Thermal Separator Apparatus for Flask Stirrer Temperature Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to tightly control the environmental conditions, particularly temperature, in cell cultures, leading to suboptimal growth and drug production when using CHO and E. coli cultures in flasks.
Innovation Solution
A thermal separator apparatus with air gaps and standoffs made from low thermal conductivity materials, such as polyoxymethylene, is used to isolate flasks from stirrer bases, allowing air circulation and reducing heat transfer, thereby maintaining precise temperature control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If flasks are placed directly on stirrer bases for automatic stirring, then stirring function is achieved, but temperature control deteriorates due to heat transfer from the stirrer base
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal separator apparatus is introduced as an intermediary component between the flask and the stirrer base. This separator includes standoffs that create air gaps and thermally insulating material that blocks heat conduction paths, allowing the flask to be stirred automatically while preventing heat transfer from the stirrer base, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and temperature control
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure is segmented into multiple components: standoffs positioned at specific locations around the flask base, air gaps created between the flask and stirrer base, and thermally insulating material placed strategically. This segmentation creates multiple thermal barriers that collectively prevent heat transfer while maintaining the stirring function
2Stability of the object's composition
If flasks are placed inside an incubator for temperature control, then temperature stability is improved, but heat transfer from external stirrer bases becomes a problem
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal separator apparatus serves as a mediator that protects the flask from harmful heat transfer originating from the stirrer base, even when the flask is inside an incubator. The insulating material and air gaps create thermal barriers that prevent external heat sources from affecting the culture temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal separator is positioned in advance between the flask and potential heat sources (stirrer base and incubator walls) to preemptively block heat transfer paths before significant heat conduction can occur, thereby maintaining temperature stability
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 thermal separator apparatus enhances temperature control in cell cultures by inhibiting heat transfer through conduction, convection, and radiation, improving the stability of environmental conditions and promoting optimal growth and production.
Implementation Method 1
a first air gap between the stand and the flask stirrer base that allows air to flow straight through the first air gap
Implementation Method 2
The stand and or the first standoffs may include a material having a thermal conductively no higher than about 0.37 W/m·k
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems and methods for thermally separating a flask and the base of an automatic flask stirring device. A thermal separator apparatus may be provided with a stand and a plurality of first standoffs. The stand may have a top surface configured to support a flask containing a substance to be stirred by a flask stirrer. The first standoffs may be located between the stand and a flask stirrer base, thereby creating a first air gap between the stand and the flask stirrer base. In some embodiments, the first air gap allows air to flow straight through the first air gap in a first direction.