PCM Corrugated Panels for Passive Pharmaceutical Temperature Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for maintaining temperature-sensitive materials, such as pharmaceutical products, during transportation often result in temperature fluctuations, requiring shorter shipping periods and relying on complex, heavy, or unreliable active power systems.
Innovation Solution
A passive thermal management system utilizing corrugated panels filled with phase change materials and coated with a liquid barrier to maintain temperature stability, eliminating the need for external power sources and enhancing reliability and portability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If passive insulation containers with ice or dry ice are used for transportation, then portability and simplicity are improved, but temperature stability and duration of action deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures to maintain thermal stability. The PCMs absorb excess heat when transitioning from solid to liquid phase, and release heat when transitioning from liquid to solid phase, thereby maintaining a relatively constant temperature environment for pharmaceutical products during transportation without requiring active power sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The container utilizes composite construction combining multiple materials with different thermal properties. The walls are made of composite materials that provide both insulation and structural integrity, while integrating PCMs with specific phase change temperatures to create a multi-functional thermal management system that maintains temperature stability passively.
2Temperature
If active power systems with batteries and refrigerant systems are used, then temperature control and stability are improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management system is designed to be self-regulating through the inherent properties of phase change materials. The PCMs automatically absorb or release heat based on temperature conditions without requiring external control systems, sensors, or power sources. This passive thermal regulation eliminates the need for complex active refrigeration systems, batteries, and control electronics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces active mechanical refrigeration systems (compressors, condensers, expansion valves, fans) with a passive thermal management approach using phase change materials. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reduces system complexity, and removes the need for electrical power while maintaining effective temperature control through thermodynamic principles.
3Temperature
If external power sources such as generators are used, then temperature regulation capability is improved, but portability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system utilizes the natural thermodynamic properties of phase change materials to provide self-regulating temperature control. The PCMs automatically respond to temperature changes by undergoing phase transitions, absorbing heat when temperature rises and releasing heat when temperature drops, eliminating the need for external power sources or active control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state (phase) of the phase change materials in response to temperature variations. By selecting PCMs with specific phase change temperatures matching the required storage conditions, the system passively maintains temperature within the desired range through phase transitions, providing effective temperature regulation without external power.
4Ease of operation
If conventional insulation containers are used, then portability is improved, but duration of action and temperature stability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials extend the duration of temperature control by utilizing latent heat of fusion during phase transitions. As the PCMs change phase, they absorb or release large amounts of heat at relatively constant temperatures, significantly extending the time period over which temperature stability is maintained compared to conventional insulation alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The container combines conventional insulation materials with phase change materials to create a composite thermal management system. The insulation layer provides thermal resistance to slow heat transfer, while the PCMs provide active thermal regulation through phase transitions, working together to extend the duration of temperature control for extended shipping periods.
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 system effectively maintains temperature within a predetermined range for extended periods, ensuring the integrity of pharmaceutical products during transportation without the need for power, thus enhancing reliability and reducing weight and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a phase change material occupying voids within an interior of the plurality of corrugated panels
Implementation Method 2
a phase change material occupying voids within an interior of the plurality of corrugated panels
Implementation Method 3
a liquid barrier material deposited on or integrated into at least one surface of each of the plurality of corrugated panels to at least prevent the phase change material from leaking out
Data Source
AI summary
Thermal management systems and methods for manufacturing and using same are disclosed. Certain embodiments of the thermal management systems comprise configurations of corrugated, porous, or fibrous panels containing phase change materials within the interior of the panels. Liquid barrier layers are applied to the panels to at least keep the phase change materials from leaking out of the panels. The thermal management systems are passive systems which are able to maintain the temperature of pharmaceutical products placed within the systems within a predetermined temperature range over a predetermined period of time.