Conformal Thermal Pillows for Sterile Sample Thawing Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for thawing and warming biological samples, such as cells and tissues, face challenges including sterility, consistency, controllability, and compatibility with various container formats, particularly in research and consumer applications.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an insulated chamber with thermal devices and compliant, fluid-filled pillows that conform to the sample containers, allowing for controlled and rapid heating or cooling of samples, compatible with multiple container formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If warm water baths are used to thaw samples, then rapid and effective thawing is achieved, but sterility, consistency, controllability, and cleanliness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sterile thermal transfer medium (heating blanket or heating block) as an intermediary between the heat source and the sample container. This mediator maintains sterility while efficiently transferring thermal energy to thaw the sample, resolving the contradiction between rapid thawing and sterility maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical water bath system with a controlled thermal system using heating blankets or blocks. This substitution provides better controllability and consistency through programmable temperature and time parameters, while maintaining rapid thawing capability.
2Reliability
If dry thawing systems are used, then sterility is maintained, but compatibility with various container formats and thermal profile control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal heating system that can accommodate multiple container formats (vials, syringes, bags, plates) through interchangeable heating blankets or adjustable heating blocks. This multi-functional design maintains sterility while providing broad container compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamic heating blankets that can be adjusted or reconfigured to match different container shapes and sizes. This dynamic adaptability allows the sterile dry heating system to effectively treat various container formats while maintaining sterility.
3Device complexity
If conventional heating methods are used, then simplicity is maintained, but controllability and reproducibility of thermal profiles are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements pre-programmed heating protocols and preset temperature profiles that are established before the thawing process begins. This preliminary configuration ensures reproducible thermal profiles while keeping the operational interface simple and user-friendly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors and control systems that continuously monitor and adjust heating parameters to maintain precise thermal profiles. This feedback mechanism ensures reproducible results while automatically managing the complexity of temperature control.
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 provides a clean, controlled, and reproducible method for thawing or warming samples, achieving thawing rates comparable to water baths while ensuring sterility and compatibility with diverse container formats, enhancing sample quality and usability.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid-filled pillow is also in physical contact with, and substantially conforms to, the outer surface of a container containing a sample
Implementation Method 2
Upon reaching the desired temperature, at least one compliant, fluid filled pillow substantially conforms to a container containing the sample
Implementation Method 3
an insulated chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A system for heating or cooling a sample is disclosed, which includes an insulated chamber; at least one of a heater or a cooling pad disposed within the chamber; and at least one compliant, fluid filled pillow. The at least one compliant, fluid-filled pillow is disposed in the chamber and adjacent to the at least one thermal device while being heated or cooled to a desired temperature by the heater or the cooling pad, and upon reaching the desired temperature, the at least one compliant, fluid filled pillow substantially conforms to a container containing the sample.