Insulated Incubator Chamber With PTC Air Temperature Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing incubator systems for gas volume and flow measurement suffer from high complexity, high energy consumption, large ecological footprint, and inconvenient operation due to indirect cooling and heating methods, leading to temperature fluctuations and inefficient temperature control.

Innovation Solution

An incubator system utilizing thermoelectric modules with PTC elements for direct air cooling and heating, combined with an insulating material and a well-designed chamber, enabling precise temperature control and low power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If indirect cooling and heating methods (compressors and heating coils) are used, then temperature control capability is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature control capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical cooling systems (compressors, heat exchangers) with a solid-state Peltier module that uses electrical current to directly pump heat. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining temperature control capability, directly resolving the contradiction between temperature control and device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts and removes the compressor and heating coil components from the incubator system, retaining only the essential Peltier module for thermal control. This extraction simplifies the overall system architecture while preserving the core temperature regulation function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If indirect cooling and heating methods are used, then temperature regulation is achieved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature regulationVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The Peltier module consumes electrical energy directly to pump heat, eliminating the energy-intensive compression and phase change processes of traditional refrigeration cycles. This direct electrical-to-thermal energy conversion significantly reduces overall energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature regulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operating parameters from high-power mechanical compression to low-power electrical current control. By adjusting the electrical current through the Peltier module, precise temperature regulation is achieved with much lower energy input compared to compressor-based systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Temperature

If indirect cooling and heating methods are used, then temperature control is achieved, but ecological footprint increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidecological footprint

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Replacing the compressor with a solid-state Peltier module eliminates refrigerants and mechanical wear, reducing environmental impact. The solid-state device has no moving parts, no refrigerant leaks, and lower energy consumption, thereby reducing the ecological footprint while maintaining temperature control functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Temperature

If indirect cooling and heating methods are used, then temperature control is achieved, but operation convenience decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature controlVSAvoidoperation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The Peltier module responds directly to electrical control signals, enabling automated temperature control without manual intervention for system adjustments. The solid-state device has no mechanical maintenance requirements, making the system easier to operate and maintain compared to compressor-based systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 system provides efficient, automatic, and precise temperature control with low power consumption, suitable for various biological and non-biological applications, enhancing user convenience and reducing operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

an air cooling and heating unit connected to a PTC element positioned inside the inner space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

an inner space being embedded by an insulating material, wherein the outer framework is arranged outside the inner space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS20250243444A1An incubator system

Publication Date: 2025.07.31 BPC INSTR AB

AI summary

The present invention describes an incubator system 1 comprisesing—an outer framework (11) with multiple holes (14) into which incubator flasks (20) may be arranged in a vertical position;—an inner space (30) being embedded by an insulating material (34), wherein the outer framework (11) is arranged outside the inner space (30); and—an air cooling and heating unit (40) connected to a PTC element (50) positioned inside the inner space (30).