Storage system and method for storing and transporting medicament
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drug transportation methods, particularly via air and ocean freight, fail to maintain sub-zero temperatures during loading, unloading, and power-out situations, risking drug efficacy due to exposure to hazardous temperatures.
Innovation Solution
A storage system combining passive and active cooling systems, utilizing phase change materials and active refrigeration units to maintain sub-zero temperatures, ensuring drug stability during extended transit times and power outages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If passive cooling systems are used for drug transportation, then shipping costs are reduced and loading/unloading speed is improved, but the drug may be exposed to hazardous temperatures during extended transitions when cooling is unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-cools the container using the active cooling system before transitioning to passive cooling mode. This preliminary action ensures that the phase change material is properly activated and the container reaches the desired temperature range before the active system is disconnected, providing a buffer during transition periods when electrical power is unavailable.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that transition between solid and liquid states at specific temperatures relevant to drug storage. During the phase transition, the PCM absorbs or releases latent heat, maintaining a relatively constant temperature environment for the drug even when external conditions fluctuate, thereby extending the effective duration of passive cooling.
2Reliability
If active cooling systems are used continuously, then temperature control reliability is improved, but the system becomes dependent on continuous electrical power availability
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between active and passive cooling modes based on power availability and operational needs. The active cooling system operates when electrical power is available to maintain precise temperature control, while the passive cooling system with phase change materials takes over when power is unavailable, providing operational flexibility and adaptability to varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is designed with dual cooling capabilities, making it universally applicable in both powered and unpowered environments. The active cooling system provides precise temperature control when available, while the integrated passive cooling system with phase change materials provides backup temperature maintenance, allowing the same container to operate reliably in diverse logistical scenarios.
3Use of energy by moving object
If passive cooling is used during extended transitions, then power consumption is reduced, but the cooling duration may be insufficient for long transit times
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials are selected and sized to provide cooling duration sufficient for extended transit times. As the PCM undergoes phase transition from solid to liquid (or vice versa), it absorbs or releases large amounts of latent heat over an extended period, maintaining the desired temperature range throughout the entire passive cooling duration without requiring additional energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive cooling system employs composite structures combining phase change materials with insulating materials. The insulating layer reduces heat transfer between the container interior and exterior environment, slowing down the rate at which the phase change material transitions and extending the effective cooling duration, while the PCM provides the primary cooling effect with minimal energy consumption.
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 system effectively maintains drug temperatures below melting points for extended periods, even during power outages and loading/unloading, ensuring drug integrity and efficacy upon arrival.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one passive cooling system is disposed within the container and includes a phase change material
Implementation Method 2
The phase change material is transitionable between a solid state and a liquid state
Data Source
AI summary
A storage system for storing a drug includes a container, at least one passive cooling system, and an active cooling system. The container includes an interior volume to accommodate at least one drug. The at least one passive cooling system is disposed within the container and includes a phase change material. The active cooling system is operably coupled with the container and, when in an operational mode, maintains a desired temperature within the interior volume of the container.