Hybrid method and system for transporting and/or storing temperature-sensitive materials
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for transporting temperature-sensitive materials, such as pharmaceutical samples, face challenges with passive systems that require preconditioning of phase-change materials and exposure to environmental warming, and active systems that expose remaining samples to temperature fluctuations when accessing individual samples.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid system combining an active temperature-control system, powered by a portable power source, with a passive temperature-control system that includes phase-change materials within an insulated container, allowing for controlled temperature maintenance and recharging of PCM members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a passive temperature-control system with preconditioned PCM members is used, then the samples can be transported without active power, but the salesperson must properly condition the PCM members beforehand and the system duration is limited by warming when the bag is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the passive temperature-control system and PCM members within the active refrigerator before removal. This preliminary action ensures the PCM members are fully conditioned (frozen) before the salesperson needs to transport samples, eliminating the need for separate preconditioning steps and ensuring reliable temperature control from the start of each transport cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The active temperature-control system automatically recharges the PCM members by continuously cooling them while they remain inside. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention to replace or recharge cold packs, maintaining reliability without additional energy consumption from the salesperson.
2Ease of operation
If the insulated bag is opened and closed many times during the day to remove samples, then samples can be accessed for deliveries, but the contents are exposed to surrounding air causing warming of the cold packs
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses temperature sensors to monitor the internal temperature and activates the cooling system when temperature rises above the threshold. This feedback mechanism automatically compensates for heat intrusion during bag openings, maintaining temperature control duration despite multiple sample access events.
3Temperature
If an active temperature-control system (portable refrigerator) is used, then samples can be stored at desired temperature, but when a sample is removed the remaining samples are exposed to warming effects of outside air
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides samples into two groups: those needing immediate delivery (placed in the passive system for removal) and those remaining in the active refrigerator. This segmentation allows selective access to samples without exposing all samples to external air, reducing energy loss while maintaining temperature control for remaining samples.
4Ease of operation
If PCM members are used in the passive system, then temperature can be maintained without power, but there is no way to recharge or recondition the cold packs while making visits
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the active temperature-control system with the passive system by placing the passive system inside the active refrigerator. This combination allows the active system to recharge PCM members during idle time at the salesperson's office or vehicle, providing adaptability to recharge capability while maintaining the operational simplicity of the passive system during transport.
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 hybrid system effectively maintains temperature-sensitive materials within a desired range, extends the duration of temperature control, and allows for efficient recharging of PCM members, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of sample transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
one or more preconditioned phase-change material (PCM) members, such as refrigerated or frozen cold packs
Implementation Method 2
the PCM members are in the form of cold packs
Implementation Method 3
an insulated carry bag or roller bag
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for transporting and/or storing temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, the system may be a hybrid system that includes an active temperature-control system and a passive temperature-control system. The active temperature-control system may be, for example, a portable refrigerator that includes an internal chamber for maintaining contents within a desired temperature range. The passive temperature-control system, which includes at least one phase-change material (PCM) member and space for receiving one or more temperature-sensitive materials, may be removably positioned entirely within the internal chamber of the active temperature-control system. When temperature-sensitive materials are loaded into the passive temperature-control system and the passive temperature-control system is loaded into the active temperature-control system, the active temperature-control system keeps the temperature-sensitive materials within a desired temperature range and charges the PCM members for when the passive temperature-control system is thereafter removed from the active temperature-control system.