Portable Medicine Cooler With Active Temperature and Data Logging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
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 data logging capabilities through integrated sensors and communication modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements active temperature control by changing the thermal parameters of the system through electronically controllable thermoelectric elements. The system can dynamically adjust the temperature parameter of the chamber by applying electrical current to the thermoelectric elements, allowing precise maintenance of required temperature ranges regardless of external environmental conditions.
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 battery power supply. This multi-functionality approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into one integrated unit, managing the complexity while achieving reliable temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automatic temperature regulation through feedback control, where temperature sensors continuously monitor the chamber temperature and the control circuit automatically adjusts the thermoelectric elements to maintain the setpoint. This self-regulating mechanism reduces the need for manual intervention and simplifies operation despite the advanced capabilities.
3Manufacturing precision
If thermoelectric elements are used for active heating or cooling, then temperature control precision is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic or cyclic operation of the thermoelectric elements based on feedback from temperature sensors. The system activates the heating or cooling elements only when temperature deviations are detected, rather than continuous operation, thereby maintaining precise temperature control while reducing overall energy consumption during transport.
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 portable cooler effectively maintains the temperature of medicines, ensuring their potency and providing reliable cold chain control and temperature history recording, even in challenging environments.
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 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.