Device for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing freeze dryers require numerous trial runs to find optimal temperature and pressure progressions for newly developed pharmaceutical solutions, prolonging the test phase due to their inflexible temperature control methods.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of Peltier elements between the magazine and storage space in a freeze drier allows for flexible temperature control, enabling simultaneous testing of multiple temperature progressions across different areas during a single freeze drying process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional temperature control methods are used in freeze dryers, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the test phase for new pharmaceutical solutions takes a very long time due to the need for numerous trial runs
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is divided into multiple independently controllable temperature zones using separate Peltier elements for each zone. This segmentation allows different temperature progressions to be tested simultaneously in different zones, eliminating the need for sequential trial runs and dramatically reducing the test phase duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamically adjustable temperature control through Peltier elements that can be independently programmed for each zone. This dynamic control enables flexible temperature progressions to be changed between cycles and allows simultaneous testing of multiple temperature profiles, making the system highly adaptable to different pharmaceutical solutions.
2Productivity
If multiple temperature progressions are tested sequentially in conventional freeze dryers, then the control system remains simple, but the productivity is reduced due to the extended test phase
Solution Approach 1:
The storage space is divided into multiple independently controllable temperature zones using separate Peltier elements for each zone. This segmentation allows different temperature progressions to be tested simultaneously in different zones, eliminating the need for sequential trial runs and dramatically reducing the test phase duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes temperature parameters dynamically in each zone independently through programmable Peltier elements. This allows multiple temperature progressions to be tested simultaneously by varying parameters (temperature, time profile) in different zones without increasing physical system complexity, thereby improving productivity.
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
Significantly shortens the test phase by allowing for precise and efficient temperature control of products, reducing the number of test runs needed to determine the optimal temperature progression for pharmaceutical solutions.
Implementation Method 1
at least one Peltier element is provided in a device for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen
Data Source
AI summary
A device for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen during a freeze drying process includes a plurality of Peltier elements and at least one magazine including different areas for accommodating products to be frozen. The Peltier elements are separably controllable such that the different areas of the magazine are maintainable at different temperatures during a freeze drying process.