Storage Box Cold Agent Layout for Homogeneous Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storage boxes experience significant temperature distribution issues, particularly between the top and bottom surfaces, which can lead to investigational drugs being rendered disposal if the temperature range is not maintained within the desired 2° C. to 8° C., necessitating a solution to homogenize temperature.
Innovation Solution
A storage box design incorporating a packaging member with a cold storage agent positioned closer to the outer surface than the heat transfer body, allowing for uniform temperature distribution by transferring chill from the cold storage agent to the inner space through the heat transfer body, while also allowing for convenient cooling and monitoring via a physical quantity sensor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a conventional heat insulation container is used, then the storage object can be kept in a desired temperature range, but a large temperature difference is generated between the top surface portion and bottom portion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the cold storage agent specifically at the bottom portion of the storage box rather than uniformly distributing it. This localized placement addresses the specific problem of temperature difference between top and bottom surfaces by concentrating cooling capacity where it is most needed, thereby achieving more uniform temperature distribution without requiring complete structural redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a vertical dimension consideration by placing the cold storage agent at the bottom rather than at the top or center. This dimensional repositioning exploits gravitational convection patterns and thermal stratification to improve heat distribution throughout the storage space, transforming a one-dimensional temperature gradient problem into a three-dimensional heat transfer solution
2Reliability
If the storage object is out of the temperature range at a certain place, then the storage object is made disposal, but preventing temperature distribution requires specific structural design
Solution Approach 1:
By concentrating the cold storage agent at the bottom portion, the design ensures reliable temperature control in the most critical area where temperature gradients are most severe. This localized approach prevents temperature excursions that would render storage objects disposable, achieving high reliability without requiring complex active control systems
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom-positioned cold storage agent utilizes natural convection and thermal stratification to automatically distribute cooling throughout the storage space. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for active pumps, fans, or control systems, maintaining high temperature control reliability while minimizing structural complexity
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 maintains a homogeneous temperature within the storage box, preventing temperature differences and ensuring that the contents remain within the desired temperature range, enhancing the storage conditions for investigational drugs and other temperature-sensitive items.
Implementation Method 1
a heat transfer body and a cold storage agent that are stored in the packaging member. The cold storage agent is disposed closer to an outer surface of the storage box than the heat transfer body is
Data Source
AI summary
A storage box includes a wall including: a packaging member; and a heat transfer body and a cold storage agent that are stored in the packaging member. The cold storage agent is disposed closer to an outer surface of the storage box than the heat transfer body is. Consequently, a chill from the cold storage agent spreads over the heat transfer body, and the chill is transferred to an inside of the storage box through the heat transfer body. Thus, a temperature can be more homogeneously maintained in the storage box.