US20120017633A1 - Cooling device - Google Patents
Cooling device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20120017633A1 US20120017633A1 US12/985,016 US98501611A US2012017633A1 US 20120017633 A1 US20120017633 A1 US 20120017633A1 US 98501611 A US98501611 A US 98501611A US 2012017633 A1 US2012017633 A1 US 2012017633A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- temperature
- biological sample
- cooling device
- carrying unit
- unit
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25B—REFRIGERATION MACHINES, PLANTS OR SYSTEMS; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS
- F25B21/00—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects
- F25B21/02—Machines, plants or systems, using electric or magnetic effects using Peltier effect; using Nernst-Ettinghausen effect
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A01—AGRICULTURE; FORESTRY; ANIMAL HUSBANDRY; HUNTING; TRAPPING; FISHING
- A01N—PRESERVATION OF BODIES OF HUMANS OR ANIMALS OR PLANTS OR PARTS THEREOF; BIOCIDES, e.g. AS DISINFECTANTS, AS PESTICIDES OR AS HERBICIDES; PEST REPELLANTS OR ATTRACTANTS; PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS
- A01N1/00—Preservation of bodies of humans or animals, or parts thereof
- A01N1/02—Preservation of living parts
- A01N1/0236—Mechanical aspects
- A01N1/0242—Apparatuses, i.e. devices used in the process of preservation of living parts, such as pumps, refrigeration devices or any other devices featuring moving parts and/or temperature controlling components
- A01N1/0252—Temperature controlling refrigerating apparatus, i.e. devices used to actively control the temperature of a designated internal volume, e.g. refrigerators, freeze-drying apparatus or liquid nitrogen baths
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L7/00—Heating or cooling apparatus; Heat insulating devices
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L9/00—Supporting devices; Holding devices
- B01L9/06—Test-tube stands; Test-tube holders
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D11/00—Self-contained movable devices, e.g. domestic refrigerators
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/14—Process control and prevention of errors
- B01L2200/143—Quality control, feedback systems
- B01L2200/147—Employing temperature sensors
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2200/00—Solutions for specific problems relating to chemical or physical laboratory apparatus
- B01L2200/18—Transport of container or devices
- B01L2200/185—Long distance transport, e.g. mailing
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
- B01L2300/1805—Conductive heating, heat from thermostatted solids is conducted to receptacles, e.g. heating plates, blocks
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
- B01L—CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL LABORATORY APPARATUS FOR GENERAL USE
- B01L2300/00—Additional constructional details
- B01L2300/18—Means for temperature control
- B01L2300/1883—Means for temperature control using thermal insulation
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F25—REFRIGERATION OR COOLING; COMBINED HEATING AND REFRIGERATION SYSTEMS; HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS; MANUFACTURE OR STORAGE OF ICE; LIQUEFACTION SOLIDIFICATION OF GASES
- F25D—REFRIGERATORS; COLD ROOMS; ICE-BOXES; COOLING OR FREEZING APPARATUS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- F25D2323/00—General constructional features not provided for in other groups of this subclass
- F25D2323/002—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery
- F25D2323/0028—Details for cooling refrigerating machinery characterised by the fans
- F25D2323/00281—Two or more fans
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N35/00—Automatic analysis not limited to methods or materials provided for in any single one of groups G01N1/00 - G01N33/00; Handling materials therefor
- G01N2035/00346—Heating or cooling arrangements
- G01N2035/00445—Other cooling arrangements
Definitions
- the present invention is related to a cooling device for maintaining the temperature of a biological sample on a carrying unit in a certain range and facilitating a user to observe or transport the biological sample.
- Biological samples prepared in biological laboratories generally include enzymes, anti bodies and added reactants, and should be preserved in a certain range of temperature without being damaged. For instance, the tissue or the activity of enzyme of a biological sample may be damaged if the biological sample freezes, while the reaction may occur early or enzyme may become inactive if a biological sample is subjected to a higher temperature (room temperature) for a long period of time.
- a higher temperature room temperature
- test tubes or known as micro centrifugal tubes
- ice block made by an ice machine
- the biological sample may be preserved and the subsequent experiment or observation may be performed in the environment of an ice bath formed by inserting the test tubes and the thermometer into an ice bucket having ice blocks therein.
- the temperature within the ice bucket may rise, however, in the condition of ice/water coexistence formed due to the gradual melting of ice blocks situated in the environment at room temperature for a long period of time. In the process of experiment, therefore, it is necessary for a user to keep an eye on the temperature value of the interior of the ice bucket displayed on the thermometer at any time, and add ice blocks into the ice bucket continuously.
- the possible temperature rise of the biological sample may occur, further resulting in an experimental error or damage to the biological sample, if the user neglects the temperature rise of the interior of the ice bucket or forgets the addition of ice blocks.
- the test tubes may sink or float in ice water, harmful to observation.
- the tube mouth of the test tube or micro centrifugal tube may touch ice water inside the ice bucket, leading to contamination to the biological sample within the test tube when the ice water at the tube mouth flows into the biological sample.
- the user should pour away ice water within the ice bucket and add new ice blocks immediately.
- a temperature-lowering module can be applied for controlling the temperature of the biological sample to facilitate the experiment or observation with respect to the biological sample.
- a part of surface of the carrying unit is covered by a thermal insulation plate so as to block heat transfer between the carrying unit and the outside.
- the thermal insulation plate is capable of maintaining the temperature of the carrying unit together with biological sample at a certain degree of temperature for a period of time after they are removed from the temperature-lowering module.
- the cooling device further comprises at least one fan additionally provided on the casing for drawing heat within a casing via heat convection and enhancing performance of the cooling chip.
- a cooling device which comprises a cooling chip for lowering the temperature of the biological sample, maintaining the temperature of a biological sample in a certain range in the process of experiment, and further eliminating trouble due to the use of ice bucket and ice block.
- the present invention provides cooling device, comprising: a carrying unit, made of materials with high thermal efficiency, and used for carrying at least one biological sample; a thermal insulation unit covering a part of the carrying unit; and a temperature-lowering module, used for carrying the carrying unit, and including at least one cooling chip for the regulation of the temperature of the biological sample on the carrying unit, wherein the carrying unit and the thermal insulation unit are placed on or separated from the temperature-lowering module.
- FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a cooling device according to one embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 2 is a diagram showing above embodiment of the present invention when a carrying unit and a temperature-lowering module are separated;
- FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a cooling device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a cooling device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
- a cooling device 10 mainly comprises a carrying unit 11 , a thermal insulation unit 13 , and a temperature-lowering module 15 .
- the carrying unit 11 is able to carry at least one biological sample 12 , and the carrying unit 11 and/or the thermal insulation unit 13 may be either placed on, or separated from the temperature-lowering module 15 as required.
- the temperature-lowering module 15 mainly comprises at least one cooling chip 151 , and may lower temperature via the cooling chip 151 .
- a temperature difference may be created for achieving the purpose of lowering temperature, when a potential difference occurs between two ends of the cooling chip 151 .
- the cooling chip 151 has the advantage of small volume, no noise, non-necessity of refrigerant, long service life, and possibility of standing upside down or sideward, as compared with the traditional refrigeration compressor.
- the maximum temperature difference between two ends of this chip may be approximately 62° C.
- the lowest attainable temperature of the cooling chip 151 is approximately ⁇ 35° C. in theory.
- the preservation temperature is approximately in the range of ⁇ 5° C. to 5° C., preferably 0° C. to 2° C.
- the cooling chip 151 may be used, in such a way that the temperature of the biological sample 12 or enzyme may be maintained between ⁇ 5° C. and 5° C., or 0° C. and 2° C.
- the temperature-lowering module 15 further comprises a first thermally conductive plate 153 and a second thermally conductive plate 155 provided in a stacked manner.
- the cooling chip 151 is then located between the first thermally conductive plate 153 and the second thermally conductive plate 155 , and in contact with both of them.
- the carrying unit 11 may be placed on the first thermally conductive plate 153 and carried thereby.
- the temperature-lowering module 15 may also comprise a control unit 141 used for controlling the current or voltage inputted to the cooling chip 151 , so as to control or regulate the temperature of the temperature-lowering module 15 .
- a temperature-sensing unit 143 used for sensing the temperature of the temperature-lowering module 15 may be additionally provided for the temperature-lowering module 15 .
- the temperature-sensing unit 143 may be in contact with the first thermally conductive plate 153 for sensing the temperature of the first thermally conductive plate 153 , and may be connected with the control unit 141 and the cooling chip 151 .
- the magnitude of voltage or current inputted to the cooling chip 151 may be then controlled on the basis of the temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing unit 143 , so as to regulate or change the temperature of the cooling chip 151 and the first thermally conductive plate 153 .
- control unit 141 temperature-sensing unit 143 , and cooling chip 151 to maintain the temperature of the temperature-lowering module 15 or the first thermally conductive plate 153 in the range of ⁇ 5° C. to 5° C., or 0° C. to 2° C., because the preservation temperature in the range of approximately ⁇ 5° C. to 5° C., preferably approximately 0° C. to 2° C. is required for the biological sample 12 or enzyme.
- the cooling device 10 described in the present invention to provide the function of temperature regulation or temperature display, while only the light signal indicating whether the temperature of the temperature-lowering module 15 achieves a predetermined temperature is required.
- the volume and weight of the cooling device 10 may be reduced, further beneficial for the setup cost of the cooling device 10 .
- the carrying unit 11 may be made of materials with high thermal efficiency, and used for carrying the biological sample 12 .
- the biological sample 12 may be put in test tubes 121 , and the test tubes 121 are then inserted into the carrying unit 11 .
- the thermal insulation unit 13 may cover a part of outer surface of the carrying unit 11 , such as side surfaces and/or a part of upper surface of the carrying unit 11 , for example, and may be used to block heat transmission between the carrying unit 11 and the outside, so as to maintain the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 .
- the carrying unit 11 may be placed on the temperature-lowering module 15 , as well as the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be lowered by the temperature-lowering module 15 , or preferably the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be maintained in the range of ⁇ 5° C. to 5° C., or 0° C. to 2° C.
- the temperature-lowering module 15 and the carrying unit 11 may be in contact with each other, and the temperature of the carrying unit 11 may be lowered via heat conduction, in such a way that the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be maintained in a certain range.
- all of the carrying unit 11 , the first thermally conductive plate 153 , and the second thermally conductive plate 155 are made of materials with high thermal efficiency (metal materials).
- the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be regulated or maintained by the cooling chip 151 via heat conduction.
- the cooling device 10 also comprises a casing 17 , which covers a part of the temperature-lowering module 15 . Further, the second thermally conductive plate 155 is provided inside the casing 17 .
- the carrying unit 11 and/or the thermal insulation unit 13 may be placed on or separated from the temperature-lowering module 15 , for providing a user with enhanced convenience of operation. For instance, the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be removed from the temperature-lowering module 15 , and then stored in another storage environment with constant temperature.
- the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 stored in the environment at constant temperature may be removed and then placed on the temperature-lowering module 15 for the observation or experiment with respect to the biological sample 12 .
- the temperature of the carrying unit 11 and biological sample 12 may be still maintained during a certain period of time, due to the thermal insulation unit 13 provided on a part of outer surface of the carrying unit 11 .
- a cooling device 20 mainly comprises a carrying unit 11 , a thermal insulation unit 13 , a temperature-lowering module 15 , and a casing 17 , in which the temperature-lowering module 15 comprises at least one cooling chip 151 , a first thermally conductive plate 153 , and a second thermally conductive plate 155 .
- the second thermally conductive plate 155 On the lower surface of the second thermally conductive plate 155 , there is provided with at least one fin 257 , beneficial for drawing heat for the enhancement of the performance of the cooling chip 151 .
- the fin 257 may be provided on the second thermally conductive plate 155 directly, and heat from the cooling chip 151 and/or the second thermally conductive plate 155 may be transmitted to the fin 257 via heat conduction.
- the heat dissipation efficiency of the cooling chip 151 and/or the second thermally conductive plate 155 may be thus enhanced due to a larger contact area between the fin 257 and the outside.
- the fin 257 may be also an independent means, and connected with the second thermally conductive plate 155 via thermal adhesive (not shown).
- both of the second thermally conductive plate 155 and the fin 257 are provided inside the casing 17 .
- at least one fan 26 may be further provided on the casing 17 additionally, so as to draw heat within the casing 17 via heat convection.
- the fans 26 may be provided on opposite sides of the casing 17 , respectively. In this case, one of the fans 26 may exhaust air within the casing 17 , and the other one may supply air outside of the casing 17 .
- the cooling device 20 may also comprise a covering plate 29 , used for covering the biological sample 12 and/or carrying unit 11 , for the isolation of the biological sample from the contact with outside, and the avoidance of the biological sample 12 to be contaminated during observation or experiment.
- a viewing window 291 may be also provided such that the biological sample 12 may be located under the viewing window 291 , allowing a user to observe the biological sample 12 through the viewing window 291 , when the covering plate 29 covers the biological sample 12 and/or carrying unit 11 .
- the covering plate 29 may be also provided over the thermal insulation unit 13 , and opened or closed with respect to the thermal insulation unit 13 , carrying unit 11 , and/or biological sample 12 .
- a user is intended to move the carrying unit 11 , he can previously use the covering plate 29 to cover the biological sample 12 and/or carrying unit 11 , in such a way that the contamination to the biological sample 12 during this motion may be avoided.
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- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
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- Clinical Laboratory Science (AREA)
- Environmental Sciences (AREA)
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- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Dentistry (AREA)
- Apparatus Associated With Microorganisms And Enzymes (AREA)
- Automatic Analysis And Handling Materials Therefor (AREA)
- Devices That Are Associated With Refrigeration Equipment (AREA)
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Abstract
The present invention relates to a cooling device, mainly comprises a carrying unit, a thermal insulation unit, and a temperature-lowering module. The thermal insulation unit is provided over a part of surface of the carrying unit for blocking heat transmission between the carrying unit and the outside. As the carrying unit is placed on the temperature-lowering module, a cooling chip in the temperature-lowering module is able to lower the temperature of the carrying unit and a biological sample. Furthermore, the thermal insulation unit is able to maintain the temperature of the carrying unit and biological sample, when the carrying unit is removed from the temperature-lowering module. Thereafter, a user can conveniently practice observation and experiment with respect to the biological sample, and avoid damaging the biological sample during experiment or transportation by the use of the cooling device.
Description
- The present invention is related to a cooling device for maintaining the temperature of a biological sample on a carrying unit in a certain range and facilitating a user to observe or transport the biological sample.
- Biological samples prepared in biological laboratories generally include enzymes, anti bodies and added reactants, and should be preserved in a certain range of temperature without being damaged. For instance, the tissue or the activity of enzyme of a biological sample may be damaged if the biological sample freezes, while the reaction may occur early or enzyme may become inactive if a biological sample is subjected to a higher temperature (room temperature) for a long period of time.
- In a laboratory, it is common to pour the prepared biological sample into test tubes (or known as micro centrifugal tubes), and preserve this biological sample by means of ice block made by an ice machine, for the further observation or experiment with respect to this biological sample. For instance, the biological sample may be preserved and the subsequent experiment or observation may be performed in the environment of an ice bath formed by inserting the test tubes and the thermometer into an ice bucket having ice blocks therein.
- The temperature within the ice bucket may rise, however, in the condition of ice/water coexistence formed due to the gradual melting of ice blocks situated in the environment at room temperature for a long period of time. In the process of experiment, therefore, it is necessary for a user to keep an eye on the temperature value of the interior of the ice bucket displayed on the thermometer at any time, and add ice blocks into the ice bucket continuously. The possible temperature rise of the biological sample may occur, further resulting in an experimental error or damage to the biological sample, if the user neglects the temperature rise of the interior of the ice bucket or forgets the addition of ice blocks.
- In the condition of ice/water coexistence within the ice bucket, the test tubes may sink or float in ice water, harmful to observation. Moreover, the tube mouth of the test tube or micro centrifugal tube may touch ice water inside the ice bucket, leading to contamination to the biological sample within the test tube when the ice water at the tube mouth flows into the biological sample. In the process of experiment, therefore, it is still necessary for the user to keep an eye on the condition within the ice bucket. As the ice blocks within the ice bucket melt to a certain extent, the user should pour away ice water within the ice bucket and add new ice blocks immediately.
- If the observation of biological sample is performed in the aforementioned way, trouble in performing an experiment may be caused for the user, and additionally, the probability of experimental failure caused by contamination to the biological sample may be also increased undoubtedly.
- It is one object of the present invention to provide a cooling device, allowed for maintaining the temperature of a biological sample on a carrying unit in a certain range for a long period of time. A temperature-lowering module can be applied for controlling the temperature of the biological sample to facilitate the experiment or observation with respect to the biological sample.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling device, in which a carrying unit and/or the thermal insulation unit may be either placed on or separated from the temperature-lowering module. A user is allowed to remove one carrying unit from and then place another one onto the temperature-lowering module during experiment, thus enhancing convenience of operation.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling device, in which a carrying unit is able to carry a biological sample. A part of surface of the carrying unit is covered by a thermal insulation plate so as to block heat transfer between the carrying unit and the outside. Furthermore, the thermal insulation plate is capable of maintaining the temperature of the carrying unit together with biological sample at a certain degree of temperature for a period of time after they are removed from the temperature-lowering module.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling device, which comprises fins for drawing heat generated by a cooling chip. The cooling device further comprises at least one fan additionally provided on the casing for drawing heat within a casing via heat convection and enhancing performance of the cooling chip.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling device, which comprises a cooling chip for lowering the temperature of the biological sample, maintaining the temperature of a biological sample in a certain range in the process of experiment, and further eliminating trouble due to the use of ice bucket and ice block. Thus, not only keeping an eye on the temperature of biological sample and ice bucket at any time in the process of experiment is not necessary, but also the contamination to the biological sample due to ice block or ice water is effectively prevented.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a cooling device, which comprises a cooling chip instead of ice blocks and ice bucket to preserve a biological sample in the process of experiment primarily for eliminating trouble in making ice and reducing energy wastage for the purpose of environmental protection.
- To achieve the previous mentioned objects, the present invention provides cooling device, comprising: a carrying unit, made of materials with high thermal efficiency, and used for carrying at least one biological sample; a thermal insulation unit covering a part of the carrying unit; and a temperature-lowering module, used for carrying the carrying unit, and including at least one cooling chip for the regulation of the temperature of the biological sample on the carrying unit, wherein the carrying unit and the thermal insulation unit are placed on or separated from the temperature-lowering module.
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FIG. 1 is a structural diagram of a cooling device according to one embodiment of the present invention; -
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing above embodiment of the present invention when a carrying unit and a temperature-lowering module are separated; -
FIG. 3 is a structural diagram of a cooling device according to another embodiment of the present invention; and -
FIG. 4 is a perspective diagram of a cooling device according to another embodiment of the present invention. - Referring to
FIG. 1 , there is shown a structural diagram of a cooling device according to one embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in this figure, acooling device 10 mainly comprises a carryingunit 11, athermal insulation unit 13, and a temperature-loweringmodule 15. The carryingunit 11 is able to carry at least onebiological sample 12, and the carryingunit 11 and/or thethermal insulation unit 13 may be either placed on, or separated from the temperature-loweringmodule 15 as required. - The temperature-lowering
module 15 mainly comprises at least onecooling chip 151, and may lower temperature via thecooling chip 151. A temperature difference may be created for achieving the purpose of lowering temperature, when a potential difference occurs between two ends of thecooling chip 151. Thecooling chip 151 has the advantage of small volume, no noise, non-necessity of refrigerant, long service life, and possibility of standing upside down or sideward, as compared with the traditional refrigeration compressor. - For the
cooling chip 151 available on the market, the maximum temperature difference between two ends of this chip may be approximately 62° C. On condition of room temperature of 27° C., the lowest attainable temperature of thecooling chip 151 is approximately −35° C. in theory. For the generalbiological sample 12 or enzyme, the preservation temperature is approximately in the range of −5° C. to 5° C., preferably 0° C. to 2° C. For the purpose of preservation ofbiological sample 12 or enzyme, therefore, thecooling chip 151 may be used, in such a way that the temperature of thebiological sample 12 or enzyme may be maintained between −5° C. and 5° C., or 0° C. and 2° C. - In one preferred embodiment of the present of invention, the temperature-lowering
module 15 further comprises a first thermallyconductive plate 153 and a second thermallyconductive plate 155 provided in a stacked manner. Thecooling chip 151 is then located between the first thermallyconductive plate 153 and the second thermallyconductive plate 155, and in contact with both of them. In operation, thecarrying unit 11 may be placed on the first thermallyconductive plate 153 and carried thereby. - After the
cooling chip 151 is powered, the temperature difference between the first thermallyconductive plate 153 and the second thermallyconductive plate 155 may occur, and the temperature of the first thermallyconductive plate 153 may be lowered. The temperature-loweringmodule 15 may also comprise acontrol unit 141 used for controlling the current or voltage inputted to thecooling chip 151, so as to control or regulate the temperature of the temperature-loweringmodule 15. In alternative embodiments, naturally, a temperature-sensing unit 143 used for sensing the temperature of the temperature-loweringmodule 15 may be additionally provided for the temperature-loweringmodule 15. - In one embodiment of the present invention, the temperature-
sensing unit 143 may be in contact with the first thermallyconductive plate 153 for sensing the temperature of the first thermallyconductive plate 153, and may be connected with thecontrol unit 141 and thecooling chip 151. The magnitude of voltage or current inputted to thecooling chip 151 may be then controlled on the basis of the temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing unit 143, so as to regulate or change the temperature of thecooling chip 151 and the first thermallyconductive plate 153. - Further, it is only necessary for the
control unit 141, temperature-sensing unit 143, andcooling chip 151 to maintain the temperature of the temperature-loweringmodule 15 or the first thermallyconductive plate 153 in the range of −5° C. to 5° C., or 0° C. to 2° C., because the preservation temperature in the range of approximately −5° C. to 5° C., preferably approximately 0° C. to 2° C. is required for thebiological sample 12 or enzyme. In other words, there is no need for thecooling device 10 described in the present invention to provide the function of temperature regulation or temperature display, while only the light signal indicating whether the temperature of the temperature-loweringmodule 15 achieves a predetermined temperature is required. Thus, the volume and weight of thecooling device 10 may be reduced, further beneficial for the setup cost of thecooling device 10. - The carrying
unit 11 may be made of materials with high thermal efficiency, and used for carrying thebiological sample 12. For example, thebiological sample 12 may be put intest tubes 121, and thetest tubes 121 are then inserted into thecarrying unit 11. Thethermal insulation unit 13 may cover a part of outer surface of thecarrying unit 11, such as side surfaces and/or a part of upper surface of thecarrying unit 11, for example, and may be used to block heat transmission between thecarrying unit 11 and the outside, so as to maintain the temperature of the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12. - In the process of experiment or observation of the
biological sample 12, thecarrying unit 11 may be placed on the temperature-loweringmodule 15, as well as the temperature of the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12 may be lowered by the temperature-loweringmodule 15, or preferably the temperature of the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12 may be maintained in the range of −5° C. to 5° C., or 0° C. to 2° C. - In one embodiment of the present invention, there is no
thermal insulation unit 13 provided on the lower surface or a part of lower surface of thecarrying unit 11. When thecarrying unit 11 is placed on the temperature-loweringmodule 15, the temperature-loweringmodule 15 and thecarrying unit 11 may be in contact with each other, and the temperature of thecarrying unit 11 may be lowered via heat conduction, in such a way that the temperature of the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12 may be maintained in a certain range. For example, all of thecarrying unit 11, the first thermallyconductive plate 153, and the second thermallyconductive plate 155 are made of materials with high thermal efficiency (metal materials). When thecarrying unit 11 is placed on the first thermallyconductive plate 153, the temperature of the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12 may be regulated or maintained by thecooling chip 151 via heat conduction. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , there is shown a structural diagram of a cooling device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Thecooling device 10 also comprises acasing 17, which covers a part of the temperature-loweringmodule 15. Further, the second thermallyconductive plate 155 is provided inside thecasing 17. In operation, the carryingunit 11 and/or thethermal insulation unit 13 may be placed on or separated from the temperature-loweringmodule 15, for providing a user with enhanced convenience of operation. For instance, the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12 may be removed from the temperature-loweringmodule 15, and then stored in another storage environment with constant temperature. Moreover, the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12 stored in the environment at constant temperature may be removed and then placed on the temperature-loweringmodule 15 for the observation or experiment with respect to thebiological sample 12. Moreover, when the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12 are removed from the temperature-loweringmodule 15, the temperature of the carryingunit 11 andbiological sample 12 may be still maintained during a certain period of time, due to thethermal insulation unit 13 provided on a part of outer surface of the carryingunit 11. - Referring to
FIG. 3 , there is shown a structural diagram of a cooling device according to another embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated in this figure, acooling device 20 mainly comprises a carryingunit 11, athermal insulation unit 13, a temperature-loweringmodule 15, and acasing 17, in which the temperature-loweringmodule 15 comprises at least onecooling chip 151, a first thermallyconductive plate 153, and a second thermallyconductive plate 155. On the lower surface of the second thermallyconductive plate 155, there is provided with at least onefin 257, beneficial for drawing heat for the enhancement of the performance of thecooling chip 151. - In one embodiment of the present invention, the
fin 257 may be provided on the second thermallyconductive plate 155 directly, and heat from thecooling chip 151 and/or the second thermallyconductive plate 155 may be transmitted to thefin 257 via heat conduction. The heat dissipation efficiency of thecooling chip 151 and/or the second thermallyconductive plate 155 may be thus enhanced due to a larger contact area between thefin 257 and the outside. In alternative embodiments, naturally, thefin 257 may be also an independent means, and connected with the second thermallyconductive plate 155 via thermal adhesive (not shown). - In one embodiment of the present invention, both of the second thermally
conductive plate 155 and thefin 257 are provided inside thecasing 17. Furthermore, for the enhancement of heat dissipation effect and the performance of thecooling chip 151, at least onefan 26 may be further provided on thecasing 17 additionally, so as to draw heat within thecasing 17 via heat convection. There may be one ormore fans 26. When the number of thefans 26 is two, thefans 26 may be provided on opposite sides of thecasing 17, respectively. In this case, one of thefans 26 may exhaust air within thecasing 17, and the other one may supply air outside of thecasing 17. - The
cooling device 20 may also comprise a coveringplate 29, used for covering thebiological sample 12 and/or carryingunit 11, for the isolation of the biological sample from the contact with outside, and the avoidance of thebiological sample 12 to be contaminated during observation or experiment. Moreover, on the coveringplate 29, aviewing window 291 may be also provided such that thebiological sample 12 may be located under theviewing window 291, allowing a user to observe thebiological sample 12 through theviewing window 291, when the coveringplate 29 covers thebiological sample 12 and/or carryingunit 11. - In another embodiment of the present invention, as illustrated in
FIG. 4 , the coveringplate 29 may be also provided over thethermal insulation unit 13, and opened or closed with respect to thethermal insulation unit 13, carryingunit 11, and/orbiological sample 12. When a user is intended to move the carryingunit 11, he can previously use the coveringplate 29 to cover thebiological sample 12 and/or carryingunit 11, in such a way that the contamination to thebiological sample 12 during this motion may be avoided. - The foregoing description is merely one embodiment of the present invention and not considered as restrictive. All equivalent variations and modifications in shape, structure, feature, and spirit in accordance with the appended claims may be made without in any way from the scope of the invention.
Claims (10)
1. A cooling device, comprising:
a carrying unit made of materials with high thermal efficiency for carrying at least one biological sample;
a thermal insulation unit covering a part of said carrying unit; and
a temperature-lowering module adapted to carry said carrying unit, comprising at least one cooling chip for the regulation of the temperature of said biological sample on said carrying unit, wherein said carrying unit and said thermal insulation unit are placed on or separated from said temperature-lowering module.
2. The cooling device according to claim 1 , wherein said temperature-lowering module further comprises a first thermally conductive plate and a second thermally conductive plate provided in a stacked manner, and said cooling chip is located between said first thermally conductive plate and said second thermally conductive plate.
3. The cooling device according to claim 2 , wherein said temperature-lowering module further comprises at least one fin provided on a lower surface of said second thermally conductive plate.
4. The cooling device according to claim 3 , comprising a casing for covering a part of said temperature-lowering module, said second thermally conductive plate and said fin.
5. The cooling device according to claim 4 , comprising a fan provided on said casing for drawing heat within said casing via heat convection.
6. The cooling device according to claim 2 , wherein all of said carrying unit, said first thermally conductive plate and said second thermally conductive plate are made of metal materials.
7. The cooling device according to claim 1 , wherein the temperature of said temperature-lowering module is maintained between 0° C. and 2° C.
8. The cooling device according to claim 1 , comprising a cover provided over said thermal insulation unit for covering said biological sample, wherein said cover comprises a viewing window.
9. The cooling device according to claim 1 , wherein said temperature-lowering module further comprises a control unit for controlling said cooling chip, and regulating the temperature of said temperature-lowering module.
10. The cooling device according to claim 9 comprising a temperature-sensing unit connected with said cooling chip and said control unit, wherein said temperature-sensing unit is able to sense the temperature of said temperature-lowering module, and said control unit is able to regulate the temperature of said cooling chip on the basis of the temperature sensed by said temperature-sensing unit.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
TW099124314 | 2010-07-23 | ||
TW099124314A TW201205021A (en) | 2010-07-23 | 2010-07-23 | Refrigeration device |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20120017633A1 true US20120017633A1 (en) | 2012-01-26 |
Family
ID=45492440
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/985,016 Abandoned US20120017633A1 (en) | 2010-07-23 | 2011-01-05 | Cooling device |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20120017633A1 (en) |
TW (1) | TW201205021A (en) |
Cited By (2)
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US20160144366A1 (en) * | 2013-07-08 | 2016-05-26 | Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation | Nucleic acid amplification/detection device and nucleic acid inspection device using same |
WO2019122090A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-27 | Asymptote Ltd | Method and system relating to cooling conditions for a biological sample |
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US4759190A (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 1988-07-26 | Leonard Trachtenberg | Vehicle thermoelectric cooling and heating food and drink appliance |
US5572873A (en) * | 1995-03-02 | 1996-11-12 | Emertech Incorporated | Carrier method and apparatus for maintaining pharmaceutical integrity |
US5603220A (en) * | 1995-09-11 | 1997-02-18 | Cool Med L.L.C. | Electronically controlled container for storing temperature sensitive material |
US6938791B2 (en) * | 2003-10-22 | 2005-09-06 | Display Industries, Llc. | Cold box lid |
US20090049845A1 (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2009-02-26 | Mcstravick David | Medical travel pack with cooling system |
-
2010
- 2010-07-23 TW TW099124314A patent/TW201205021A/en unknown
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2011
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US4759190A (en) * | 1987-04-22 | 1988-07-26 | Leonard Trachtenberg | Vehicle thermoelectric cooling and heating food and drink appliance |
US5572873A (en) * | 1995-03-02 | 1996-11-12 | Emertech Incorporated | Carrier method and apparatus for maintaining pharmaceutical integrity |
US5603220A (en) * | 1995-09-11 | 1997-02-18 | Cool Med L.L.C. | Electronically controlled container for storing temperature sensitive material |
US6938791B2 (en) * | 2003-10-22 | 2005-09-06 | Display Industries, Llc. | Cold box lid |
US20090049845A1 (en) * | 2007-05-30 | 2009-02-26 | Mcstravick David | Medical travel pack with cooling system |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20160144366A1 (en) * | 2013-07-08 | 2016-05-26 | Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation | Nucleic acid amplification/detection device and nucleic acid inspection device using same |
US9993822B2 (en) * | 2013-07-08 | 2018-06-12 | Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation | Nucleic acid amplification/detection device and nucleic acid inspection device using same |
WO2019122090A1 (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2019-06-27 | Asymptote Ltd | Method and system relating to cooling conditions for a biological sample |
CN111479464A (en) * | 2017-12-22 | 2020-07-31 | 阿西姆普托特有限公司 | Methods and systems relating to cooling conditions for biological samples |
US11774945B2 (en) | 2017-12-22 | 2023-10-03 | Asymptote Ltd. | Method and system relating to cooling conditions for a biological sample |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TW201205021A (en) | 2012-02-01 |
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