Active Medication 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, equipped with battery power and wireless communication for real-time data logging and transmission, and featuring a display for shipping information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive coolers are used for medicine transport, then device complexity is reduced, but temperature control reliability deteriorates in extreme weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical insulation systems with an active electronic temperature control system that uses thermoelectric elements (Peltier devices) to actively heat or cool the chamber. This electronic substitution enables reliable temperature maintenance in extreme weather conditions while providing digital monitoring and communication capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters by introducing an active cooling/heating mechanism that can dynamically adjust temperature based on environmental conditions. The system monitors temperature continuously and activates thermoelectric elements to maintain the required temperature range, transforming the cooler from a static passive system to a dynamic active system.
2Reliability
If active temperature control systems are added to maintain temperature in extreme weather, then temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single portable device: temperature control (heating and cooling), temperature monitoring, data logging, wireless communication, and display. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one unified device, managing the complexity through functional integration rather than adding separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic temperature regulation where the microcontroller continuously monitors temperature sensors and automatically activates the thermoelectric elements when temperature deviations are detected. The system also automatically logs data and transmits information via wireless communication, reducing the need for manual intervention and operation.
3Measurement precision
If temperature monitoring and logging systems are implemented, then cold chain control capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual temperature recording methods with an automated electronic monitoring system. Temperature sensors continuously measure the chamber temperature, and a microcontroller automatically logs the data to non-volatile memory. This electronic substitution provides precise, continuous temperature records without requiring manual intervention or complex mechanical recording mechanisms.
4Loss of information
If wireless communication capabilities are added for real-time data transmission, then cold chain control and traceability are improved, but use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic wireless data transmission rather than continuous transmission. The microcontroller transmits temperature data at scheduled intervals or when specific conditions are met (such as temperature threshold violations). This periodic action reduces energy consumption compared to continuous transmission while still providing effective cold chain monitoring and traceability.
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 prolonged maintenance of medication at the required temperature, enhances cold chain control, and provides reliable temperature history recording and communication, even in challenging environments.
Implementation Method 1
The temperature control system comprises 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 system is provided. The active temperature control system is operated to heat or cool a chamber of a vessel to approach a temperature set point suitable for a medication stored in the cooler container.