Centrifuge Air Guide Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laboratory centrifuges face inefficiencies in temperature control, particularly with passive systems, which are not very effective and require additional cooling devices to prevent heat radiation onto samples, and existing solutions do not adequately address the need for both cooling and warming while ensuring safety and compactness.
Innovation Solution
The centrifuge design incorporates air guiding means that suck in supply air from the bottom or side walls of the centrifuge housing, directing it directly into the centrifuge container without contacting heat-emitting elements, and exhaust air is guided past the motor and electronic components, enhancing cooling performance and allowing for both cooling and warming of the rotor and samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive temperature control systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control efficacy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide means divide the air flow paths into separate intake and exhaust channels, creating distinct zones for cold air supply and warm air exhaust. This segmentation prevents mixing of air streams and ensures efficient temperature control without requiring complex active cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide means utilize the vertical dimension by directing intake air from the lower region and exhaust air from the upper region, creating a natural convection current that enhances cooling efficiency without additional energy input.
2Ease of manufacture
If air is drawn from the upper region, then air intake is simple, but heat radiation from centrifuge components increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of drawing air from the conventional upper region, the invention inverts the approach by introducing air from the lower region, where the air is cooler and has not been heated by the centrifuge components, thereby reducing heat radiation to the samples.
Solution Approach 2:
The air guide means act as an intermediary structure that channels cool air from the lower region directly to the centrifuge container, preventing direct contact between the air and heat-emitting components while maintaining effective cooling.
3Reliability
If additional cooling equipment is added, then temperature control efficacy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the centrifuge rotor's own rotation to create the air flow that cools the components, eliminating the need for separate fans or active cooling mechanisms. The rotational motion itself serves the dual purpose of centrifugation and cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by creating natural air convection currents through strategic air guide openings, allowing air to flow automatically from the cooler lower region to the warmer upper region without mechanical assistance.
4Reliability
If air guides are positioned to draw air from lower region, then cooling performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air guide means serve multiple functions simultaneously: they direct intake air from the lower region, channel exhaust air from the upper region, and create natural convection currents, all within a single integrated structure that adds minimal complexity.
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 design improves temperature control efficacy by minimizing heat transfer from the centrifuge components to the samples, achieving efficient cooling and warming while maintaining a compact and safe design, even with a safety container, and reduces noise through soundproofing foam elements.
Implementation Method 1
Centrifuges, especially laboratory centrifuges, are used to separate the components of samples centrifuged within them by utilizing inertia
Implementation Method 2
Passive systems rely on exhaust air-assisted cooling or ventilation. This air is directed past the centrifuge rotor and thus also past the sample containers within it, thereby temperature control
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a centrifuge (10) with temperature control and a method for centrifuge temperature control. The centrifuge, which is designed in particular as a laboratory centrifuge (10), has a centrifuge container (30) in which a centrifuge rotor (28) can be accommodated, a centrifuge motor (26) for driving the centrifuge rotor (28), a housing (12) with a base (20) and side walls (16, 17, 18) in which the centrifuge container (30), the centrifuge rotor (28) and the centrifuge motor (26) are accommodated in the housing (12), and a temperature control device for temperature control of the centrifuge rotor (28), wherein the temperature control device has air guides (38) adapted to draw air (160) into the centrifuge container (30) in a lower area (151).This temperature control of the centrifuge (10) operates more effectively than before, while simultaneously cooling heat-generating centrifuge components (26, 34, 36), such as the centrifuge motor (26) and electronic components (34, 36). Furthermore, this temperature control also functions when a safety container (32) is arranged around the centrifuge vessel (30).