Device for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing freeze dryers require numerous test runs to determine the optimal temperature and pressure profile for newly developed pharmaceutical solutions, significantly prolonging the test phase due to their inflexible temperature control methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating at least one Peltier element between the magazine and the setting plate in a freeze dryer allows for flexible temperature control of frozen goods, enabling multiple temperature curves to be tested during a single freeze-drying process by selectively assigning Peltier elements to different areas of the magazine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional temperature-controlled media (silicone oil) are used in freeze dryers, then the temperature control is stable and reliable, but the temperature profiles are inflexible and require numerous test runs to optimize
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by replacing the conventional silicone oil temperature-controlled medium with Peltier elements that can rapidly adjust temperature parameters. This allows the system to change from stable but inflexible temperature control to flexible and rapidly adjustable temperature profiles, eliminating the need for numerous test runs while maintaining reliable temperature control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical circulation system of silicone oil with solid-state Peltier elements. This replacement eliminates the need for fluid circulation pumps and heat exchangers, enabling direct and rapid temperature adjustment at the shelf level. The substitution provides both the flexibility to create multiple temperature profiles and the reliability of solid-state temperature control.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple test runs are conducted to find optimal temperature profiles, then the best freeze-drying parameters are identified, but the development time is significantly prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamics into the temperature control system by using Peltier elements that can rapidly and precisely adjust temperature profiles during the freeze-drying process. This dynamic control capability allows multiple temperature curves to be tested within a single run, enabling rapid identification of optimal freeze-drying parameters without prolonging the development time through repeated test runs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables rapid parameter changes by using Peltier elements that can quickly modify temperature settings during the freeze-drying process. This allows the optimization of freeze-drying parameters to be achieved within a single test run rather than requiring multiple runs, significantly reducing development time while maintaining precise parameter control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single temperature profile is used for all frozen goods, then the system is simple to operate, but different pharmaceutical solutions cannot be optimized individually
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the temperature control system into independent Peltier elements for each shelf or receiving area. This segmentation allows each pharmaceutical solution to receive its own optimized temperature profile independently, while the modular structure of individual Peltier elements keeps the overall system design simple and manageable, avoiding the complexity of a fully integrated control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by enabling different temperature profiles to be applied to different shelves or receiving areas simultaneously. Each local area can be optimized for specific pharmaceutical solutions while maintaining a simple overall system architecture. The Peltier elements provide localized temperature control without requiring complex system-wide reconfiguration.
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 approach significantly reduces the test phase for freeze-drying processes, allowing for more efficient testing of pharmaceutical solutions by enabling rapid temperature adjustments and reducing the number of necessary test runs to find the optimal temperature profile.
Implementation Method 1
The invention is based on the use of at least one Peltier element (3)
Implementation Method 2
primary drying, in which the ice of the frozen product, for example pharmaceutical solvent, is sublimated
Implementation Method 3
The setting plate has channels in which a temperature-controlled medium, such as silicone oil, circulates
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen during a freeze drying process. Said device (1) is characterised in that it contains at least one Peltier element (3).