Apparatuses, systems, and methods for storing and transporting a temperature sensitive material
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies for transporting apheresis materials are inadequate due to high failure rates, inability to maintain precise temperature ranges, and lack of user-friendly operation and monitoring features, leading to logistical challenges and potential damage to samples.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a shipping container with a storage container that uses phase change material, thermoelectric coolers, and a heat exchanger to maintain temperature control, along with a control system and environmental monitoring system for real-time tracking and condition management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If evaporative on-demand cooling shippers are used, then temperature control is provided, but failure rates are high and temperature range maintenance is unreliable
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling system is segmented into multiple independent components: phase change material modules, thermoelectric cooler modules, and heat exchanger modules. Each module operates independently to maintain temperature, so if one module fails, others continue to function, reducing overall system failure rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses composite cooling technology combining phase change materials (for passive thermal regulation) with thermoelectric coolers (for active temperature control). This composite approach leverages the strengths of both materials to achieve reliable temperature maintenance across varying conditions.
2Reliability
If vacuum insulated shippers with phase change material or ice are used, then failure rates are lower, but pre-conditioning requirements increase complexity and reduce on-demand availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically performs pre-conditioning operations through its control system that monitors temperature and activates cooling modules as needed. The microprocessor-controlled system self-regulates the pre-cooling phase without requiring manual intervention or specialized knowledge from operators.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual pre-conditioning operations are replaced with an automated electronic control system featuring a microprocessor that monitors temperature sensors and controls cooling module activation. This substitution eliminates the need for staff to understand complex pre-conditioning procedures.
3Temperature
If existing vacuum insulated shippers are used, then cooling performance is provided, but location tracking and real-time monitoring features are lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The shipping container integrates multiple functions into a single system: thermal insulation, active cooling, temperature monitoring, GPS location tracking, and wireless data communication. This multi-functional design ensures cooling performance while simultaneously providing real-time location and condition information.
4Ease of manufacture
If currently available storage and shipping systems are used, then basic storage is provided, but operational complexity requires expert understanding and increases logistical errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-diagnosis and self-regulation through integrated sensors and a microprocessor control system that automatically adjusts cooling operations. This eliminates the need for operators to understand complex pre-conditioning procedures or system mechanics.
Solution Approach 2:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the internal environment and provide feedback to the control system, which automatically adjusts cooling module operation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism simplifies operation by eliminating manual monitoring and adjustment requirements.
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 ensures reliable and efficient transportation of apheresis materials by maintaining precise temperature control, reducing failure rates, and enabling real-time monitoring and tracking, thus ensuring sample viability and reducing logistical errors.
Implementation Method 1
the insert comprises phase change material
Implementation Method 2
thermoelectric coolers
Implementation Method 3
heat exchanger to maintain temperature control
Implementation Method 4
the housing includes an exterior wall joined to an interior wall forming a vacuum therebetween
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes storing and transporting technologies for temperature sensitive materials. More specifically, storage and transport of apheresis material. The described technologies include environmental monitoring systems, location tracking systems, an environmental control system, and customized systems and interfaces allowing for non-expert use. The storing and transporting technologies described herein may be ideally suited for the unique requirements of apheresis material.