A VACCINE CARRIER WITH REAL TIME MONITORING AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL

Abstract

The present invention relates to a vaccine carrier with real-time monitoring and temperature control, designed to ensure vaccine integrity during transportation. The system comprises a control unit (104) using a microcontroller enabling wireless connectivity through a Wi-Fi module (101) for data transmission. An air temperature sensor (106) monitors internal conditions, while a battery unit (105) with a Battery Management System (BMS) provides independent power. The display unit (102) offers visual feedback on system status, and a buzzer (103) alerts users of any temperature excursions or door status issues. A door open sensor (107) ensures security by detecting unauthorized access, and a keypad (108) allows for user input of settings. The innovative design includes a spiral copper cooling system, ensuring consistent temperature control, making the vaccine carrier suitable for remote and challenging environments, thereby enhancing vaccine safety and efficacy during transit.

Specification

Description:TECHNICAL FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related to the field of electronics engineering. More specifically, it relates to a vaccine carrier with real time monitoring and temperature control.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.

The transportation and storage of vaccines present significant challenges due to the need to maintain specific temperature ranges to ensure their efficacy. Traditional vaccine carriers often lack adequate temperature control, resulting in temperature excursions that compromise vaccine potency and effectiveness.

This issue is particularly acute in remote or resource-limited areas where access to reliable electricity and refrigeration infrastructure is limited. As a result, there is a critical need for innovative vaccine carriers that can maintain the required temperature range consistently, even in challenging environments, to ensure the integrity of vaccines during transportation and storage.

US9296828B2 relates to a hypoallergenic protein consisting of at least one hypoallergenic molecule derived from an allergen, which is fused or conjugated to at least one second non-allergenic protein or fragment thereof.

AU748716B2 described a pharmaceutical composition for treating or preventing a certain number of infections caused by pathogenic agents such as bacteria, comprising as immunogen, and one or several polyosides derived from one or several pathogenic agents. The polyosides are in the form of conjugates, coupled with a carrier protein. The composition contains at least two types of conjugates; each being at least characterized by a different protein carrier.

OBJECTIVE OF THE INVENTION

The primary objective of the present invention is to provide a vaccine carrier with real time monitoring and temperature control.

Yet another objective of the invention is to maintain the potency and efficacy of vaccines by consistently keeping them within the required temperature range during transportation and storage.

Yet another objective of the invention is to implement advanced temperature regulation mechanisms to safeguard vaccines from temperature fluctuations, using thermoelectric Peltier refrigeration.

Yet another objective of the invention is to develop an alerting mechanism to notify personnel immediately of any temperature deviations or malfunctions, preventing vaccine spoilage.

Yet another objective of the invention is to design the carrier to be lightweight, rugged, and portable, ensuring its suitability for use in remote and resource-limited areas.

Yet another objective of the invention is to provide extended battery life (10-12 hours) and energy-saving features to ensure the carrier operates independently of external power.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly the following invention provides a vaccine carrier with real time monitoring and temperature control designed to maintain vaccine integrity during transportation by ensuring precise temperature control, real-time monitoring, and secure handling. Featuring an IoT-enabled Wi-Fi Module (101) it provides remote temperature tracking and alerts for any deviations. The carrier includes a thermoelectric Peltier refrigeration system for efficient, eco-friendly cooling and an air temperature sensor (106) to ensure optimal storage conditions.

A battery unit (105) provides 10-12 hours of backup, while the Control unit (104) manages all operations, including data transmission, temperature regulation, and security. The Door Open Sensor and Keypad (108) prevent unauthorized access, while the Buzzer (103) alerts personnel of critical events. Designed to be portable and rugged, this vaccine carrier is suitable for use in remote and resource-limited areas, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and promoting effective vaccine distribution. Its advanced features enhance global immunization efforts by safeguarding vaccine potency and efficacy.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING

Figure 1 of Sheet 1 illustrates the block diagram of the present invention.
Whereas,
101 denotes Wi-Fi module,
102 denotes display,
103 denotes buzzer,
104 denotes control unit,
105 denotes battery unit,
106 denotes air temperature (thermistor),
107 denotes doors open sensor,
108 denotes keypad.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context
clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

The present invention is related to a vaccine carrier with real time monitoring and temperature control designed to maintain vaccine integrity during transportation by ensuring precise temperature control, real-time monitoring, and secure handling. Vaccines play a pivotal role in public health by preventing infectious diseases and reducing morbidity and mortality worldwide.

However, the efficacy of vaccines heavily relies on maintaining the cold chain, ensuring that they are stored and transported within specific temperature ranges to preserve their potency. Advances in vaccine carrier technology have been instrumental in addressing the challenges associated with vaccine distribution and storage.

Firstly, novel materials and insulation techniques have been developed to improve thermal stability and minimize temperature fluctuations during transportation. These advancements help to maintain the integrity of vaccines, particularly in regions with limited access to reliable refrigeration infrastructure or in emergency response situations.

Secondly, the integration of sensors and monitoring devices into vaccine carriers enables real-time temperature tracking and remote monitoring of vaccine shipments. These technologies provide valuable data insights to stakeholders, allowing for proactive interventions to prevent temperature excursions and ensure vaccine quality.

Thirdly, innovations in design and engineering have led to the development of lightweight, durable, and portable vaccine carriers, facilitating the distribution of vaccines to remote and hard-to-reach communities. These carriers are designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions and minimize the risk of damage during transit.
Figure 1 shows the block diagram of advance vaccine carrier, which consist of Wi-Fi module ((101)), display unit (102), buzzer (103), control unit (104), battery unit (105), air temperature (thermistor) (106), door open sensor, and keypad (108).

In the present invention the following components are use:

Control Circuit: The heart of control circuit is the NODE MCU ESP8266, having clock speed of 80 MHz, enables the vaccine carrier to connect to a wireless network, allowing for communication with external devices or cloud platforms. It facilitates the transmission of data collected from sensors (such as temperature and door open sensor) to remote servers or user interfaces for monitoring and control. The control unit (104) serves as the central processing unit of the vaccine carrier system, coordinating the operation of various components and implementing control logic. It receives input from sensors (e.g., temperature sensor, door open sensor) and user interfaces (e.g., keypad) and executes appropriate actions based on predefined algorithms or user commands. The control unit (104) may regulate temperature, monitor system status, manage power consumption, and handle communication with external devices or networks. The control circuit is interfaced with the display (102) device in parallel, allowing continuous real-time monitoring and display (102) of temperature, battery level, and the status of the vaccine carrier door (open/close). The control circuit is connected to a buzzer (103), which is primarily used to indicate the status of the vaccine carrier door. If the door remains open for more than one minute or a predefined time, the buzzer (103) will sound an alert. The control circuit is connected to a battery unit (105) which is primarily used to indicate the status of the battery. If the battery status is low, the buzzer (103) will sound an alert. The control circuit is connected to a thermistor, which continuously monitors the temperature. This allows the system to maintain a constant or predefined temperature within the vaccine carrier, ensuring optimal storage conditions. The vaccine carrier door sensor is linked to the control circuit, which continuously monitors the door's status. If the door stays open for more than one minute or a predefined duration, the control circuit triggers the buzzer (103) to sound an alert. The control circuit is connected to a keypad (108), allowing the user to input settings such as temperature, timer, and cooling preferences, enabling precise control over the vaccine carrier's environment. The control circuit is connected to the cooling system. Once the desired temperature set by the user is reached, the control unit automatically switches off the cooling system to optimize battery usage.

Battery Unit (105): The lithium battery having specification 12volt, 12 Amp, provides power to the vaccine carrier system, enabling it to operate independently of external power sources. It should be equipped with sufficient capacity to support continuous operation and periodic data transmission over an extended period. A Battery Management System (BMS) plays a critical role in managing and optimizing the performance, safety, and longevity of batteries, especially in applications such as electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and portable devices. The primary functions of a BMS include monitoring continuously measures key battery parameters such as voltage, current, temperature, and state of charge (SoC) for each cell or module. Balancing Ensures all battery cells are charged and discharged evenly to prevent overcharging or undercharging, improving overall battery efficiency and lifespan. Protection Protects the battery from operating outside safe conditions, such as overcharging, over-discharging, short circuits, excessive heat, or too high/low voltage. Estimation of State of Health (SoH) Monitors the overall health and degradation of the battery over time, helping predict when maintenance or replacement is needed.

Air Temperature Sensor: For a cooling vaccine carrier, the temperature sensor must meet specific requirements to ensure precise and reliable temperature control. In this case, either a thermistor or a digital sensor from the DS18B20 series, particularly a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) sensor, can be used.

The specifications for the DS18B20 sensor are as follows:

Temperature Range: Operating range: -40°C to +80°C (suitable for vaccine storage which typically requires 2°C to 8°C).
Accuracy: ±0.1°C to ±0.5°C (for accurate monitoring of critical temperature thresholds).
Resolution: 0.1°C (provides fine granularity in temperature readings).
Response Time: Typically, 5 to 30 seconds (fast enough to detect temperature changes in a vaccine carrier).
Power Consumption: Low power consumption (< 5mA) to ensure battery efficiency in portable systems.
Output Type: Analog output (for thermistors) or Digital output (for sensors like DS18B20 with one-wire interface).
Environmental Protection: Waterproof and dustproof (IP67 or IP68 rating) to ensure reliability in various environments.
Size: Compact form factor to fit within the vaccine carrier without taking up much space.
Calibration: Pre-calibrated sensors for ease of integration and accuracy over long-term usage.

Keypad (108): The keypad (108) allows authorized personnel to input commands or access control functionalities of the vaccine carrier. It may be used for tasks such as entering security codes, configuring settings, or acknowledging alerts. The specifications are as follow: Size: Pad Size 69.2 x 76.9 x 0.8mm, Contact Bounce: < 5 ms, Life Expectancy: 1 million closures, Operation Temperature. -20 to 50 deg C.

Display (102): The display (102) provides visual feedback to users regarding the status, temperature readings, and system alerts of the vaccine carrier. It may display (102) temperature readings, error messages, system status, and other relevant information. The specifications are as follow: Display Format 128 x 160 Pixels, Active Area L x W: 29.03mm x 36.04mm, Supply Voltage: 3.0V, Luminance: 280 cd/m2, Interface: Parallel

Door Open Sensor: The door open sensor detects when the door of the vaccine carrier is opened or closed. It serves as a safety feature to ensure that vaccines remain securely stored and protected from unauthorized access or exposure to external conditions.

The specifications are as follow:

Working voltage: 3V (2*AAA battery), working current: 19~59mA, standby current: <35uA, standby time: 10-12 Months

Cooling System: A spiral copper cooling system in a vaccine carrier consists of a coiled copper pipe that evenly distributes cold temperatures throughout the carrier. The coolant circulates through the spiral, efficiently absorbing heat and maintaining a consistent, safe temperature to protect the vaccines during transport. The cooling system of the vaccine carrier incorporates a copper coil with a spiral design. This spiral shape increases the surface area of the copper, enhancing heat exchange and providing more efficient cooling. The high thermal conductivity of copper ensures rapid and even temperature distribution throughout the carrier. The spiral design slows the flow of coolant through the copper pipe, extending the time for heat exchange and enhancing cooling efficiency. A coolant, such as a refrigerant or chilled liquid, is circulated through the spiral copper coil. As it moves through the coil, the coolant absorbs heat from the interior of the vaccine carrier and releases it outside, effectively lowering the internal temperature. Cooling system follows temperature stability in which the spiral copper coil ensures a consistent temperature inside the carrier by evenly distributing cold throughout the internal space. This uniform cooling minimizes temperature fluctuations, protecting the efficacy of the vaccines. Cooling system follows compactness and efficient usage of area in which the spiral design of the cooling system offers a large surface area for heat exchange while remaining compact. This allows the carrier to optimize space for storing vaccines without sacrificing cooling effectiveness. The spiral copper coil is designed to minimize resistance to coolant flow, reducing the energy needed for circulation. This results in more efficient energy use and extends the battery life or operating time of the cooling system. The natural corrosion resistance of copper, combined with the sturdy design of the spiral coil, ensures long-lasting durability and reliability. This is vital for preserving vaccine integrity during transportation, particularly in remote or challenging environments.

The control unit utilizes a microcontroller that enables wireless connectivity through a Wi-Fi module for real-time data transmission and monitoring, coordinating the operation of all components in the system. An air temperature sensor, selected from thermistors and digital sensors, is configured to monitor the internal temperature of the vaccine carrier, providing data to the control unit to maintain optimal temperature conditions.

A battery unit comprises a 12V, 12 Amp lithium battery that powers the entire vaccine carrier system, ensuring independent operation. This unit is equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) for monitoring parameters such as state of charge (SoC), voltage, and temperature. A display unit is interfaced with the control unit to provide visual feedback regarding temperature readings, battery status, and system alerts.

A buzzer is connected to the control unit and is configured to sound alerts when the temperature exceeds predefined limits or if the carrier door remains open for more than one minute, ensuring timely notifications for system users. A door open sensor linked to the control unit detects the status of the vaccine carrier door, providing input to trigger the buzzer if unauthorized access occurs or if the door is left ajar. Additionally, a keypad allows authorized personnel to input settings such as desired temperature, cooling preferences, and security codes, enabling user interaction with the control unit.

While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
, Claims:1. A vaccine carrier with real time monitoring and temperature control, comprising of;

a control unit (104) utilizing a microcontroller enabling wireless connectivity through a Wi-Fi module (101) for real-time data transmission and monitoring, where the control unit coordinates the operation of all components in the system;

an air temperature sensor (106) selected from the group consisting of a thermistor and a digital sensor configured to monitor the internal temperature of the vaccine carrier, providing data to the control unit for maintaining optimal temperature conditions;

a battery unit (105) comprising a 12V, 12 Amp lithium battery that powers the entire vaccine carrier system, ensuring independent operation and equipped with a Battery Management System (BMS) for monitoring battery parameters, including state of charge (SoC), voltage, and temperature;

a display unit (102) interfaced with the control unit to provide visual feedback regarding temperature readings, battery status, and system alerts;

a buzzer (103) connected to the control unit, configured to sound alerts when the temperature exceeds predefined limits or if the carrier door remains open for more than one minute, thus ensuring timely notifications for system users;

a door open sensor (107) linked to the control unit to detect the status of the vaccine carrier door, providing input to the control unit to trigger the buzzer (103) if unauthorized access occurs or if the door is left ajar;
wherein a keypad (108) allowing authorized personnel to input settings such as desired temperature, cooling preferences, and security codes, thereby enabling user interaction with the control unit.

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