Insulated PCM Packaging with Thermal Baffles Against Thermal Shock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transporting temperature-sensitive products like vaccines and live organs face challenges in maintaining a stable temperature range without powered refrigeration, particularly when using phase change materials, which can be harmful to live vaccines and organs.
Innovation Solution
A thermally insulated product delivery container with a rigid shell containing wool, phase change material containers, and thermal baffles made of corrugated cardboard to control heat flow and prevent thermal shock, ensuring temperature stability within a range of 2°c to 8°c without artificial temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If phase change materials (PCMs) are used to control temperature, then temperature stability is improved, but harmful thermal shock to live vaccines and organs occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces thermal baffles as intermediary elements positioned between the phase change material containers and the temperature-sensitive products. These baffles mediate the thermal interaction by controlling and moderating heat flow, preventing direct thermal shock while maintaining temperature stability through the PCM's phase change process.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal baffles are pre-positioned between the PCM containers and products before transport begins. This beforehand cushioning protects vulnerable products from potential thermal shock by creating a buffer zone that controls the rate and intensity of heat transfer during temperature fluctuations.
2Temperature
If thermal insulation is increased to protect products, then temperature control is improved, but thermal shock protection is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different thermal properties to different zones within the container. The thermal baffles create localized regions with controlled thermal resistance, allowing areas near PCM containers to have higher insulation to maintain temperature stability, while areas closer to products have lower insulation to prevent thermal shock accumulation.
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
Enables safe transportation of temperature-sensitive goods over 72 hours without substantial degradation, protecting both vaccines and organs from extreme temperatures while allowing for recycling and self-assembly of the container components.
Implementation Method 1
sheep's wool is a useful hygroscopic material that can be used within packaging such as corrugated cardboard boxes to provide a local temperature climate within the box
Implementation Method 2
phase change materials (PCMs) such as ice, which gradually melt or otherwise change phase during transport, thereby absorbing heat without unduly increasing the temperature of the immediately surrounding environment
Implementation Method 3
phase change materials (PCMs) such as ice, which gradually melt or otherwise change phase during transport, thereby absorbing heat
Implementation Method 4
a thermal baffle between the or each phase change material container and a product to be carried within the compartment
Data Source
AI summary
a thermally insulated product delivery container (PDC), including therewithin a rigid shell defining a hollow tube containing wool, first and second tube-end closure boxes containing wool to thereby collectively define an inner void for receiving at least one phase change material container for providing a temperature controlled condition within the void in the presence of a phase change material (PCM), and at least one thermal baffle positionable between the or each phase c