Tempering Device Storage Mat for Cylindrical Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for tempering and thawing of temperature-controlled goods in rigid containers often result in uneven thawing due to the containers shifting during the process, especially when they are not contained in bags but in elongated rigid forms like test tubes, leading to potential displacement from heating elements.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a storage mat with elongated receptacles and openings to securely hold cylindrical containers, allowing direct contact with heating elements and incorporating a flexible material to prevent slipping, along with a mechanically movable actuating element to facilitate movement and maintain container stability during the thawing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If rigid containers are placed directly on a flat heating surface, then heat transfer is efficient, but the containers shift and move to edges during the thawing process, causing uneven thawing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible storage mat made of elastomeric material that conforms to the curved bottom surface of the storage chamber. This flexible mat securely holds rigid containers in place while allowing thermal contact, preventing containers from shifting to edges during thawing while maintaining effective heat transfer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a flat heating surface to a curved bottom surface that matches the container geometry. The storage mat is formed to conform to this curved surface, creating optimal contact in three-dimensional space rather than relying on flat surface contact, thereby improving both stability and heat transfer efficiency.
2Reliability
If a rigid support structure is used to hold containers, then container position is stable, but heat transfer efficiency decreases due to poor thermal contact
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible storage mat made of elastomeric material provides both mechanical support for stable container positioning and maintains intimate thermal contact with the curved heating surface, eliminating the trade-off between stability and heat transfer efficiency that exists with rigid structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the support structure from rigid to flexible elastomeric material. This parameter change allows the support mat to simultaneously provide mechanical stability and maintain optimal thermal contact with the heating surface throughout the thawing process.
3Temperature
If the heating element is made large to cover the entire container surface, then thawing homogeneity improves, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies heating locally at the bottom surface of the storage chamber where containers are positioned. The curved heating surface and conforming storage mat provide targeted thermal contact exactly where needed, achieving homogeneous thawing without requiring oversized heating elements that would increase device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By transitioning to a three-dimensional curved heating surface that conforms to container geometry, the patent achieves comprehensive thermal contact and homogeneous thawing using a compact heating structure, avoiding the need for large flat heating surfaces that would increase device 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
Ensures precise positioning and controlled, homogeneous thawing of temperature-controlled goods by preventing unwanted movement and enhancing heat transfer, thereby ensuring safe and efficient thawing.
Implementation Method 1
the heating element, arranged on the back side of the storage mat, can come into direct contact with the container. This improves heat transfer.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a device for tempering and thawing a product to be tempered arranged in a rigid container, the container having an openable housing containing a storage chamber for receiving the container, and a heating device comprising a planar heating element which is in operative connection with the container, wherein a storage mat for receiving the container is arranged between the planar heating element and the container.