Portable active temperature controlled container comprising a cool sink

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current active temperature controlled containers face limitations in efficiently increasing the temperature of temperature-sensitive cargo beyond ambient levels, particularly in maintaining precise temperature control for sensitive goods during transport and storage.

Innovation Solution

A portable active temperature controlled container is designed with a thermoelectric assembly, a thermally conductive resistor spacer block, and resistors, which operate without a fan and vent, achieving a temperature differential of less than 13°C and maintaining temperatures within ±0.3°C of a target temperature of 38.5°C, with a coefficient of performance greater than or equal to 100% during 80% of operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If conventional active temperature controlled containers use thermoelectric assemblies to increase cargo temperature above ambient levels, then temperature control capability is improved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecargo temperature controlVSAvoidcontainer structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the fan and vent components from conventional active temperature controlled containers. By removing these mechanical parts, the design achieves passive heat dissipation through the container walls, significantly reducing device complexity while maintaining temperature control capability above ambient levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The container is designed to dissipate heat passively through its walls without requiring active mechanical systems. The thermoelectric assembly works in conjunction with the container's thermal properties to automatically regulate temperature, eliminating the need for fans and complex control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Temperature

If conventional active temperature controlled containers include fans and vents for heat dissipation, then thermal management is improved, but weight and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheat dissipation efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes fans and vents from the container design, eliminating the weight associated with these mechanical components. The thermal management function is achieved passively through the container's wall structure and the thermoelectric assembly's operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical fan-based active cooling system with a passive thermal management approach. The thermoelectric assembly, when operated in reverse (as a heater), allows the container to dissipate excess heat through its walls without requiring mechanical air movement, significantly reducing weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If conventional active temperature controlled containers use large temperature differentials across thermoelectric assemblies, then heating capability is improved, but energy efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating powerVSAvoidenergy efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent optimizes the operating parameters of the thermoelectric assembly by maintaining a temperature differential of less than 13°C across it. This parameter optimization achieves a coefficient of performance (COP) greater than or equal to 100% during at least 80% of operation, significantly improving energy efficiency while maintaining adequate heating capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides efficient and precise temperature control for temperature-sensitive goods, enhancing the transportability and storage of sensitive materials like biological samples, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals by maintaining optimal temperature conditions with improved energy efficiency and reduced weight and size.

Implementation Method 1

Active temperature controlled containers can comprise a number of thermocouples to actively apply the Peltier effect to advantageously transport heat within an iso-thermal transport system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

at least one resistor coupled to the resistor spacer block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS11592218B2Portable active temperature controlled container comprising a cool sink

Publication Date: 2023.02.28 AMBASSADOR ASSET MANAGEMENT LIMITED PARTNERSHIP

AI summary

An active temperature controlled container is configured to be portable so as to safely transport temperature sensitive and perishable goods (such as biological material): within a vessel that is thermally coupled to a thermoelectric assembly disposed within the container, where the thermal engine is powered by a power source, such as a battery. The thermoelectric assembly may include one or more resistors coupled to a resistor spacer block to act as a cool sink by actively and passively increasing the efficiency of the thermoelectric assembly.