Portable apparatus and methods using phase change materials for creating a temperature stabilized environment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Musical instruments, especially those made of wood, are prone to cracking due to exposure to extreme temperature changes, leading to costly repairs and potential damage, as existing carrying cases fail to maintain a stable temperature environment.
Innovation Solution
A carrying case with a phase change material layer and thermal insulation, designed to maintain a temperature range between 50° F. and 70° F., providing a compact and reliable solution without active thermal control or bulky insulation, and optionally includes a low emissivity layer and water-resistant fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional hard cases with fabric covers are used, then instruments are protected from shock and handling, but instruments still crack due to temperature variations during transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies phase change materials (PCMs) that undergo phase transition at specific temperatures to maintain a stable thermal environment inside the carrying case. The PCM absorbs excess heat when temperature rises and releases heat when temperature drops, preventing temperature fluctuations that cause instrument cracking while maintaining portability without active thermal control systems.
2Temperature
If active thermal control systems are added to maintain temperature stability, then temperature control is improved, but device complexity and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive thermal control through phase change materials that automatically regulate temperature without requiring external power sources, control systems, or user intervention. The PCM self-regulates temperature by absorbing and releasing latent heat during phase transitions, eliminating the need for batteries, heaters, or electronic controls while maintaining temperature stability.
3Temperature
If bulky insulation is used to maintain temperature stability, then temperature protection is improved, but portability and compactness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change materials with high latent heat capacity that provide superior thermal regulation in a thin, lightweight form factor compared to traditional bulky insulation. The PCM layers absorb and release large amounts of heat during phase transitions without requiring significant thickness, maintaining temperature stability while minimizing weight and volume for enhanced portability.
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 solution effectively delays temperature descent and maintains a stable environment for enclosed instruments, reducing the risk of cracking and damage from temperature fluctuations, while being portable and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
The PCM is designed to change phase at a temperature of between 50° F. and 70° F.
Implementation Method 2
The phase change materials and thermal insulation provide an extended period of temperature constancy
Implementation Method 3
an outer insulation layer that may also serve as a shock absorber
Data Source
AI summary
A carrying case utilizes a layer of phase change materials and a thermal insulation layer in order to provide a temperature-stabilized environment for enclosed payloads during transport through an environment in which temperatures differ greatly from those to which they are normally exposed. In one aspect, the phase change materials and thermal insulation provide an extended period of temperature constancy, without the addition of either active thermal control or excessively bulky insulation.