Devices, systems and methods for controlling conditions and delivery of substances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug delivery and storage devices are large, require regular power supply, and lack efficient control over environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, and pressure, which can degrade drugs and make them harmful if exposed to extreme conditions, especially during emergencies or long-term storage.
Innovation Solution
A handheld, portable environmental control sleeve (ECS) that uses a combination of thermal insulation, a power source, and an environmental control mechanism (ECM) to maintain specific environmental conditions within a predetermined range for drugs, including temperature control using thermoelectric elements, and can switch between storage and use states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mini-refrigerators or cooling packs are used to maintain drugs under controlled temperature conditions, then drug stability is improved, but device size and weight increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the drug storage system into two separate components: a lightweight insulated container for portability and a larger stationary refrigeration unit for long-term storage. The insulated container can be easily carried and provides passive thermal protection, while the stationary unit maintains controlled temperatures when available. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing the drug to be protected from temperature extremes during transport without requiring the entire system to be heavy and powered.
2Reliability
If mini-refrigerators are used to control environmental conditions, then drug potency is maintained, but power supply requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic refrigeration cycles in the stationary unit rather than continuous operation. The insulated container maintains drug stability passively between refrigeration cycles, requiring minimal or no power during transport. This periodic approach allows the drug potency to be maintained through alternating phases of active cooling and passive insulation, significantly reducing overall power consumption compared to continuous refrigeration.
3Reliability
If large batteries are used to power cooling devices during emergencies, then environmental control is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulated container is designed to provide self-service thermal protection without requiring active power sources during emergencies. The insulation materials and passive cooling design enable the container to maintain appropriate environmental conditions for drugs during transport and emergency situations without complex battery systems or electronic controls. This self-service approach resolves the contradiction by providing reliable environmental control through simple, passive means rather than complex active systems.
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
Enables long-term storage and short-term use of drugs with minimal power consumption, maintaining potency and safety by controlling environmental conditions within a small volume, suitable for emergency situations and extended storage periods.
Implementation Method 1
temperature control using thermoelectric elements
Implementation Method 2
thermal insulation
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices, systems, and methods for controlling environmental conditions for a volume of material. In some embodiments, a handheld, portable environmental control sleeve (ECS) is disclosed which is configured for controlling at least one environmental condition of a drug contained within a drug delivery or storage device (DDSD). The ECS includes an environmental control mechanism (ECM), thermal insulation material, at least one of a power source, a processor, at least one electrical contact, at least one indicator, at least one switch, at least one environmental condition sensor, a wireless transceiver, a phase change material and at least one heat dissipater. Upon the ECS receiving at least a portion of the DDSD, the at least one environmental condition of a drug contained within the DDSD is controlled by the ECM to be within a predetermined range.