Organ Transport Container With Precise Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional organ preservation and transportation methods face limitations such as limited preservation time, primary graft dysfunction due to uncontrolled temperatures, high costs, and complex logistics, which can lead to organ damage and reduced accessibility, especially in regions with limited resources.
Innovation Solution
A device for human organ preservation and transportation that maintains exact controlled temperatures for extended periods, incorporates GPS tracking, and is robotic with a fixed and disposable part, reducing costs and improving transportation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice pads are used to lower temperature for organ preservation, then cooling effect is achieved, but temperature control is unprecise and organ tissue injury occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical ice pads with an active electronic temperature control system featuring a microprocessor, temperature sensors, and programmable control algorithms. This substitution enables precise temperature monitoring and adjustment, maintaining optimal ranges (e.g., 4°C for cold storage, 37°C for normothermic preservation) without the uncontrolled cooling that causes tissue injury from ice pads.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback through temperature sensors that monitor organ temperature in real-time and communicate with the microprocessor. The microprocessor adjusts heating or cooling elements based on this feedback to maintain precise temperature setpoints, preventing both overheating and excessive cooling that would damage organ tissues.
2Duration of action of moving object
If conventional preservation methods are used, then short-term storage is achieved, but preservation time is limited and logistical challenges arise
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static cold storage to dynamic preservation modes. It can switch between cold storage (4°C), normothermic preservation (37°C), and even warm ischemia modes depending on the organ type and transport duration needs. This dynamic adaptability extends viable preservation time while maintaining organ functionality through optimized metabolic conditions for each phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs programmable temperature profiles that change parameters over time - starting with rapid cooling to 4°C for immediate preservation, then transitioning to controlled warming or maintenance at 37°C for extended preservation. This temporal parameter variation allows the system to adapt metabolic rates dynamically, extending preservation windows from hours to potentially days while maintaining organ viability.
3Reliability
If specialized equipment and disposable devices are used, then organ preservation function is achieved, but cost increases substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into reusable core components (microprocessor control unit, temperature sensors, heating/cooling elements) and single-use consumables (organ container, power supply). The expensive electronic control system can be sterilized and reused across multiple organs, while only the container and power sources are disposable. This segmentation dramatically reduces per-organ cost compared to entirely disposable systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature control system is designed as a universal platform that can preserve multiple organ types (heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas) using the same hardware and control algorithms. The system adapts to different organs through programmable parameters rather than requiring specialized equipment for each organ type, achieving economies of scale and reducing overall system cost.
4Reliability
If complex logistics coordination is implemented, then transportation reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The preservation device autonomously monitors and maintains optimal conditions without requiring constant human intervention. The microprocessor continuously adjusts temperature based on sensor feedback, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and adjustment during transport. This self-regulating capability simplifies logistics by making the system independent of operator skill and availability, improving reliability while reducing operational complexity.
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 device extends preservation time, reduces primary graft dysfunction, and enhances transportation reliability with cost-effective solutions, making organ transplantation more accessible.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system (20) configured to maintain a controlled temperature range within the organ storage container
Implementation Method 2
a heating system (20) configured to increase the temperature to a controlled range within the organ storage container
Implementation Method 3
configured to maintain a controlled temperature range within the organ storage container
Data Source
AI summary
A universal preservation and transportation device for human organs is disclosed. The device comprises a lower unit and a removable lid that can be attached to the lower unit. A cooling unit and associated power supply can maintain a consistent temperature within the inner compartment, which can be controlled via a control unit and/or remote control. The device also includes a GPS chip for tracking its location.