Inflatable Temperature Control Body for Cylindrical Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing temperature control devices are not suitable for items like stem cells in cylindrical containers, as they require additional fixing systems and are limited by container diameter, and they are not effective without substantial weight integration.
Innovation Solution
A temperature control device featuring an inflatable body that expands to securely contact and surround the item, using a pressurized fluid for heat transfer, eliminating the need for additional fixing systems and accommodating non-uniform container shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cooling system is integrated into the temperature control body, then temperature control function is improved, but the device weight increases substantially requiring additional fixing systems
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: the temperature control body without integrated cooling system, and a separate cooling system that can be coupled when needed. This segmentation allows the temperature control body to remain lightweight while temperature control function is still achievable through the separate cooling component.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable body serves multiple functions: it provides form-fitting contact with the container, applies securing pressure without additional fixing systems, and acts as a thermal contact interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fixing systems that would add weight.
2Reliability
If the temperature control body is designed to surround the container, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but the device becomes limited to certain container diameters
Solution Approach 1:
The inflatable body can dynamically change its volume and shape to adapt to different container diameters. By controlling the inflation pressure, the body can expand or contract to match various container sizes while maintaining form-fitting contact, thus achieving both effective temperature control and broad adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The volume parameter of the inflatable body is made variable through inflation and deflation. This parameter change allows the same device to accommodate containers of different diameters by adjusting the internal pressure, thereby maintaining both temperature control effectiveness and versatility across different container sizes.
3Reliability
If an additional fixing system is used to secure the temperature control body, then securing reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The securing function is merged with the temperature control body itself through the inflatable mechanism. The same inflatable body that provides thermal contact also provides securing pressure, combining two functions into one component and eliminating the need for separate fixing systems, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining securing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The inflatable body serves itself by using its own inflation pressure to achieve both thermal contact and securing functions. The system is self-sufficient and does not require external fixing mechanisms, as the inflated body naturally adheres to and secures the container through pressure alone.
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 inflatable body securely attaches to the item, enabling efficient temperature control without additional fixing means and accommodating irregular container shapes, ensuring effective heat transfer through the pressurized fluid.
Implementation Method 1
the inflatable body is coupled with an inflation generator which applies a pressure to the fluid and thus ensures a full-surface contacting of the contacting portion of the inflatable body against the item to be temperature control
Implementation Method 2
a fluid present in the inflatable body can serve to transfer heat with the item to be temperature controlled
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for controlling the temperature of an item to be temperature controlled in a simple manner without a fixing system for fixing a temperature control body to the item to be temperature controlled being additionally necessary. The temperature control body is an inflatable body having a volume which is changeable such that the inflatable body, in the working position, rests against the circumferential wall of the item to be temperature controlled when the inflatable body is in an inflated state with an increased volumetric expansion.