Thermo-Conductive Rack for Lab Vials with Insulated Core
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermo-conductive racks for laboratory sample containment are cumbersome due to high mass, especially for larger sample tubes, and inefficient in temperature control as they conduct environmental heat, leading to increased thermal burden on thermoregulatory devices and potential sample contamination.
Innovation Solution
A portable device with a thermo-conductive core composed of vertical columns surrounded by insulating material, providing close contact with sample vessels and minimizing environmental heat influx, featuring a base that interfaces directly with thermoregulatory devices to maintain stable temperature gradients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If thermo-conductive racks are constructed from solid alloy blocks to provide thermal conductivity and structural support, then temperature control capability is improved, but mass increases beyond comfortable handling limits
Solution Approach 1:
The rack is segmented into a modular assembly consisting of a base plate, multiple vertical columns, and horizontal support members, allowing thermal conductivity to be distributed through strategic metal components rather than requiring a solid alloy block throughout the entire structure
Solution Approach 2:
Thermal conductivity is concentrated in local regions where it is most needed (base plate, vertical columns, support members that contact sample vessels), while other regions use materials with lower density, optimizing the balance between temperature control capability and overall mass
2Adaptability or versatility
If sample vessels are placed in elevated positions on the rack to accommodate longer tubes, then sample array flexibility is improved, but environmental heat influx increases due to exposed surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The rack design preemptively counteracts environmental heat influx by providing lateral support members and an overhead support structure that shield elevated sample vessels from direct exposure to warm air currents, preventing the cooling effect that would drive continuous warm air replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The problem of heat influx is addressed by adding a third dimension to the support structure (overhead support member forming a partial enclosure), creating a protective environment around elevated samples rather than merely increasing rack height
3Adaptability or versatility
If the rack structure is extended in height to accommodate longer sample tubes, then sample vessel compatibility is improved, but thermal gradient increases due to continuous warm air flow
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral support members and overhead structure are designed to preemptively block warm air currents from reaching elevated sample vessels, preventing the formation of thermal gradients that would otherwise develop in taller, more exposed rack configurations
4Temperature
If solid alloy blocks are used for rack construction to ensure thermal conductivity, then temperature uniformity is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase for specific size ranges
Solution Approach 1:
The monolithic solid alloy block is segmented into separate components (base plate, columns, support members) that can be manufactured independently using standard fabrication processes, then assembled into a complete rack structure, reducing manufacturing complexity while preserving thermal conductivity pathways
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 device offers reduced mass and enhanced temperature control by minimizing environmental heat exchange, preventing sample contamination and extending the service interval of thermoregulatory devices while maintaining sample integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a thermo-conductive core composed of vertical columns of thermo-conductive material shaped for close proximity contact to the external sides of a sample vessel... forming a thermal energy conductive pathway to the undersurface of the base plate and through the undersurface to the thermo-regulatory device
Implementation Method 2
an enclosure of insulating material that surrounds the core and isolates the exterior surfaces of the core (other than the undersurface of the base plate) from the environment... minimizing environmental heat influx
Data Source
AI summary
A portable heat transfer device for transferring thermal energy to and/or from laboratory tubes, clinical vials, specimen vials, laboratory vials, serum vials, drug vials and laboratory containers is provided. The heat transfer device comprises an insulated, thermally conductive heat conduit system and base for the purpose of exchanging heat between the laboratory container and a thermoregulatory device.