Thermo-Conductive Stand for Stable Lab Device Temperature Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for temperature control in biotechnical laboratories using ice or water baths are unstable, prone to temperature fluctuations, and require frequent ice replenishment, leading to issues with device stability and even temperature maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A portable temperature transfer device with a thermo-conductive base and stage allows for stable placement of laboratory devices, using thermal energy transfer to maintain temperature equilibrium with ice or water without submersion risks, constructed from materials like aluminum for efficient heat exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If direct contact with ice or water is used to control temperature, then thermal contact is achieved, but device stability deteriorates due to melting ice forming slurry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermally conductive stand as an intermediary between the ice/water thermal medium and the laboratory device. The stand's base contacts the thermal medium while its stage supports the device, preventing direct submersion in melting ice slurry while maintaining thermal contact through the conductive material.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is segmented into distinct functional parts: a base for thermal contact with the ice medium, a stage for supporting the laboratory device, and holes for vessel placement. This segmentation allows the thermal contact function to be separated from the device support function, enabling stable device placement while maintaining effective heat transfer.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If prolonged contact with melting ice is maintained, then temperature control continues, but harmful effects increase due to device submersion in slurry
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive stand serves as a mediator that extends the duration of effective temperature control by preventing device submersion. The stand's structure allows prolonged operation with melting ice while the stage keeps the device elevated above the slurry, eliminating the harmful submersion effect that would otherwise limit operation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The stand design anticipates the harmful effect of melting ice by providing a protective barrier (the stage) that prevents device submersion before it occurs. This beforehand protection allows the system to maintain temperature control for extended periods without the device being damaged by slurry contact.
3Temperature
If water bath turbulence occurs during semi-submersion, then thermal contact is achieved, but harmful effects increase due to splashing and dispersion
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive stand acts as an intermediary that enables thermal contact with the water bath while preventing the harmful effects of turbulence. The base transfers heat from the water bath to the stage, which then contacts the device, eliminating the need for direct semi-submersion that causes splashing and dispersion.
4Loss of time
If ice is not replenished frequently, then operation time increases, but temperature control deteriorates due to ice melting and instability
Solution Approach 1:
The thermally conductive stand enables extended operation time by decoupling temperature stability from ice quantity. The stand's thermal mass and conductive properties maintain stable temperature transfer even as ice melts, allowing operation to continue for over 10 hours without ice replenishment while 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 device provides a stable and level surface for temperature-sensitive materials, maintaining temperature control for extended periods (over 10 hours) without frequent ice replenishment, preventing device instability and ensuring consistent temperature conditions.
Implementation Method 1
The portable temperature transfer device comprises a thermo conductive material to allow rapid transfer of thermal energy between the temperature control device and the laboratory device
Data Source
AI summary
A portable temperature transfer stand for holding thermo-conductive laboratory devices transferring thermal energy to laboratory devices is provided as well as its methods of use. The temperature transfer stand comprises at least one supporting structure (foot) and a stable stage, both comprising a thermal conductive material. The supporting structure is in direct contact with the stage which is in direct contact with a laboratory device.