Phase Transition Temperature Indicator for Cryogenic Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current temperature monitoring systems for temperature-sensitive items, such as biological samples and perishables, lack a reliable and permanent machine-readable indication of temperature limit violations, leading to potential human error, tampering risks, and inaccurate data recording, especially in ultra-cold and cryogenic conditions.
Innovation Solution
A device with a sensor that changes its state permanently upon temperature limit violation, featuring a reservoir with a fluid that changes phase and a channel for fluid flow, allowing for machine-readable indication, and includes a barrier that prevents fluid flow until activation, ensuring a permanent and accurate record of temperature excursions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If temperature loggers are used to monitor temperature, then temperature data can be recorded, but the data is not permanent and can be tampered with or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition materials that change state (e.g., from solid to liquid) when temperature limits are exceeded. This phase change creates a permanent, irreversible physical transformation that serves as tamper-proof evidence of temperature violation, directly addressing the need for permanent and reliable temperature monitoring records.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces electronic data storage systems with a mechanical/physical indication system based on phase transition. Instead of relying on electronic memory that can be corrupted or tampered with, the system uses irreversible physical state changes that provide inherent permanence and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If temperature loggers are removed from items for data interrogation, then data can be read, but items may be exposed to ambient temperatures that render them unviable
Solution Approach 1:
The temperature indicator device is designed to be self-indicating through visible phase change. The indicator itself displays the temperature history without requiring external interrogation equipment or removal from the storage environment, allowing continuous monitoring while maintaining item viability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes color-changing materials that visually indicate temperature violations. This visual feedback mechanism allows operators to assess temperature status at a glance without removing devices or complex interrogation, balancing ease of operation with item protection.
3Device complexity
If temperature loggers are not in close contact with items, then device size is reduced, but false negative indications occur during short temperature excursions
Solution Approach 1:
The phase transition indicator responds directly to temperature changes through physical state change, which occurs rapidly and uniformly. This mechanism eliminates the response delay and spatial lag issues of electronic sensors, providing accurate detection even during brief temperature excursions without requiring complex placement configurations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If electronic temperature loggers are used, then temperature readings can be taken, but they cannot be used for ultra-cold or cryogenic conditions below -40°C
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs phase transition materials specifically selected for ultra-cold and cryogenic applications. These materials undergo state changes at temperatures below -40°C, enabling reliable temperature indication in extreme cold conditions where electronic loggers fail, thus expanding the adaptable temperature range while maintaining reliability.
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 device provides a reliable, permanent, and machine-readable indication of temperature limit violations, reducing human error and ensuring accurate monitoring of temperature-sensitive items throughout storage, processing, and transportation, even in ultra-cold conditions, with the ability to detect the extent and duration of temperature excursions.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor configured to change its state permanently when the temperature limit is violated, the sensor including: a reservoir for storing a fluid that changes phase from a solid to a liquid when the temperature limit is violated
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for indicating violation of a temperature limit of an item is provided. The device is positionable near the item and includes a sensor configured to change its state permanently when the temperature limit is violated. The change in sensor state is machine-readable to provide a permanent indication of the temperature limit violation. The sensor includes a reservoir for storing a fluid that changes phase from a solid to a liquid when the temperature limit is violated and a channel in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving flow of the fluid in liquid phase from the reservoir. The sensor is arranged to allow flow of the fluid in the liquid phase such that the state of the sensor is permanently changed. The sensor is further configured to prevent the fluid flow from permanently changing the sensor state until activation of the sensor from a resting state. A system and method for detecting violation of a temperature limit of an item using the device is also provided.