Cooling device and corresponding method
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cooling devices for containers, such as vials, face challenges in preventing condensation formation, which can lead to contamination and distorted analysis results, especially when lids are required to cover the cooling zones, making them difficult to handle and access.
Innovation Solution
A device with a trough-shaped cooling zone and a channel that directs cooled and dried air above the cooling zone floor, preventing condensation by ensuring the air enters closer to the container lids and maintaining a stable cold environment without the need for a lid, allowing easy access and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If lids are used to cover the cooling zones to prevent condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in accessing containers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the lid from the cooling zone design, eliminating the need for a covering structure. Instead of preventing condensation through physical isolation with a lid, the system uses controlled air flow and temperature management to maintain a condensation-free environment while keeping the cooling zone permanently open for easy container access.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces cooled and dried air as an intermediary substance that actively prevents condensation formation. This air flow acts as a protective medium that displaces warm, moist air from the cooling zone, thereby preventing condensation on container lids without requiring physical barriers.
2Reliability
If nitrogen is used to flush the cooling zones to reduce condensation, then condensation prevention is improved, but cost increases due to large volume flows
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the parameters of the air used for condensation prevention by cooling and drying it before introducing it into the cooling zone. This pre-treated air has lower temperature and humidity content, allowing it to prevent condensation more effectively with smaller volume flows compared to unconditioned nitrogen or air.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses ordinary air instead of expensive nitrogen gas, treating it through cooling and drying processes. This disposable air is continuously supplied in controlled amounts to prevent condensation, providing a cost-effective alternative to nitrogen flushing while achieving the same protective function.
3Temperature
If cooling air is supplied close to the cooling zone floor, then cooling efficiency is improved, but condensation forms on container lids
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the spatial dimension of air supply from the vertical (floor level) to the horizontal (side wall distribution). By introducing cooled air through channels in the side wall rather than from the floor, the system achieves both efficient cooling and prevention of condensation on container lids through improved air flow distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies different air flow characteristics to different regions of the cooling zone. Cooled and dried air is specifically directed toward areas where condensation is most likely to form (near container lids), while maintaining overall cooling efficiency through distributed side wall channels rather than uniform floor supply.
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
Effectively reduces or prevents condensation on container lids, ensuring accurate analysis results and simplifying the handling of containers by maintaining a stable cold environment without the need for a lid, thus enhancing usability and reducing operational complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling device for cooling air
Implementation Method 2
a channel for conducting the cooled air from the cooling device into the cooling zone
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (1) for cooling containers, in particular vials, comprises at least a first cooling zone (200) for receiving containers, with a cooling zone floor and a cooling zone wall (201), as well as a cooling device (300) for cooling air, and a first channel (113) for directing the cooled air from the cooling device (300) into the cooling zone (200), wherein an opening of the first channel (113) is spaced apart from the cooling zone floor.