Cell Thawing Machine With Non-Contact Uniform Heating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell thawing machines face issues with non-uniform heating of containers, potential cracking or deformation due to direct contact with high-temperature heating blocks, and difficulty in measuring the operating temperature of the heating blocks during qualification evaluation.
Innovation Solution
A cell thawing machine with a heating block configuration that includes a first and second heating block forming a heating space, surrounded by heat insulating blocks, and a driving mechanism for linear movement, along with a sensing mechanism for non-contact heating and temperature measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heating block directly contacts the container to transfer heat, then heating efficiency is improved, but the container may be cracked or deformed by high temperature
Solution Approach 1:
A heating block with a heating surface that does not directly contact the container is used instead. The heating block is positioned to radiate heat onto the container surface, serving as an intermediary heat transfer mechanism that avoids direct thermal contact and prevents container damage while maintaining heating efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
Direct contact heat transfer is replaced with radiant heat transfer. The heating block generates thermal radiation that heats the container without mechanical contact, substituting the mechanical heat transfer system with a thermal radiation-based system that eliminates the harmful direct contact
2Device complexity
If a simple indicator such as LED is used to display heating block operation, then device complexity is reduced, but the operating temperature cannot be easily measured during qualification evaluation
Solution Approach 1:
The heating block itself serves as the temperature sensor by incorporating a temperature sensing element that directly measures its own operating temperature. This self-measuring capability eliminates the need for separate complex measurement systems while providing accurate temperature data for qualification evaluation
Solution Approach 2:
The heating block is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the heating element and the temperature sensor. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by eliminating separate indicator and measurement components while enabling accurate temperature monitoring during operation and evaluation
3Device complexity
If a single heating block is used, then device complexity is reduced, but uniform heating of the container is difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The heating block is divided into multiple independent heating sections that can be positioned around the container. Each section acts as an independent heating unit, allowing heat to be applied uniformly from multiple directions and achieving even temperature distribution across the container surface
Solution Approach 2:
The heating approach transitions from a single-point or single-surface heating to multi-dimensional heating by positioning heating blocks at different locations and orientations around the container. This spatial arrangement enables heat to be applied from multiple dimensions, achieving uniform heating throughout the container
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
Ensures uniform heating of containers without deformation, improves energy efficiency by allowing multiple containers to be thawed sequentially, and facilitates easy qualification evaluation by exposing sensor insertion holes.
Implementation Method 1
a heater which is installed in the heating block to provide heat to the heating block
Implementation Method 2
a heat insulating block which is coupled to the heating block to surround the heater
Implementation Method 3
the container disposed in the heating space is heated by heat transferred from the first heating block and the second heating block in a non-contact manner
Implementation Method 4
the container disposed in the heating space is heated by heat transferred from the first heating block and the second heating block in a non-contact manner
Data Source
AI summary
A cell thawing machine is provided. The cell thawing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises: a thawing unit including a heating block, a heater, an insulation block, and a support, the heating block including a first heating block and a second heating block which form a heating space for heating a container in which a predetermined amount of biological material including cells is stored, the heater being installed in the heating block to provide heat to the heating block, the insulation block being coupled to the heating block to surround the heater, and the supporter being disposed in the heating space to support the lower portion of the container; a driving unit for providing a driving force for linearly moving the first heating block and the second heating block in left and right directions; a sensing unit including a sensor for detecting the state of the container disposed in the heating space, and a mounting member on which the sensor is mounted and which moves in forward and backward directions in connection with the operation of the driving unit; and a control unit for controlling the operations of the thawing unit, the driving unit, and the sensing unit.