Mobile cooling device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile cooling devices for medicines suffer from uneven temperature distribution due to air circulation obstruction by loaded goods and direct contact with cold surfaces, which can lead to undercooling and inaccurate temperature sensing, especially during the transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
Innovation Solution
A mobile cooling device design featuring a housing with an insert that creates an intermediate space between the cooling unit and the storage space, allowing for air circulation and temperature equalization before the air reaches the storage area, using a compression refrigeration machine and a fan for forced airflow, ensuring a uniform temperature range of ±2°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If medicines are stored directly in the cooling space, then storage capacity is improved, but temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates due to air circulation obstruction and direct contact with cold surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling device is segmented into three distinct spaces: the cooling space with the cooling unit, the intermediate space formed by the insert at a distance from the housing wall, and the storage space inside the insert. This segmentation allows the cooling function to be separated from the storage function, enabling medicines to be stored without direct contact with the cooling unit while still receiving cooled air through air passages in the insert.
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediate space acts as an intermediary between the cooling unit and the storage space. Cooled air is generated in the cooling space, circulates through the intermediate space where temperature equalization occurs, and then enters the storage space through air passages. This intermediary space prevents direct contact between medicines and the cooling unit while ensuring uniform temperature distribution.
2Power
If the cooling unit is placed directly against the housing wall, then cooling efficiency is improved, but undercooling of stored goods occurs due to direct contact with cold surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is arranged at a distance from the housing wall, creating an intermediate space that serves as a thermal buffer. This intermediate space prevents the cold from the cooling unit and housing wall from directly affecting the stored medicines, thereby eliminating undercooling while maintaining cooling efficiency through the air circulation system.
3Ease of operation
If medicines are stored on the floor of the cooling device, then ease of loading is improved, but temperature uniformity deteriorates due to cold air accumulation and poor air circulation
Solution Approach 1:
The storage function is segmented into the storage space inside the insert, which is elevated and separated from the floor of the cooling device. The insert can be easily loaded and unloaded as a complete unit, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring that medicines are stored in an environment with uniform temperature distribution through the air circulation system.
4Measurement precision
If the temperature sensor is placed inside the storage space, then temperature monitoring accuracy is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to interference from stored medicines
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature sensor is placed in the intermediate space, which acts as an intermediary measurement zone. This location allows the sensor to accurately measure the temperature of the air that will enter the storage space without being interfered with by the stored medicines. The intermediate space provides an unobstructed environment for temperature sensing while still representing the conditions in the storage space.
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
This design provides a uniform temperature distribution within the storage space, preventing undercooling and maintaining accurate temperature regulation, making it suitable for transporting temperature-sensitive goods like medicines with minimal temperature fluctuations.
Implementation Method 1
a heat exchange and a cooling of the air flowing around the cooling unit can first take place in the area of the cooling unit
Implementation Method 2
a fan for forced airflow, ensuring a uniform temperature range of ±2°C
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Mobile cooling device (1) comprising a housing (2) with a housing wall (3) which defines a cooling chamber (4), wherein the housing wall (3) is associated with a cooling unit (5) on the side facing the cooling chamber (4), wherein an insert (6) is arranged in the housing (2), wherein the insert (6) extends over the cooling unit (5) and at least over a part of the housing wall (3), wherein the insert (6) is spaced apart from the cooling unit (5) and the housing wall (3) so that an intermediate space (11) is formed between the housing wall (3) and the insert (6), wherein the insert (6) defines a storage space (12) which is connected to the intermediate space (11) via air passages (13) provided in the insert (6).