Incubator Airflow Layout for Uniform Chamber Temperature
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incubators face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution in the thermostatic chamber, which is crucial for cell culture and other processes.
Innovation Solution
The incubator design includes a housing divided into a thermostatic and air-conditioning chamber with an air conditioner that regulates temperature, featuring a channel for air circulation, upstream and downstream fans to mix air, and a supply unit that supplies cooler air to enhance temperature uniformity, along with a heater to adjust temperature as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single duct with a supply port is used to supply second air to the channel, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates due to uneven mixing ratio in the width direction
Solution Approach 1:
The single duct is divided into multiple ducts (first duct and second duct) with supply ports arranged at different positions in the width direction of the channel. This segmentation allows second air to be supplied uniformly across the width direction, achieving uniform mixing ratio and temperature distribution without excessive complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Each duct is positioned to supply second air to specific regions in the width direction of the channel. The first duct supplies to one region while the second duct supplies to another region, ensuring that each local area receives appropriate amounts of second air for uniform mixing and temperature distribution
2Temperature
If the supply port is positioned away from the fans, then the mixing of first air and second air is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The supply ports are integrated into the existing duct structure within the channel, positioned between the upstream and downstream fans. This merging approach achieves uniform mixing by strategically placing supply ports in the flow path without adding separate mixing devices or complex component assemblies
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 configuration achieves uniform temperature distribution in the thermostatic chamber by evenly mixing and regulating air temperatures, reducing vibration and maintaining cleanliness without the need for refrigeration units, thus optimizing cell culture conditions.
Implementation Method 1
an upstream fan which is arranged upstream of the supply port and allows the first air in the thermostatic chamber to flow into the channel
Implementation Method 2
a downstream fan which is arranged downstream of the supply port, mixes the second air with the first air, and allows the first air mixed with the second air to flow from the channel into the thermostatic chamber
Implementation Method 3
A channel through which the first air flows is formed in the air-conditioning chamber. The air conditioner includes: a supply unit having a supply port for supplying second air colder than the first air to the channel
Data Source
AI summary
An incubator includes: a housing which is divided into a thermostatic chamber and an air-conditioning chamber and allows first air to circulate between the thermostatic chamber and the air-conditioning chamber; and an air conditioner that regulates a temperature of the first air in the air-conditioning chamber. A channel through which the first air flows is formed in the air-conditioning chamber. The air conditioner includes: a supply unit having a supply port for supplying second air colder than the first air to the channel; an upstream fan which is arranged upstream of the supply port and allows the first air in the thermostatic chamber to flow into the channel; and a downstream fan which is arranged downstream of the supply port, mixes the second air with the first air, and allows the first air mixed with the second air to flow from the channel into the thermostatic chamber.