Temperature-controlled sorption system
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Sorption cooling systems face challenges in reliably controlling the flow rate of the working fluid vapor through the steam channel, especially over extended periods, which is crucial for maintaining the required temperature range for temperature-sensitive goods like vaccines during transportation, where ambient temperatures fluctuate significantly and vibrations occur.
Innovation Solution
A reusable temperature controller that actuates a valve in a separate vacuum system, allowing for precise control of the evaporation temperature by using a battery-operated inflatable pouch to regulate the vapor flow, enabling the system to maintain temperatures within a narrow range (+2 to +8°C) without the need for external tools or complex setups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is used to regulate the flow of working fluid vapor through the steam channel, then the evaporation temperature can be controlled, but reliable control over extended periods is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical valve control system with a temperature controller that uses a flexible membrane and atmosphere pressure to actuate the valve. This substitution improves reliability by eliminating complex mechanical control mechanisms that fail over time, using instead a simpler system based on atmospheric pressure differential and flexible membrane response.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature controller is designed to be self-regulating, where the flexible membrane automatically responds to temperature changes and atmosphere pressure to control valve actuation without requiring external control systems. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable operation over extended periods without complex control electronics or additional power requirements.
2Manufacturing precision
If a valve control system is implemented, then temperature control precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control function from a complex integrated system and separates it into a standalone temperature controller with a flexible membrane and atmosphere pressure actuation mechanism. This extraction achieves precise temperature control while minimizing device complexity by using simple, passive components rather than complex active control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane acts as an intermediary between the atmosphere pressure and the valve actuation mechanism. This intermediary component translates atmospheric pressure differential into precise valve control, achieving accurate temperature regulation without requiring complex control systems or additional actuators.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the evaporator is housed in an insulated transport box, then temperature stability is improved, but heat dissipation from the sorbent container becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the thermal management system by placing the evaporator inside the insulated transport box for temperature stability while positioning the sorbent container outside the box for efficient heat dissipation to the environment. This spatial segmentation allows both temperature stability and heat dissipation to be optimized simultaneously without compromising either function.
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 solution ensures reliable temperature control over long transport times, minimizes power consumption, and allows for easy reconnection to different sorption systems, making it suitable for shipping temperature-sensitive goods while reducing manufacturing and operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
A sorption system is a device that raises heat from a lower temperature level to a higher temperature level by vaporizing a working fluid in an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
The sorption of the working medium in the sorbent container in turn releases heat
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature controller for a sorption system having an evaporator to produce a gas, a sorber containing a sorption material to sorb the gas during a sorption phase, a flow channel extending between the evaporator and sorber to provide a gas pathway connecting them, a valve to control the rate of gas flow in the flow channel, and a temperature sensor positioned to measure the temperature of an evaporator surface or the air adjacent thereto indicative of an evaporator surface temperature, and generate a temperature signal. The controller includes an inflatable member having first and second inflation states, and a control unit configured to evaluate the temperature signal and in response control the state of inflation of the inflatable member and thereby the operation of the valve to control the rate of gas flow between the evaporator and sorber through the gas pathway.