Thermal Buffer Chamber for Stable Temperature Probe Readings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature fluctuations in temperature-controlled environments, such as vaccine refrigerators and freezers, cause inaccurate temperature readings due to sudden environmental changes, leading to false alarms and the need for improved buffering solutions.
Innovation Solution
A temperature buffering device with a thermally conductive body and air-filled chamber to dampen transient temperature fluctuations, using a probe holder to stabilize temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a liquid buffer (glycol or water) is used to damp temperature fluctuations, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but maintenance complexity increases due to cleaning and replacement requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid buffer system with a solid aluminum buffer block. This substitution eliminates the maintenance issues associated with liquid buffers (cleaning, spilling, evaporation) while maintaining the thermal buffering function. The solid aluminum block provides the same temperature damping effect without requiring periodic maintenance or cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum buffer block is designed as a durable, long-lasting component that does not require replacement like liquid buffers. It provides sustained buffering capability over time without degradation, eliminating the need for periodic replacement and reducing long-term maintenance costs.
2Measurement precision
If a liquid buffer is used to damp temperature fluctuations, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential leakage and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the liquid buffer system with a solid aluminum buffer block. This substitution eliminates the reliability issues associated with liquid buffers (leakage, contamination, evaporation) while maintaining the thermal buffering function. The solid aluminum block provides a sealed, contamination-free solution that enhances system reliability.
3Measurement precision
If an aluminum buffer block with a hole is used, then temperature measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases compared to simple liquid containers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the temperature probe holder directly into the aluminum buffer block structure. The probe holder is formed as an integral part of the buffer block, eliminating separate components and assembly steps. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the buffering and measurement functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The aluminum buffer block serves multiple functions: it provides thermal buffering, houses the temperature probe, and maintains structural integrity. The integrated design combines what would otherwise be separate components (buffer material and probe mounting structure) into a single universal element, reducing overall system complexity.
4Use of energy by moving object
If the inner diameter of the chamber is much larger than the sidewall thickness, then heat transfer efficiency is improved, but structural strength decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the geometric parameters of the aluminum buffer block, specifically the ratio of inner chamber diameter to sidewall thickness. By carefully selecting these parameters, the design achieves optimal heat transfer efficiency while maintaining sufficient structural strength. The parameters are tuned to balance thermal performance and mechanical integrity.
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 device provides accurate temperature readings by minimizing fluctuations, eliminating maintenance issues associated with liquid buffers, and ensuring longevity and ease of cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
The body is made of thermally conductive material, and an inner diameter of the chamber is greater than a thickness of the sidewall. The air in the chamber and the body are configured to function as a buffer to damp the temperature fluctuation.
Implementation Method 2
The air in the chamber and the body are configured to function as a buffer to damp the temperature fluctuation.
Implementation Method 3
The body is made of metal, and the bottom wall is removably coupled to the sidewall. The fluid medium received in the chamber and the body are served as buffering mediums to damp the temperature fluctuation.
Implementation Method 4
The fluid medium received in the chamber and the body are served as buffering mediums to damp the temperature fluctuation.
Implementation Method 5
The body is made of thermally conductive material; and the fluid medium received in the chamber and the body are configured such that the fluid medium and the body function together to damp transient temperature fluctuations.
Data Source
AI summary
A temperature buffering device is provided for damping a temperature fluctuation measured by a temperature probe in a temperature-controlled environment. The temperature buffering device includes a body having a top wall, a sidewall and a bottom wall, and a chamber is formed by the top wall, the sidewall and the bottom wall form a chamber; a first probe holder positioned on the top wall and adapted to receive a first temperature probe; and a second probe holder positioned on the top wall and adapted to receive a second temperature probe. The body is made of thermally conductive material, and an inner diameter of the chamber is greater than a thickness of the sidewall. The air in the chamber and the body are configured to function as a buffer to damp the temperature fluctuation.