Cage system comprising a climate control unit having a low flow vaporizer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional climate control systems for experimental animal cages face challenges in maintaining precise humidity control, especially in small volumes, due to the need for large space and inflexibility, which can lead to high costs and safety concerns when trying to regulate steam levels or rearrange equipment.
Innovation Solution
A vaporizer system with a surface tension breaking device, such as stainless steel wool or a porous material, is used to generate a controllable and uniform flow of vapor at ambient pressure, preventing droplet formation and allowing precise control of humidity levels, even in small amounts, by supplying liquid directly into a vaporization chamber without significant droplet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If traditional humidifiers based on piezo-transducers or ultrasound transducers are used to generate steam, then humidity control is achieved, but relatively large space is needed and the systems take up significant volume
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a porous wick material that capillarily transports liquid from the reservoir to the heating element. This porous structure enables efficient liquid distribution and evaporation without requiring large mechanical components, thus achieving compact steam generation while maintaining effective humidity control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces mechanical steam generation systems (piezo-transducers, ultrasound transducers) with a thermal evaporation system using capillary action in porous materials. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components and significantly reduces system volume while maintaining steam generation capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional climate control systems are used for entire buildings or rooms, then climate parameters are controlled, but the systems are inflexible and require significant constructional reorganization for different experiments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the climate control system into modular components: a compact vaporizer unit, a controllable pump, and integration with cage ventilation systems. This segmentation allows the system to be easily reconfigured for different experimental setups without requiring building construction changes, enabling flexible adaptation to various climate control needs
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates a controllable pump that dynamically adjusts liquid supply to the vaporizer based on humidity sensor feedback. This dynamic control mechanism allows rapid adaptation to different climate requirements and experimental conditions without physical reconfiguration of the system
3Manufacturing precision
If surface tension breaking devices with large surface area are used to prevent droplet formation, then vapor flow uniformity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a porous wick material as the surface tension breaking device. The porous structure naturally breaks surface tension through capillary action, creating uniform liquid distribution without requiring complex mechanical components. This achieves vapor flow uniformity while keeping the device simple and reliable
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
This solution enables stable and precise control of humidity levels, reducing costs and increasing flexibility in experimental setups by allowing for smaller, more mobile systems that can maintain desired climate conditions independently of surrounding environments.
Implementation Method 1
a surface tension breaking device having an open structure is provided at an end of the liquid supply tube which end is abutting or protruding into the vaporization chamber so that the liquid passes through the surface tension breaking device when flowing from the liquid supply tube and into the vaporization chamber
Implementation Method 2
a heating element for raising the temperature of the vaporization chamber
Implementation Method 3
a heating element for raising the temperature of the vaporization chamber
Implementation Method 4
a controllable pump adapted to supply a controlled amount of liquid from the liquid supply through the liquid supply tube
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cage system (15) for housing experimental animals which are to experience an environment different from that of a surrounding space (19). The cage system (15) comprises a climate control unit having a vaporizer (1) for generation of water into vapour. The vaporizer (1) comprises a vaporization chamber (4), and water is fed to the vaporization chamber (4) via a liquid supply tube (3). A surface tension breaking device (8) having an open structure is provided at the end (9) of the liquid supply tube (3) so that the water passes therethrough when flowing from the liquid supply tube (3) and into the vaporization chamber (4). Hereby water can be supplied to the vaporization chamber (4) without any significant formation of droplets in the vaporization chamber (4). The vaporizer (1) is used to supply a controllable and uniform flow of vapour to the cages (16) so that a desired humidity can be maintained.