Low temperature transport and storage assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for ultra-low temperature transportation and storage of pharmaceuticals face challenges in maintaining precise temperature ranges, are difficult to pack and unpack, pose safety risks due to dry ice handling, and lack effective temperature monitoring and gas management, leading to potential product wastage and compliance issues.
Innovation Solution
A low temperature transport/storage assembly comprising an outer carton with internal insulation, a load volume, and a dry ice container, featuring airtight panels, a data logger, and a gas-tight seal to maintain ultra-low temperatures and enable easy packing and unpacking, while ensuring safety and compliance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If dry ice is used for ultra-low temperature cooling, then temperature control effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to handling dangers and gas pressure buildup
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary gas release valve system between the dry ice and the sealed container environment. This valve acts as a mediator that allows controlled gas release to prevent pressure buildup while maintaining the cooling effect. The valve includes a float mechanism that automatically opens to release CO2 gas when pressure exceeds safe levels, thereby mediating between the cooling function and safety concerns.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas release valve is designed with self-regulating features including a float mechanism that automatically responds to pressure changes without external intervention. The system serves itself by automatically opening the valve when gas pressure builds up and closing it when pressure normalizes, eliminating the need for manual monitoring or intervention to prevent safety hazards.
2Stability of the object's composition
If airtight sealing is used to maintain temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but gas pressure buildup occurs from dry ice sublimation
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing system incorporates localized pressure relief functionality rather than compromising the overall seal. The gas release valve is positioned at a specific location (the cap) and activates only when and where pressure buildup occurs, allowing the rest of the container to maintain its airtight seal for temperature stability while locally managing the pressure issue.
Solution Approach 2:
The gas release valve is pre-configured with a spring and float mechanism that is ready to counteract pressure buildup before it becomes dangerous. The valve is designed to automatically open when pressure reaches a predetermined threshold, preventing harmful pressure accumulation while maintaining the seal's integrity for temperature control.
3Reliability
If complex monitoring systems are added for temperature tracking, then compliance and safety are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gas release valve incorporates a self-monitoring float mechanism that automatically detects and responds to pressure conditions. This self-service feature provides reliable safety monitoring without requiring external complex electronic systems, data loggers, or power sources, thereby maintaining compliance and safety while minimizing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simple, inexpensive mechanical components for monitoring and safety rather than complex electronic systems. The float-valve mechanism is a simple mechanical device that provides reliable monitoring and safety functions at low cost and with minimal complexity, suitable for single-use or limited-life applications.
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 assembly effectively maintains ultra-low temperatures, simplifies handling and monitoring, reduces safety risks, and ensures compliance with regulatory standards by preventing temperature excursions and gas leakage, thereby protecting valuable goods.
Implementation Method 1
certain gasses such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen have become useful for their sublimation and evaporative properties - typically solid carbon dioxide, which is ordinarily referred to as dry ice... As dry ice is heated, it crosses this point along the bold horizontal line from the solid phase directly into the gaseous phase
Implementation Method 2
The internal insulation comprises planar elements, operably arranged to line the base and inside walls and cover of the outer carton
Data Source
Figure 1~2b
Figure 3a~3b
Figure 4a~4h
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of the transportation and storage of thermally labile goods such as pharmaceuticals, and to a container system and apparatus employing a total loss evaporation agent such as dry ice. In particular, but not necessarily restricted thereto, the present invention relates to a system for the transportation and temperature controlled storage of ultra-low temperature, low volume, high value goods.