Phase Change Material Temperature Regulator for Precise 4-37°C Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature-controlled packaging systems lack the ability to precisely control temperatures within a narrow range, especially between 4 and 37 degrees Celsius, and are unable to dynamically adjust to changing ambient conditions, which is critical for the transportation of temperature-sensitive items like organs for transplantation.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic temperature regulating device using a combination of phase change materials (PCMs) with different melting temperatures as heat sources and sinks, along with a control system, to maintain or adjust temperatures within a target range without an external power source, allowing for precise temperature control between 4 and 37 degrees Celsius.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If passive TCP systems use refrigerants and insulated packaging alone, then the system structure is simple, but the system cannot precisely control temperature within a narrow range (4-37°C) and lacks dynamic adjustment capability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change materials (PCMs) with different melting temperatures to provide dynamic thermal regulation. By selecting PCMs with specific phase change temperatures within the 4-37°C range, the system can precisely control and maintain temperature at desired setpoints, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and precise temperature control capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent exploits the phase transition properties of PCMs to provide isothermal heat storage and release. When PCMs undergo phase change (solid-liquid transition), they absorb or release latent heat at constant temperature, enabling precise temperature maintenance within narrow ranges without complex active control systems
2Measurement precision
If active TCP systems use a power source to maintain temperature, then temperature control precision is improved, but the device requires large battery packs with safety concerns and logistical issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive TCP systems that self-regulate temperature through the inherent phase change properties of PCMs. The system automatically absorbs excess heat during phase transition without requiring external power sources, eliminating the need for large battery packs while maintaining precise temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
PCMs provide automatic temperature regulation through phase change, absorbing heat when temperature rises and releasing heat when temperature drops. This passive thermal regulation achieves precise temperature control without active heating/cooling components or power sources, resolving the weight and complexity issues
3Device complexity
If current TCP systems can only lower temperature through cooling or raise temperature through heating relative to a reference temperature, then the control mechanism is simple, but the system lacks the ability to precisely control temperature above and below the reference temperature when surrounding conditions change
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the thermal control function into multiple independent PCM modules, each with different phase change temperatures. This segmentation allows the system to provide heating (using PCMs with higher melting points) or cooling (using PCMs with lower melting points) relative to any reference temperature, enhancing adaptability while maintaining simple control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a universal TCP system that can maintain any temperature within the 4-37°C range by selecting appropriate PCMs. The same basic system architecture serves multiple temperature control functions, making the system adaptable to different surrounding conditions and product requirements without increasing complexity
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 flexible and precise temperature control over a wide range, adapting to varying conditions during transport, enhancing the viability of temperature-sensitive items and reducing organ injury by maintaining optimal storage conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamic temperature regulating device uses a combination of phase change materials (PCMs) with different melting temperatures as heat sources and sinks
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the heat source and the heat sink is a PCM (phase change material)
Implementation Method 3
The heat transfer medium is in thermal communication with and operably connected to the at least one heat source and the at least one heat sink
Data Source
AI summary
A dynamic temperature regulating device is for use in association with a temperature-controlled container. The dynamic temperature regulating device includes at least one heat source, at least one heat sink, a heat transfer medium and a control system. At least one of the heat source and the heat sink is a PCM (phase change material). The heat transfer medium is in thermal communication with and operably connected to the at least one heat source and the at least one heat sink. The control system is for controlling the selective thermal communication with the at least one heat source and with the at least one heat sink to regulate the temperature of the temperature-controlled container. A detachable PCM contained volumes includes a sealed housing, a phase change material and a heat transfer medium and functions as a PCM thermal energy storage volume.