Flexible-Wall Container Baffles for Uniform Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container arrangements with flexible walls face challenges in achieving uniform and rapid temperature regulation, particularly when using baffles, as they either hinder mixing or fail to regulate temperature effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature-regulating system within the baffles that increases surface area and enhances heat transfer by creating small eddies, allowing for both heating and cooling of the liquid medium, with a configuration of parallel tubes or Peltier elements that can maintain a preset temperature and prevent overheating.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If baffles are added to the supporting container to assist mixing, then mixing performance is improved, but temperature regulation uniformity and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mixing function (baffles) and temperature regulation function into a single integrated structure. The baffles are equipped with temperature-regulating systems that include channels for circulating temperature-regulating liquid, allowing both mixing and temperature control to occur simultaneously in the same component rather than as separate systems
Solution Approach 2:
The baffle structure serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical mixing through its shape and positioning, while simultaneously serving as a heat exchange surface through the integrated temperature-regulating channels. This multi-functional design eliminates the trade-off between mixing performance and temperature regulation
2Temperature
If a heat exchanger supporting container is used for temperature regulation, then temperature control capability is improved, but mixing performance deteriorates without baffles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the heat exchanger function and mixing function into the same baffle structure. The temperature-regulating channels are integrated within the baffle itself, so the component that provides thermal control also provides mechanical disruption for mixing, eliminating the need to choose between the two functions
3Productivity
If pulsating baffle approach is used to assist mixing, then mixing thoroughness is improved, but temperature regulation uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the pulsating mechanism directly into the temperature-regulating system of the baffle. The pulsating motion is generated by the circulation of temperature-regulating liquid through the channels, so the same system that provides thermal control also provides the pulsating mixing action, ensuring both functions work in harmony rather than conflict
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 solution enables precise and consistent temperature regulation, facilitating rapid mixing and maintaining optimal conditions for the liquid medium, such as delaying metabolic processes through rapid cooling.
Implementation Method 1
The arrangement of the temperature-regulating system in the baffle firstly increases the surface area and secondly improves the transfer of heat
Implementation Method 2
improves the transfer of heat by producing small eddies in a region of the flexible container which surrounds the baffle
Implementation Method 3
a temperature-regulating liquid having a predefinable temperature can be conducted through which a temperature-regulating liquid having a predefinable temperature can be conducted
Data Source
AI summary
A container arrangement has a container with a flexible wall. The container may be a disposable container and is insertable into a supporting container so that an inner supporting surface of the supporting container surrounds and supports a lateral wall of the container. At least one baffle that has a temperature-regulating system is disposed in proximity to the lateral wall of the container and/or the supporting surface of the supporting container.