Method and system for maintaining temperature-sensitive materials within a desired temperature range for a period of time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining temperature-sensitive materials within a desired temperature range, such as +2° C. to +8° C., are inadequate for extended periods, especially when exposed to warm ambient temperatures, as preconditioned phase-change materials tend to warm up, and require multiple preconditioning units increasing operational costs and space.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an insulated container with two types of phase-change materials, one preconditioned below the target temperature and the other at room temperature or above, allowing heat exchange to maintain the desired temperature range without prior preconditioning of the second material, reducing operational costs and space requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple preconditioning units are used to maintain temperature-sensitive materials, then the desired temperature range can be maintained, but operational costs and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple phase-change materials with different phase-change temperatures into a single insulated container system. The first PCM (e.g., ice with 0°C phase change) and second PCM (e.g., organic PCM with 10-15°C phase change) work together to maintain the desired temperature range, eliminating the need for multiple separate preconditioning units while extending temperature maintenance duration
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite approach by integrating two different phase-change materials with complementary properties. The first PCM handles lower temperature maintenance while the second PCM handles higher temperature maintenance, creating a multi-layered thermal protection system that extends the overall temperature maintenance period without requiring multiple independent units
2Temperature
If preconditioned phase-change materials are used to maintain temperature, then temperature control is achieved, but the materials warm up over time extending the required duration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous temperature maintenance by orchestrating sequential phase-change events. As the first PCM completes its phase change and begins warming, the second PCM (preconditioned at a higher temperature) begins its phase change, creating an overlapping and continuous thermal protection period that extends the overall duration of temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The system exploits phase transitions of two different materials at different temperatures. The first PCM transitions at a lower temperature (e.g., 0°C for ice) and the second PCM transitions at a higher temperature (e.g., 10-15°C for organic PCM), creating a staged thermal response that extends the total duration of temperature maintenance as each material sequentially absorbs heat during its phase change
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 approach effectively extends the duration of thermal protection for temperature-sensitive materials by minimizing heat loss and maintaining the desired temperature range without the need for multiple preconditioning units, enhancing operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
loading the first phase-change material and the second phase-change material into the insulated container so as to permit heat exchange to occur between the first and second phase-change materials with minimal heat loss
Implementation Method 2
the masses of the first and second phase-change materials are selected so that, at thermal equilibrium between the first and second phase-change materials, the first and second phase-change materials are within the target temperature range
Implementation Method 3
a first phase-change material, the first phase-change material having a mass and being thermally preconditioned to a first temperature, the first temperature being below the target temperature range; a second phase-change material, the second phase-change material having a mass and being at a second temperature, the second temperature being above the target temperature range
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for maintaining temperature-sensitive materials within a target temperature range for an extended time. In one embodiment, the system keeps materials within a temperature range of +2° C. to +8° C. and includes an insulated container, a product box, ice packs, and organic phase-change material (PCM) packs. The ice packs are preconditioned to a very low temperature, such as −20° C. The organic PCM packs do not require preconditioning and may be kept at room temperature. In use, the frozen ice packs and the warm organic PCM packs may be loaded into the insulated container, together with a payload in the product box. Preferably, the frozen ice packs are sandwiched between a pair of organic PCM packs on each face of the product box. The masses of ice and organic PCM are selected so that, upon thermal equilibration, the ice and organic PCM are within the target temperature range.