Dry Thawing Assembly With Agitation for Uniform Biological Warming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for thawing biological substances, such as plasma and blood, often result in inconsistent temperature control, leading to risks of hypothermia or protein denaturation due to underheating or overheating.
Innovation Solution
A dry thawing device with multiple heating assemblies and an agitation mechanism that dynamically controls heat based on temperature measurements, ensuring consistent thawing without the use of intermediate fluids like water baths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional thawing methods (water baths, microwave) are used, then thawing speed can be increased, but temperature control precision deteriorates leading to underheating or overheating
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the biological substance temperature and feed this information back to the controller, which adjusts heating assembly operation accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism prevents both underheating and overheating while maintaining optimal thawing speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating assemblies are designed to be dynamically adjustable in terms of heating intensity and duration. The controller can vary the operational parameters of heating assemblies based on real-time temperature feedback, enabling adaptive temperature control that maintains precision throughout the thawing process.
2Productivity
If heating is applied to thaw biological substances, then thawing efficiency is improved, but risk of protein denaturation increases due to overheating
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors continuously monitor the biological substance temperature during heating, providing real-time feedback to the controller. When the temperature approaches the denaturation threshold, the system automatically reduces or stops heating, preventing protein denaturation while maintaining efficient thawing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system establishes a safety margin by setting operational temperature limits below the protein denaturation threshold. The controller proactively adjusts heating parameters to maintain temperature within a safe operating window, cushioning against the risk of overheating before it can cause damage.
3Productivity
If uniform heating is applied to ensure complete thawing, then thawing completeness is improved, but temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates causing hot spots
Solution Approach 1:
The heating system is divided into multiple independent heating assemblies that can be individually controlled. Each heating assembly serves a specific zone of the biological substance, allowing localized temperature management. This segmentation enables complete thawing while preventing hot spots through distributed, zone-specific heating control.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the biological substance receive differentiated heating based on their local temperature requirements. The controller adjusts each heating assembly's output according to local temperature sensor feedback, ensuring uniform overall temperature distribution while maintaining thawing completeness.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple heating assemblies are used to improve temperature control, then temperature precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The heating assemblies are designed with universal functionality, where each assembly can serve multiple purposes: providing localized heating, acting as a temperature reference point, and contributing to overall temperature distribution. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, managing device complexity while maintaining precision.
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 device provides precise temperature control and agitation, reducing the risk of patient harm by ensuring biological substances are thawed uniformly and safely.
Implementation Method 1
a first heating assembly configured to be in thermal communication with an enclosed biological substance that is received within the chamber frame
Implementation Method 2
an agitation device mounted within the chamber frame and configured to cause the first heating assembly to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the chamber frame such that the first heating assembly can agitate an enclosed biological substance
Data Source
AI summary
Dry thawing systems and devices for thawing biological substances are provided herein. Methods for thawing biological substances are also provided.