Cooling device and methods of forming and regenerating same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dry ice, used for cooling perishable products, poses safety risks due to handling burns and outgassing hazards, and is inefficient as it sublimes and is a non-reusable, costly cooling agent, especially in confined spaces like airplane galleys.
Innovation Solution
A cooling device comprising a porous substrate soaked in anti-freeze and crosslinking agents, then exposed to UV irradiation and sealed with a substrate cover, which can be repeatedly cooled to maintain low temperatures without sublimation, reducing safety risks and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If dry ice is used for cooling perishable products, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but safety risks increase due to handling burns and outgassing hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous substrate impregnated with anti-freeze composition as an intermediary between the cooling system and the perishable products. This substrate can be cooled to very low temperatures and maintain them without the safety hazards of dry ice, as it does not sublime and can be handled without special protection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the cooling medium by using a porous substrate impregnated with anti-freeze composition that can be cooled to sub-zero temperatures and maintained at those temperatures through phase change, eliminating the sublimation issue of dry ice while maintaining cooling effectiveness
2Temperature
If dry ice is used as a cooling agent, then cooling performance is improved, but cost efficiency deteriorates due to non-reusability and frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the cooling substrate by providing a regenerating system that can re-cool the porous substrate after it has been used. The substrate can be removed from the insulated container, regenerated in a cooling chamber, and reused multiple times, eliminating the need for continuous purchase and disposal of dry ice
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-sufficient by incorporating a regenerating cooling chamber that can re-cool the porous substrate without requiring external dry ice supplies. The substrate serves itself by being regenerated in situ, reducing dependency on external cooling agents
3Temperature
If dry ice is used in confined spaces, then cooling effectiveness is improved, but harmful gas accumulation increases causing hypercapnia
Solution Approach 1:
The porous substrate impregnated with anti-freeze composition serves as a safe intermediary cooling medium that does not produce harmful gases. It can be cooled to very low temperatures and used in confined spaces without the risk of carbon dioxide accumulation and hypercapnia associated with dry ice sublimation
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 a safe, cost-effective, and efficient cooling method with enhanced latent heat transfer, eliminating the need for frequent replacement and reducing carbon dioxide outgassing hazards, making it suitable for large-scale users like the airline industry.
Implementation Method 1
a porous substrate that has been soaked in a composition including at least one anti-freeze agent
Implementation Method 2
being exposed to UV irradiation
Implementation Method 3
wherein said cooling device is cooled to a desired temperature prior to use
Implementation Method 4
the cooling device by, among other things, being rapidly cooled has a greater latent heat transfer than conventional dry ice
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention concerns a cooling device and method of forming and regenerating same for use in keeping perishable products cool. The cooling device includes a porous substrate that has been soaked in a first composition including at least one anti-freeze agent before being soaked in a second composition including at least one crosslinking agent and be exposed to UV irradiation. The cooling device further includes a substrate cover for sealingly covering the porous substrate after being soaked in the second composition and exposed to the UV irradiation. Prior to use, the cooling device is cooled to a desired temperature and exposed to further UV irradiation.