Active Medical Cooler With Thermoelectric Cold Chain Logging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicine transport coolers are inadequate for maintaining the required temperature range, especially in extreme weather conditions, and lack effective cold chain control and temperature history recording capabilities, particularly in remote and harsh climates.
Innovation Solution
A portable cooler with an active temperature control system using thermoelectric elements and circuitry to maintain a predetermined temperature range, along with optional battery power, wireless communication, and data logging and transmission capabilities for temperature history.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If passive cooling is used in existing medicine transport coolers, then the device complexity is reduced, but the temperature control reliability deteriorates in extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical cooling systems with an active electronic temperature control system using thermoelectric elements (Peltier devices). These solid-state devices electrically control heat transfer, enabling precise temperature maintenance in extreme conditions without moving parts or complex mechanical refrigeration cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thermoelectric elements that change thermal conductivity based on electrical current direction and magnitude. By adjusting electrical parameters, the system can dynamically control heat flow to maintain precise temperature ranges regardless of external environmental conditions.
2Reliability
If active temperature control systems are added to maintain temperature in extreme weather, then the temperature control reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical refrigeration systems with solid-state thermoelectric elements controlled by simple electronic circuits. This substitution maintains temperature control reliability while reducing mechanical complexity through electronically controlled heat pumps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates temperature sensors that continuously monitor the internal environment and provide feedback to the control circuitry. This closed-loop feedback system automatically adjusts the thermoelectric element operation to maintain the desired temperature range, improving reliability through automated control.
3Loss of information
If temperature history logging and wireless communication are added, then the cold chain control capability is improved, but the device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses low-cost, low-power microcontrollers and wireless communication modules that can operate on small batteries for the duration of transport. These electronic components provide comprehensive temperature logging and communication capabilities while consuming minimal energy compared to traditional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary between the temperature monitoring system and remote recipients. This allows temperature history data to be transmitted without requiring physical inspection or manual recording, improving information availability while using energy-efficient wireless protocols.
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
Ensures the maintenance of medication potency by effectively controlling temperature and logging temperature history, even in extreme conditions, enhancing the reliability of medicine transport.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control system comprising one or more thermoelectric elements configured to actively heat or cool at least a portion of the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A portable cooler container with active temperature control includes a container body with an insulated chamber to receive medicines, vaccines, biological samples or other medical goods. A control system is at least partially disposed between an outer wall and an inner wall of the container body. An electronic display screen on one of the lid and the container body configured to display shipping address information for the portable cooler container.