Laminar air flow workstation with temperature control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laminar air flow workstations are noisy, consume significant energy, and suffer from heat loss due to large air volumes, complicating sample handling and transfer while providing inadequate accessibility and temperature control for sensitive biological materials.
Innovation Solution
A laminar air flow workstation with a working chamber and air circulation system that includes heating means to control temperature, a front handling opening for easy access, and insulation to reduce energy consumption and noise, featuring a work table with integrated heating and ducts to minimize air resistance and heat loss, and an air recycling system to optimize air usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If large volumes of air are used in closed workstations with heated air flow, then temperature control of samples is improved, but noise level and energy consumption increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an air recycling system where a portion of the heated air from the working chamber is recaptured and reused, rather than being completely discharged. This recovery mechanism reduces the total volume of air that needs to be heated continuously, thereby lowering energy consumption while maintaining effective temperature control of biological samples
2Temperature
If large volumes of air are circulated through fans and pumps, then temperature control is achieved, but noise level increases
Solution Approach 1:
By recycling a portion of the air within the closed system, the patent reduces the volume of air that must be continuously moved by fans and pumps. This decreases the operational load on these components, thereby reducing noise generation while maintaining effective temperature control
3Temperature
If a closed system is used for temperature control, then sample protection is improved, but accessibility and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the working chamber into zones with different levels of access control. The front opening provides easy accessibility for sample handling while the rear portion maintains a closed, controlled environment for temperature-sensitive operations. This segmentation allows simultaneous achievement of both accessibility and temperature control
4Measurement precision
If a closed system with heated air flow is used, then temperature control precision is improved, but heat loss to surroundings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air recycling system recaptures heated air that would otherwise be lost to the surroundings and returns it to the working chamber. This recovery process reduces the total heat loss to the environment, decreasing energy consumption while maintaining precise temperature control of biological samples
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 workstation provides improved accessibility, precise temperature control, reduced noise, and lower energy consumption while maintaining microbiological safety for handling sensitive biological materials, such as tissue, embryos, and stem cells, in accordance with ISO/EN 12469 standards.
Implementation Method 1
an air circulation system 3 comprising first heating means 4, and configured to circulate heated air in the workstation
Implementation Method 2
The workstation may further comprise an insulation layer 18 on the outer surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
Laminar air flow workstation, comprising: a working chamber (1) comprising a work table (2), an air circulation system (3) comprising first heating means (4), and configured to circulate heated air in the workstation and direct a heated and temperature controlled air flow towards the work table (2), wherein the working chamber comprises a front handling opening (6) in fluid connection with the surroundings (7), and configured such that the work table (2) can be accessed from the surroundings (7). Also disclosed are the use of the workstation for handling and/or microscopy of biological materials, such as tissue, embryos, and stem cells, as well as the use of the workstation for microbiological safety workstation in accordance with ISO/EN 12469.