Packaging Channels for Rapid Heat Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials packaging methods for temperature-sensitive materials, such as sealants and adhesives, require lengthy thawing times, which hinder production throughput in industries like aerospace and construction, as they rely on ambient air or water baths for thawing.
Innovation Solution
A container design featuring a cavity with a nozzle and adjacent channels to facilitate heat transfer, either through coolant fluids or high thermal conductivity solids, which increases the surface area for heating or cooling, thereby accelerating the thawing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If materials are stored in sealed containers at low temperatures, then material stability and shelf life are improved, but thawing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The container is segmented into multiple independent channels surrounding the central cavity. Each channel can independently receive heating or cooling media, allowing parallel heat transfer operations that significantly reduce the overall thawing time while maintaining material stability through controlled temperature distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional single-point or surface heating to multi-dimensional heat transfer by surrounding the central material cavity with multiple channels at different spatial positions. This dimensional expansion of heat transfer interfaces dramatically increases the effective heat exchange area and reduces thawing time
2Device complexity
If ambient air or water bath methods are used for thawing, then equipment complexity is minimized, but thawing time becomes excessively long
Solution Approach 1:
The container channels are designed to be multi-functional, capable of receiving various types of heating or cooling media (liquids, gases, or solid heat transfer materials). This universal design enables the same container structure to achieve rapid thawing through different mechanisms without requiring multiple specialized devices
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces heat transfer media as intermediaries between the external environment and the stored material. These media (fluids or solids placed in channels) act as mediators that efficiently conduct thermal energy to the material, replacing slow ambient air heating with controlled, high-efficiency heat transfer processes
3Loss of time
If forced air heating at room temperature is applied, then thawing time is reduced compared to ambient air, but energy consumption and equipment complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes fluid dynamics by circulating liquids or gases through the container channels. This hydraulic/pneumatic system enables efficient heat transfer through fluid convection and conduction, achieving rapid thawing with potentially lower energy input compared to forced air heating, while the sealed channel system contains the fluid flow within the container structure
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 significantly reduces thawing time by enhancing heat transfer rates, allowing for faster transition of frozen materials to a usable state, thus improving production efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a channel disposed adjacent to the cavity and within a portion of the container body separating the channel and the cavity. The channel is configured to receive a second material to facilitate heat transfer between the first and second material
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for a container for decreasing the thawing time for a liquid, gel or other fluid material is described herein. The systems can include a container with a body. The body can include a cavity with a dispensing nozzle and a plunger disposed within the cavity. The body can further include one or more channels separate from the cavity. The channel(s) increases the rate of heat transfer associated with the container and, thus, increases the cooling or heating rate of the material within the container.