Fast Freezer Uniformity Plate Temperature Sensing for Bag Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fast freezers for fluids in bags, which use a 'contact' system with uniformity plates, require manual placement of a sample bag with a temperature sensor to verify the freezing process, reducing loading capacity and increasing operational complexity.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a temperature sensor into at least one uniformity plate to indirectly monitor the temperature of the bags, allowing for easy verification of the storage temperature reached by the bags without the need for a sample bag, ensuring correct freezing within a predetermined time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a sample bag with temperature sensor is used to monitor bag temperature, then temperature verification is enabled, but loading capacity is reduced and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is extracted from the bag and integrated into the uniformity plate structure. This allows temperature monitoring without requiring a separate sample bag, thereby maintaining full loading capacity while enabling continuous temperature verification of all bags simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The uniformity plate serves dual functions: maintaining temperature uniformity across bags and providing temperature monitoring through the integrated sensor. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate monitoring devices and reduces operational complexity.
2Measurement precision
If a sample bag with temperature sensor is used to monitor bag temperature, then temperature verification is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The uniformity plate automatically provides temperature monitoring through its integrated sensor, eliminating the need for manual sample bag placement and sensor connection. The system self-monitors temperature throughout the freezing process without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature monitoring function is merged with the uniformity plate structure. This integration simplifies the overall system by combining two previously separate functions (temperature uniformity and temperature monitoring) into a single device, reducing operational complexity.
3Measurement precision
If connections between sensor and control system are provided, then temperature detection is enabled, but space is occupied and bag introduction/extraction is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is extracted from the bag and embedded in the uniformity plate, eliminating the need for sensor connections that would interfere with bag handling. The integrated sensor provides continuous monitoring without occupying space or hindering operational access.
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 reliable and efficient verification of the freezing process without reducing the freezer's loading capacity or requiring user intervention, ensuring bags reach the desired storage temperature within the specified time, such as -30°C within one hour for plasma bags.
Implementation Method 1
Subsequently, however, it is the bags which, by means of conduction, cool the uniformity plate. This allows rapid lowering of the temperature of the bag contents.
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the uniformity plates is provided with a temperature sensor for indirectly checking the temperature reached by the bags on the shelf
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A freezer for fluids inside bags comprises a freezing chamber (11) containing a plurality of surfaces (13) for storing bags (20). Each surface in turn comprises a refrigerated shelf (14) and an associated uniformity plate (15) arranged above the shelf. The plates (15) are hinged so as to be able to be raised from the respective shelf in order to store bags between the shelf and the plate. At least one of the uniformity plates (15) is provided with a temperature sensor (18) for checking the temperature reached by the bags on the shelf.