Freezer system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for rapidly freezing blood plasma and biological liquids, such as using cryogenic liquids or walk-in freezers, are inefficient and lack uniformity, particularly in small-scale operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of a rapid freeze cabinet with an open frame structure and a cold air distribution system that uses valves and orifice plates to control airflow, ensuring uniform and adjustable freezing times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If cryogenic liquid is used for flash freezing, then freezing speed is improved, but equipment cost and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, maintenance-intensive cryogenic liquid storage systems with a simpler chilled air system that uses standard refrigeration equipment. The cold air is generated on-demand and circulated through the freezer chamber, eliminating the need for costly cryogenic liquid storage and handling infrastructure while achieving comparable freezing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a pneumatic system using chilled air circulation instead of liquid cryogens. A refrigeration unit cools air that is then distributed throughout the freezer chamber via airflow management systems, providing a cleaner and less complex alternative to liquid nitrogen or other cryogenic fluids.
2Productivity
If walk-in freezer is used for rapid freezing, then freezing capability is improved, but freezing uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the freezer chamber into multiple zones with independent airflow control. Separate airflow management systems direct chilled air to different regions of the chamber, ensuring that products at various locations receive consistent cooling conditions. This segmentation allows uniform freezing across the entire chamber volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements location-specific airflow optimization within the freezer chamber. Airflow rates, temperatures, and distribution patterns are adjusted for different zones based on product placement and thermal characteristics, ensuring each region achieves optimal freezing uniformity tailored to its specific conditions.
3Device complexity
If fixed freezing rate system is used, then system simplicity is improved, but adaptability to different products deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates adjustable airflow management systems that allow dynamic modification of cooling parameters. Users can adjust airflow rates, distribution patterns, and temperature settings to match the specific thermal requirements of different products, transforming a static system into an adaptable one without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables modification of key operational parameters including airflow rate, air temperature, and circulation patterns. These parameter adjustments allow the same freezer system to accommodate diverse products with varying thermal properties, sizes, and packaging requirements while maintaining a relatively simple overall system architecture.
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 solution enables efficient and uniform rapid freezing or chilling of biological liquids, improving the rate of heat extraction and reducing energy consumption, while also allowing for different cooling rates for various products.
Implementation Method 1
a cold air distribution system that uses valves and orifice plates to control airflow
Implementation Method 2
uses valves and orifice plates to control airflow
Data Source
AI summary
A freezer system includes a main freezer having exterior walls, a floor and a ceiling, together defining a main freezer interior space. An interior wall defines an anteroom within the main freezer, and a chill air unit provides chill air to the interior space. A primary personnel access door within the exterior wall accesses the anteroom, while an interior personnel access door within the interior wall accesses the main freezer interior space. A product cabinet access door within the interior wall accesses a rapid freeze cabinet placed within the main freezer interior space adjacent the product cabinet access door. The rapid freeze cabinet includes a cabinet side panel adjacent to the product cabinet access door, product storage shelves, and a blower to blow chill air across the product storage shelves. The cabinet side panel has product ingress openings adjacent the product storage shelves by the product cabinet access door.