Inflatable Valve Actuator for Sorption Cooling Temperature Control
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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, and they are prone to vibrations and environmental temperature fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A reusable temperature control system that actsuates a valve in a separate vacuum system, allowing for precise regulation of the evaporation temperature and is easily interchangeable between sorption systems without tools, using a battery-operated controller with a microcontroller, air compressor, and inflatable pouch to manage the valve operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a valve is used to regulate the flow of working fluid vapor through the steam channel, then the evaporation temperature can be maintained at the required level, but the control of the valve flow rate becomes difficult and unreliable over extended periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical valve control system with a temperature controller that uses an inflatable pouch actuator. The pouch inflates or deflates to open or close the valve, providing more reliable and controllable flow regulation. This pneumatic actuation mechanism substitutes complex mechanical linkages with a simpler, more reliable inflatable actuator that responds directly to temperature controller signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature controller acts as an intermediary device between the temperature sensing element and the valve actuator. It processes temperature information and generates control signals that regulate the inflow of working fluid vapor, ensuring stable evaporation temperature while maintaining reliable flow control over extended periods.
2Temperature
If the evaporator is housed in an insulated transport box, then the temperature can be maintained, but the system becomes vulnerable to strong vibrations and falls during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates vibration damping elements and protective cushioning within the insulated transport box structure. These elements are pre-installed to absorb and mitigate the effects of strong vibrations and impacts during transport, protecting the evaporator and other sensitive components before damage can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The transport box uses composite construction combining insulation materials with vibration-resistant and impact-absorbing materials. This composite structure provides both thermal insulation for temperature maintenance and mechanical protection against vibrations and falls during transport.
3Use of energy by moving object
If a battery-operated temperature controller is used, then power consumption is minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature controller is designed as a self-contained battery-operated unit that autonomously monitors temperature and controls the valve actuator without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The battery provides portable power, and the controller automatically adjusts the inflatable pouch based on temperature feedback, minimizing power consumption while maintaining simple operation.
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 effectively maintains the temperature within a narrow range (+2 to +8°C) despite environmental fluctuations and vibrations, minimizing power consumption and allowing for multiple uses, thus reducing manufacturing and operating costs.
Implementation Method 1
The evaporator and the sorbent container are connected to one another by a steam channel. The evaporation of the liquid working medium to a vapor working medium in the evaporator requires heat.
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.