Thermally-Conductive Pellets for Microbial Control in Thermal Baths
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water baths in thermal systems pose risks of microbial contamination, require high maintenance, and are impractical due to moisture issues, stability problems, and limited portability, while dry thermal bath media face challenges in bioburden minimization and optimal support.
Innovation Solution
Thermally-conductive particulate media, such as smooth, oblong pellets made of materials like aluminum, silver, or copper, that are moisture and gas impermeable, providing stable temperature control and easy insertion of vessels, with optional antimicrobial coatings for reduced microbial growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If water baths are used for thermal control, then temperature control capability is achieved, but microbial contamination risk increases and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the thermal medium from liquid (water) to solid particulate material. This fundamental parameter change eliminates the microbial contamination issues inherent to liquid water baths while maintaining thermal control capabilities through the solid particulate medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable absorbent pads that can be discarded after single or limited use. This eliminates the need for repeated cleaning and sterilization of reusable water baths, thereby reducing microbial contamination risk and maintenance requirements while providing effective thermal control during the operational period.
2Temperature
If water baths are used for thermal control, then temperature control capability is achieved, but maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable absorbent pads that can be discarded after single or limited use. This eliminates the need for repeated cleaning and sterilization of reusable water baths, thereby reducing microbial contamination risk and maintenance requirements while providing effective thermal control during the operational period.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbent pads automatically absorb excess moisture and maintain optimal thermal conditions without requiring user intervention for cleaning or maintenance. The pads self-regulate the thermal environment, eliminating the manual maintenance burden associated with traditional water baths.
3Temperature
If water baths are used for thermal control, then temperature control capability is achieved, but stability and portability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter of the thermal medium from liquid (water) to solid particulate material. This fundamental parameter change eliminates the microbial contamination issues inherent to liquid water baths while maintaining thermal control capabilities through the solid particulate medium.
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 thermally-conductive particulate media effectively maintains constant temperatures, reduces contamination risks, and offers improved stability and ease of use compared to traditional water baths, while being resistant to microbial growth and easy to maintain.
Implementation Method 1
Thermally-conductive particulate media, such as smooth, oblong pellets made of materials like aluminum, silver, or copper
Data Source
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AI summary
Thermal bath media, which can be used to replace conventional wet media or dry solid blocks used in existing thermal baths for heating or cooling samples that impart advantageous maintenance and microbial control benefits. Thermally-conductive pellets have substantially elliptical shape, rounded edges, hardened surface, and a smooth polished finish. The small size of the thermally-conductive pellets allow for efficient thermal communication between pellets and samples. The thermally-conductive pellets may comprise a solid or hollow construction of a sufficiently thermally-conductive material with or without an antimicrobial barrier incorporated into or onto the pellets.