Devices, systems and methods for controlling environmental conditions of substances
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for maintaining temperature-sensitive substances, such as drugs, are large, require external power, or need frequent user intervention, and fail to ensure uniform environmental conditions during transport and storage, particularly during power outages or when transitioning between refrigerated and non-refrigerated environments.
Innovation Solution
A portable environmental control assembly with a deformable enclosure containing phase change materials (PCMs) and thermal insulation, which self-recharges and maintains uniform temperature without external power, using a combination of bulk and microencapsulated PCMs to regulate temperature within a predetermined range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice packs are used to cool drugs during transport, then cooling effect is achieved, but the drugs may freeze and degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses phase change materials with specific transition temperatures (e.g., 0°C to 8°C range) to maintain drugs within safe temperature boundaries, preventing both overheating and freezing by carefully selecting PCM properties that match drug storage requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase change materials that absorb and release heat during phase transitions (solid-liquid or liquid-gas), providing passive temperature regulation during transport without requiring external power sources, thus maintaining drug temperature stability
2Temperature
If existing environmental control apparatuses are used, then temperature control is maintained, but the devices are large and require external power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-regulating thermal systems using phase change materials that automatically absorb excess heat when temperature rises and release heat when temperature drops, eliminating the need for external power sources, sensors, or active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical refrigeration systems (compressors, condensers, expanders) with passive phase change material-based thermal regulation, dramatically simplifying device architecture and eliminating power requirements
3Temperature
If ice packs make direct contact with drugs, then cooling efficiency is improved, but the drugs may freeze and degrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully selects phase change materials with transition temperatures specifically matched to drug storage requirements (e.g., maintaining 2°C to 8°C for refrigerated drugs), ensuring efficient cooling while preventing temperatures that would cause freezing
4Temperature
If conventional cooling methods are used during power outages, then cooling is maintained, but user intervention is required frequently
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs passive phase change material systems that automatically regulate temperature without user intervention, using the PCM's inherent ability to absorb and release heat during phase transitions to maintain drug temperature stability during power outages and transport
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 assembly effectively maintains substances at desired temperatures for extended periods, including during transport and power outages, without user intervention, ensuring temperature stability and preventing degradation.
Implementation Method 1
A portable environmental control assembly with a deformable enclosure containing phase change materials (PCMs)... to regulate temperature within a predetermined range
Implementation Method 2
containing phase change materials (PCMs) and thermal insulation, which self-recharges and maintains uniform temperature
Implementation Method 3
A portable environmental control assembly with a deformable enclosure containing phase change materials (PCMs) and thermal insulation
Data Source
AI summary
An environmental control assembly for controlling at least one environmental condition of one or more substances, the one or more substances being uncontained or contained within a substance container, the assembly comprising a first enclosure comprising a thermal insulator configured to provide a thermal shield to the substance, a second enclosure comprising at least one deformable environmental control material configured to regulate at least one environmental condition of the substance, wherein the second enclosure at least partially physically contacts with at least one of the substance and the substance container, and a housing at least partially comprising the first enclosure and the second enclosure.