Temperature-controlled container systems for use within a refrigeration device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional refrigeration devices fail to maintain consistent temperature control during power outages or intermittent electricity supply, posing risks to temperature-sensitive items like vaccines and medical samples.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-controlled container with a thermally-insulated partition and phase change material, combined with a unidirectional thermal conductor and thermal diode unit, which utilizes phase change materials to absorb and release heat, maintaining temperature stability even when the refrigeration device is not operational.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional refrigeration devices are used, then cooling function is provided during normal operation, but temperature control fails during power outages or intermittent electricity supply
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change material is pre-cooled to a predetermined temperature before power outage occurs. The thermal energy storage unit stores cooling capacity in advance, which is then released during power outages to maintain temperature control without requiring active energy input at the critical moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effect of power outage (loss of active cooling) into a beneficial passive cooling system. The phase change material automatically absorbs and releases thermal energy based on temperature gradients, transforming the system from active energy-dependent cooling to passive thermal management that operates independently of power supply.
2Reliability
If phase change material is added to maintain temperature during power outages, then temperature stability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage unit serves multiple functions: it acts as a heat sink during cooling phases, a thermal buffer during power outages, and a temperature stabilizer during transitions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate active cooling systems, sensors, and control mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining temperature stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase change materials that transition between solid and liquid states at specific temperatures. This phase transition mechanism provides automatic temperature regulation without requiring complex control systems - the material naturally absorbs heat during melting and releases heat during freezing, creating a passive but reliable temperature stabilization system.
3Reliability
If thermal energy storage unit is integrated into container, then ongoing temperature control is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal energy storage unit is designed as a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then integrated into the container. This segmentation allows the phase change material to be contained in a dedicated sealed unit, simplifying the manufacturing process for both the storage unit and the container, while enabling ongoing temperature control through the integrated system.
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
Ensures ongoing temperature control within a predetermined range, effectively preserving the integrity of temperature-sensitive materials during power outages or variable power supply conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a second phase change material positioned within the phase change material region
Implementation Method 2
which utilizes phase change materials to absorb and release heat
Implementation Method 3
a unidirectional thermal conductor positioned with a first end within the storage region, and a second end within the phase change material region
Implementation Method 4
a thermally-insulated partition dividing the internal region to form a storage region and a phase change material region
Data Source
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AI summary
In some embodiments, a temperature-controlled container for use within a refrigeration device includes: one or more sections of insulation material substantially defining one or more walls of a temperature-controlled container, the temperature-controlled container including an internal region; a thermally-insulated partition dividing the internal region to form a storage region and a phase change material region internal to the container, the thermally-insulated partition including a conduit between the storage region and the phase change material region; a thermal control device within the conduit; an aperture within a section of the insulation material substantially defining the container, the aperture between the phase change material region internal to the container and an external surface of the container; and a unidirectional thermal conductor positioned within the aperture, the unidirectional thermal conductor configured to transmit heat in a direction from the phase change material region to the external surface of the container.