Temperature-Controlled Sample Tray for Calorimetry Transport

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample preparation methods for calorimetric and thermoanalytical investigations often fail to maintain controlled ambient conditions during transport from the laboratory to the measuring apparatus, which can affect the quality of the results.

Innovation Solution

A sample tray equipped with a receptacle and heat transport means, such as a Peltier cooler, to control the sample temperature and ambient conditions, allowing precise temperature management and gas control during transport and insertion into the furnace.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If samples are prepared and transported under ambient laboratory conditions, then the preparation process is simple and quick, but the temperature and ambient conditions of the sample cannot be controlled during transport to the measuring apparatus

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample temperatureVSAvoidsample tray structure

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sample tray comprises a receptacle with an inner tray space nested within it, creating a compact hierarchical structure. The Peltier cooler is integrated within the receptacle, and the lid encloses the entire assembly, forming nested layers that maximize space utilization while maintaining temperature control functionality during transport.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The Peltier cooler acts as an intermediary device between the sample and the external environment, actively controlling heat transfer to maintain the sample at the desired temperature during transport. The lid serves as an intermediary barrier that isolates the inner tray space from ambient conditions while allowing controlled gas exchange through openings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If samples are transported quickly to minimize time exposure to ambient conditions, then the transport duration is reduced, but manual handling increases the risk of temperature fluctuations and contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveambient condition controlVSAvoidsample transport operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sample tray is pre-assembled with the sample, lid, and Peltier cooler in a controlled manner before transport begins. The Peltier cooler is pre-positioned to make thermal contact with the sample, and the lid is pre-configured with appropriate openings for gas exchange. This preliminary preparation ensures that temperature control and ambient condition management are immediately effective when transport starts, reducing the risk of fluctuations during handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the receptacle is designed to accommodate multiple samples, then the productivity of the measuring apparatus is improved, but the temperature control precision for each individual sample may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesamples per transport cycleVSAvoidtemperature control precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The inner tray space is segmented into multiple compartments or positions, each capable of accommodating an individual sample. The Peltier cooler is positioned to provide thermal contact with multiple samples simultaneously, ensuring that each sample receives adequate temperature control despite the multi-sample capacity. This segmentation allows parallel processing of multiple samples while maintaining individual temperature management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables samples to be maintained at controlled temperatures and ambient conditions, improving the accuracy and reliability of calorimetric and thermoanalytical investigations by minimizing environmental interference during transport and insertion.

Implementation Method 1

said heat transport means may comprise a thermo-electrical Peltier cooler arranged within said inner tray space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

The heat transport means may comprise a heat exchanger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Implementation Method 3

a heat transfer medium circulating in a circuit that extends between said inner tray space and said outer side of the receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12589395B2Sample tray and apparatus for calorimetric or thermoanalytical investigation comprising said sample tray

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 METTLER TOLEDO GMBH

AI summary

The present invention is generally related to a sample tray for holding a sample of a material ready for a calorimetric or a thermoanalytical investigation and to an apparatus for a calorimetric or a thermoanalytical investigation comprising a calorimetric or a thermoanalytical measuring apparatus and said sample tray associated therewith. The sample tray includes a receptacle adapted to enclose an inner tray space for accommodating the sample and a heat transport means for causing heat to flow between the inner tray space and an outer side of the receptacle.