Self-Regulating Temperature Regulator with Phase Change Pouch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic tools face challenges in maintaining stable temperatures for biochemical reactions, particularly in non-laboratory settings, which can lead to inaccurate or ineffective test results.
Innovation Solution
A temperature regulation system utilizing a self-regulating heat source and a phase change material within an expandable pouch, which maintains a stable temperature by expanding to restrict air access to the heat source, thereby controlling the heating duration and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If an exothermic heat source is used to heat the biochemical reaction device, then the reaction temperature can be reached, but the temperature becomes difficult to control and may exceed the optimal range
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor at 100°C as a thermal buffer. When the exothermic heat source raises the temperature to 100°C, water begins to evaporate, absorbing excess heat and preventing the temperature from rising further. This phase change acts as a natural thermostat, maintaining the temperature within the optimal 60-70°C range for LAMP/RT-LAMP reactions throughout the heating process.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the heat source is activated for a long duration to maintain temperature, then the reaction can complete, but the heat source may deplete oxygen and fail to sustain the required temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a mechanical feedback mechanism where the expanding pouch, filled with water, responds to temperature changes by altering the air gap distance. As the heat source activates and temperature rises, water evaporates and the pouch expands, reducing the air gap and thereby reducing oxygen supply to the heat source. This automatically modulates the heating rate to match the reaction's thermal needs, preventing oxygen depletion while maintaining temperature.
3Productivity
If the heat source is placed close to the reaction device for efficient heating, then heating efficiency improves, but temperature control becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic spacing mechanism where the distance between the heat source and reaction device is not fixed but changes automatically. The pouch filled with water expands or contracts based on temperature, dynamically adjusting the air gap distance. This allows the system to maintain optimal heating efficiency when needed while preventing temperature runaway, as the expanding pouch naturally increases the distance and reduces heat transfer when temperature approaches the optimal range.
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 a stable temperature for biochemical reactions, such as LAMP and RT-LAMP, over an extended period, even in remote or non-laboratory settings, ensuring accurate and reliable diagnostic results.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid/gas phase change material is disposed within the inner cavity. When a heat source is activated, the phase change material can begin to change from liquid to gas and cause the pouch to expand. While the phase change material undergoes phase change, the temperature within the sealed pouch will be maintained at or close to the boiling point
Implementation Method 2
the phase change material can begin to change from liquid to gas and cause the pouch to expand. The pouch expands when the heat source is activated, causing the pouch to move the heat source towards the interior surface of the housing, thereby constricting the air gap
Implementation Method 3
the heat source is an electronic heater or an exothermic reaction device
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure is directed to a self-regulating temperature regulation system and related methods for regulating temperature during a biochemical reaction. The temperature regulation system includes: an expandable pouch comprising an inner cavity and a phase change material disposed within the inner cavity; a heat source comprising a pouch-facing side and an air-facing side, the pouch-facing side being in thermal contact with the pouch, the heat source being configured to generate heat upon activation and exposure to air and to cause phase change from liquid to gas of at least a portion of the phase change material; and a housing surrounding the heat source and pouch, the housing defining an air gap between the air-facing side of the heat source and an interior surface of the housing. The pouch is configured to expand as gas is generated within the inner cavity, thereby reducing the air gap and regulating air access to the heat source.