Apparatus and method for transporting temperature sensitive materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a self-contained, compact, and portable cooling system that can maintain controlled temperatures for transporting temperature-sensitive materials, particularly vaccines, in remote areas without consistent electrical power, and also predict battery life based on external factors during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A portable refrigeration unit system that includes a thermoelectric module, insulation, a heat exchanger, and a microprocessor to maintain a controlled temperature range, coupled with a battery management system that adjusts settings based on ambient temperature and battery charge, allowing for continuous operation and extended battery life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive insulated containers with ice blocks are used, then portability is improved, but temperature control reliability deteriorates due to external factors like weather and delivery delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical ice block system with an active thermoelectric cooling system that uses electrical power to actively regulate temperature, eliminating dependence on external freezing infrastructure and passive ice melt dynamics
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates onboard power sources (solar panels, batteries) that enable the cooling device to sustain itself independently during transport, automatically adjusting cooling output based on internal temperature sensors without external intervention
2Reliability
If active cooling systems are used, then temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermoelectric module serves multiple functions: it provides active cooling when power is available, and its presence allows for hybrid operation with passive insulation when power is limited, making the system adaptable to various operational scenarios without requiring separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines active thermoelectric cooling components with passive insulation layers and onboard power sources into a single integrated portable unit, reducing overall system complexity compared to separate active and passive systems
3Stability of the object's composition
If continuous cooling operation is maintained, then temperature stability is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature sensors positioned near the storage chamber to continuously monitor internal temperature and provides feedback to the thermoelectric module controller, which adjusts cooling output in real-time to maintain temperature within the 2°C to 8°C range while minimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The cooling system operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously, with the thermoelectric module activating when temperature approaches the upper threshold and deactivating when the threshold is reached, allowing thermal equilibrium to be maintained with intermittent cooling
4Measurement precision
If monitoring systems are added, then temperature measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The microprocessor acts as an intermediary that receives data from multiple temperature sensors, processes the information, and controls the cooling output accordingly, integrating the monitoring and control functions into a single intelligent unit rather than separate complex systems
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively maintains temperatures within a safe range for vaccines during transport, ensuring their efficacy and extending battery life by dynamically adjusting power usage based on environmental conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The thermoelectric module can be configured for conduction of a heat away from the cold chamber
Implementation Method 2
The heat exchanger and the heat conducting plate can be connected via heat pipes configured to conduct the heat away from the heat conducting plate to the heat exchanger
Implementation Method 3
The heat exchanger can comprise fins to cool the refrigeration unit system
Implementation Method 4
The system can further comprise an insulation surrounding the cold chamber and arrayed so as to create a sealed and insulated environment
Data Source
AI summary
A refrigeration unit system is disclosed. The system can comprise a system housing having a front panel, a back panel, two side panels, a bottom panel, a bezel having an air exhaust. The system can further comprise a plurality of air intake slots and a carrying handle above the air exhaust. The system can further comprise an assembly having a cold chamber central to the assembly. The assembly can comprise a thermoelectric module affixed to the chamber in direct contact. The thermoelectric module can be configured for conduction of a heat away from the cold chamber. The cold chamber can comprise a shelf removable from the cold chamber.