundary of the third cavity, and wherein the second end of each fin of the subplurality of the second plurality of fins at least partially defines the first boundary of the second cavity.

A fourteenth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, further comprising a fourth plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a fourth number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the fourth plurality of fins; a fourth barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; and a fourth cavity defined at least by the second barrier, the fourth barrier, a fourth portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the fourth plurality of fins, wherein the fourth cavity is in fluid communication with the fourth number of microchannels, and wherein the fourth plurality of fins includes a subplurality of the third plurality of fins.

A fifteenth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein each fin of the first and second plurality of fins extends around less than an entire perimeter of at least a portion of the outer surface of the main body.

A sixteenth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein each fin of the first and second plurality of fins extends along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the main body.

A seventeenth aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, further comprising an outer sleeve disposed circumferentially around the main body between the first end portion and the second end portion, wherein each fin of the first and second plurality of fins and each barrier of the first and second barriers sealingly engages an inner surface of the outer sleeve.

An eighteenth aspect relates to a cooling system, comprising: a main body extending between a first end portion and a second end portion; a first plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a first number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins; a first barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a first cavity defined at least by the first end portion of the main body, a first portion of the outer surface of the main body, the first plurality of fins, and the first barrier, wherein the first cavity is in fluid communication with the first number of microchannels; a second plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a second number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins; a second barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; a second cavity defined at least by the second plurality of fins, a second portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the second barrier, wherein the second cavity is in fluid communication with the second number of microchannels; a third plurality of fins extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body, defining a third number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins; a third barrier extending outwardly from the outer surface of the main body; and a third cavity defined at least by the first barrier, the third barrier, a third portion of the outer surface of the main body, and the third plurality of fins, wherein the third cavity is in fluid communication with the third number of microchannels.

A nineteenth aspect relates to a cooling system of a nugget-ice-making device, the cooling system comprising: a tubular outer body extending between a first outer body end portion and a second outer body end portion; a tubular inner body extending longitudinally between a first inner body end portion and a second inner body end portion, wherein the tubular inner body has a same perimetric shape as the tubular outer body but is perimetrically smaller than—and shares a common longitudinal axis with—the tubular outer body, such that a volumetric space is defined between an outward-facing surface of the tubular inner body and an inward-facing surface of the tubular outer body; a first plurality of fins attached—and forming a first plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface of the tubular inner body and the inward-facing surface of the tubular outer body, which barriers define a first number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the first plurality of fins, wherein a first end of each fin of the first plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary of—a first cavity; an inlet port disposed nearer to the first outer body end portion of the tubular outer body than to the second outer body end portion, and providing a path of fluid communication with the first cavity; a second plurality of fins attached—and forming a second plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface of the tubular inner body and the inward-facing surface of the tubular outer body, which second plurality of fins defines a second number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the second plurality of fins, wherein a first end of a first subplurality of the second plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines the first boundary of—the first cavity, while a second end of a second subplurality of the second plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary of—a second cavity, and wherein a first barrier disposed next to the first plurality of fins defines a second boundary of the first cavity; and a third plurality of fins attached—and forming a third plurality of fluid-communication barriers—between the outward-facing surface of the tubular inner body and the inward-facing surface of the tubular outer body, which third plurality of barriers defines a third number of microchannels between adjacent fins of the third plurality of fins, wherein a second end of a first subplurality of the third plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary of—the second cavity, while a first end of a second subplurality of the third plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a first boundary of—a third cavity, and wherein a second barrier disposed next to the second plurality of fins defines a second boundary of the second cavity, and wherein the first cavity is in direct fluid communication with the second cavity via the first number of microchannels, and is in indirect fluid communication with the third cavity further via the second number of microchannels.

A twentieth aspect relates to the cooling system of aspect 19, wherein each fin of the first, second, and third plurality of fins extends around less than an entire perimeter of the volumetric space.

A twenty-first aspect relates to the cooling system of any one of aspects 19 or 20, wherein each fin of the first, second, and third plurality of fins extends along a direction parallel to a longitudinal axis of the tubular inner body.

A twenty-second aspect relates to the cooling system of any preceding aspect, wherein the first end of each fin of the first plurality of fins is disposed at—and partially defines a longitudinal boundary of—the first cavity.

Those of skill in the art will appreciate that embodiments not expressly illustrated herein may be practiced within the scope of the claims, including that features described herein for different embodiments may be combined with each other and/or with currently-known or future-developed technologies while remaining within the scope of the claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation unless specifically defined by context, usage, or other explicit designation. It is therefore intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting. And, it should be understood that the following claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the spirit and scope of this invention. Furthermore, the advantages described above are not necessarily the only advantages of the invention, and it is not necessarily expected that all of the described advantages will be achieved with every embodiment. In the event of any inconsistent disclosure or definition from the present application conflicting with any document incorporated by reference, the disclosure or definition herein shall be deemed to prevail.