Description:Field of Invention
The present invention relates to portable medical refrigeration system, specifically designed to preserve the efficacy of insulin for diabetic patients while traveling. This invention utilizes thermoelectric cooling based on the Peltier effect and integrates thermal regulation mechanisms to maintain insulin below 30°C inside a compact, battery-powered case.
Background of the Invention
Diabetes is a chronic condition affecting millions of individuals worldwide, requiring continuous management through the use of insulin. Insulin, being a temperature-sensitive biological substance, must be stored under controlled conditions typically below 30°Cto retain its chemical stability and efficacy. This becomes particularly challenging when diabetic patients travel, as conventional cooling options like ice packs and insulated containers provide only short-term solutions and require frequent replacement or refrigeration access. As a result, patients often face anxiety, logistical difficulties, and increased risk of compromised medication during transit or in remote regions.
The present invention introduces a Mobile Insulin Cooler a compact, portable refrigeration unit powered by thermoelectric cooling technology using the Peltier effect. The system is designed to provide reliable and consistent temperature control for insulin storage while eliminating the dependency on external refrigeration or ice-based cooling. The core concept is to create a self-contained active cooling environment that maintains insulin below the critical threshold of 30°C for extended durations, allowing diabetic patients to travel freely and safely.
The cooler is powered by a 12V Switch-Mode Power Supply (SMPS) battery, delivering sufficient current to drive a Peltier module efficiently. During the design iteration, it was discovered that lower capacity batteries (3A and 5A) were either insufficient or caused hardware failure. A final configuration using a 10A power supply was found optimal for sustaining the desired cooling. The thermoelectric module’s hot and cold sides are managed using a combination of internal and external heat sinks along with exhaust fans. The external fan is responsible for evacuating heat from the hot side of the Peltier module into the atmosphere, while the internal fan ensures that the cool air generated is evenly circulated within the insulin chamber to accelerate temperature reduction.
A key aspect of the system is its thermal management architecture. The use of both large and small heat sinks enhances heat exchange efficiency, helping to regulate the thermal gradient necessary for effective cooling. The thermocol housing provides insulation to maintain the internal cold environment while keeping the unit lightweight and portable. A digital temperature sensor is included in the system to provide real-time monitoring of internal temperatures, ensuring that the user is always informed of the system’s performance and that insulin is stored within a safe range.
While existing portable insulin coolers are either passive in nature or require access to grid electricity, this invention introduces a self-reliant, battery-powered cooling mechanism that operates independently of location and external infrastructure. Systems such as FR2018004567A1 explore refrigerated transport of biological materials but lack compactness and field usability. In contrast, the Mobile Insulin Cooler is tailored for personal, mobile use, enabling patients to maintain their treatment schedule during travel, field work, and emergency evacuations without the risk of insulin degradation.
By integrating Peltier-based active cooling, battery power supply, airflow regulation, and temperature sensing in a compact enclosure, the invention meets a critical healthcare need with simplicity and affordability. The device enhances patient independence, reduces stress during travel, and ensures that insulin remains effective regardless of ambient temperature fluctuations. Its modular, reconfigurable design allows for future expansion, such as integrating display units, alert systems, or solar recharging. As a result, the Mobile Insulin Cooler not only improves quality of life for diabetic patients but also expands the possibilities for safe medical storage in off-grid or low-resource settings.
Summary of the Invention
The Mobile Insulin Cooler is a compact, portable cooling system specifically designed to preserve the efficacy of insulin by maintaining it below 30°C during travel. This innovative device utilizes a Peltier module to provide active thermoelectric cooling within an insulated enclosure, making it highly suitable for diabetic patients who require temperature-sensitive medication while on the move. The system is powered by a 12V SMPS battery and includes exhaust fans, heat sinks, and a digital temperature sensor to monitor and regulate the internal environment efficiently.
The primary goal of the invention is to offer a reliable, independent solution for insulin storage that does not rely on passive cooling methods or access to grid electricity. The system operates autonomously, using the Peltier effect to create a consistent cooling environment, while dual-fan airflow architecture ensures both efficient heat dissipation externally and even cold-air distribution internally. A lightweight thermocol casing enhances insulation while maintaining portability, making the cooler ideal for field use, travel, or emergency situations.
The integration of internal components is optimized for compact performance: the heat sinks ensure effective thermal exchange across the Peltier module, the fans enhance convection, and the power system is calibrated to prevent underperformance or device damage. The addition of a digital temperature sensor allows real-time feedback to the user, enabling confidence in the storage conditions and medication safety. The invention's structure also supports modular improvements, such as LCD displays or smart alerts, for future expansion.
This invention represents a shift from short-term passive storage to continuous, controlled refrigeration for life-critical medication. By enabling active cooling in a portable form, the Mobile Insulin Cooler supports the health and independence of diabetic patients, reduces risk during travel, and eliminates the need for constant access to cold storage facilities. It’s simple, robust, and user-friendly design positions it as a vital aid in modern personal healthcare logistics.
Brief Description of Drawings
The invention will be described in detail with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures where in:
Figure 1:Orthographic views of Mobile Insulin Cooler.
Figure 2:Front View of Mobile Insulin Cooler.
Figure 3: Isometric View of Mobile Insulin Cooler.
Detailed Description of the Invention
The Mobile Insulin Cooler is a self-contained, portable, and electrically powered cooling device developed specifically to maintain insulin at safe storage temperatures during patient travel. The invention provides an active thermal control mechanism utilizing a Peltier module, in combination with heat sinks, exhaust fans, and a 12V 10A Switch Mode Power Supply (SMPS), all enclosed within a thermally insulated thermocol casing. This system allows insulin to be stored at temperatures below 30°C, thereby ensuring its pharmacological stability without dependence on ice packs, refrigeration units, or grid power.
The primary component driving the cooling process is a thermoelectric Peltier module. This solid-state device operates on the Peltier effect, where the passage of electric current across two different semiconductor materials causes one side of the module to absorb heat (cold side) and the other to dissipate heat (hot side). When activated, the cold side is oriented toward the internal chamber housing the insulin vials, while the hot side faces outward, connected to external heat dissipation components.
To manage the thermoelectric heat exchange effectively, the invention includes two aluminium heat sinks. A large external heat sink is attached to the hot side of the Peltier module, and a smaller internal heat sink is mounted on the cold side. The heat sinks significantly increase the thermal contact area, allowing efficient transfer and dissipation of heat. To further accelerate this process and prevent thermal build up, two exhaust fans are incorporated. The external fan is positioned to direct airflow across the hot side heat sink, thereby quickly evacuating heat into the ambient environment. Meanwhile, the internal fan circulates cool air generated by the cold side of the Peltier throughout the internal compartment, ensuring uniform temperature distribution around the insulin vials.
Power to the system is supplied through a 12V 10A SMPS battery. The SMPS architecture is selected for its high current output, power stability, and conversion efficiency. Initial experimental setups using lower-current batteries (3A and 5A) resulted in either damage to the Peltier module or insufficient cooling performance. Only after upgrading to a 10A configuration was the system able to maintain sub-30°C conditions reliably for extended periods. This confirms that a high-current supply is critical for the consistent operation of the Peltier and associated airflow units.
The insulated casing is fabricated from thermocol, selected for its light weight, low thermal conductivity, and ease of fabrication. Thermocol acts as a passive thermal barrier, limiting external heat ingress and thereby reducing the thermal load on the Peltier module. The casing is custom-cut to house the complete system while maintaining a compact form factor that is suitable for handheld transport or inclusion in a small travel bag. The internal compartment is dimensioned precisely to fit standard insulin vials or pens with minimal free space, ensuring effective cooling and reducing internal thermal inertia.
To provide feedback and ensure operational safety, a digital temperature sensor is integrated inside the cooling chamber. This sensor provides continuous real-time readings of internal chamber temperature, allowing users to confirm that storage conditions remain within the safe range. The position of the sensor is optimized for accuracy and placed in direct proximity to the insulin without obstructing airflow or increasing heat concentration. The sensor was validated during testing to react promptly to environmental and load changes.
The system activation is straightforward. Upon connecting the SMPS to a power source, the Peltier module begins creating a thermal gradient. The external fan is immediately engaged to dissipate hot-side thermal output, while the internal fan circulates cooled air. Within minutes of operation, the internal temperature begins to decrease. Depending on the initial ambient temperature and the size of the thermal load, the system stabilizes below 30°C, making it suitable for insulin storage even during summer travel or in regions lacking refrigeration.
During prolonged testing, the system demonstrated sustained cooling efficiency for durations matching standard travel periods. As thermocol is inherently stable under moderate loads and the Peltier module has no moving parts, the system requires minimal maintenance. The only wear components are the fans, which may be periodically cleaned or replaced. The battery source, if rechargeable, can be swapped or externally charged between uses. Due to the modular layout, each of these components can be accessed without disturbing the integrity of the overall structure.
This invention is particularly advantageous in field settings, emergency situations, and rural environments where refrigeration is unavailable or unreliable. Unlike conventional solutions that require refrigerator access or ice-based storage, the Mobile Insulin Cooler functions as an active, self-regulated, portable refrigeration system. Unlike large portable medical refrigerators which may rely on compressor systems or grid electricity, this system is lightweight, solid-state, and suitable for individual patients during daily commuting, long-distance travel, or outdoor use.
While the current configuration includes only the fundamental components including the Peltier module, fans, heat sinks, thermocol casing, SMPS battery, and temperature sensor, the design allows for future expansion. The system’s modular nature supports the addition of LCD displays, buzzer alerts, or temperature alarms without changing its fundamental layout. Similarly, solar-compatible power inputs or automatic cut off systems could be integrated in future models without affecting the core operation.
In conclusion, the Mobile Insulin Cooler presents a practical and technically sound solution to a significant healthcare logistics problem. It utilizes verified, off-the-shelf components arranged in a purposeful configuration to deliver real-time, controlled cooling performance for diabetic patients. The system is robust, affordable, reusable, and easy to deploy and it is a reliable tool in personal health management, disaster response, and remote medicine logistics. , Claims:The scope of the invention is defined by the following claims:

Claim:
1. A novel system and method for portable insulin cooling using thermoelectric technology, designed to maintain insulin below 30°C during transit, featuring autonomous temperature regulation, airflow management, thermal feedback, and power optimization, all within a lightweight, modular, and travel-compatible housing.

a) A compact cooling mechanism utilizing a thermoelectric Peltier module, wherein the module's cold side is thermally coupled to an internal insulated chamber storing insulin, and the hot side is paired with an external heat sink and exhaust fan to evacuate thermal waste, enabling continuous refrigeration without reliance on traditional ice packs or compressors.
b) A dual-fan airflow regulation system comprising an internal fan to circulate cold air uniformly within the storage compartment and an external fan mounted on the hot side heat sink to ensure rapid dissipation of accumulated heat, thus maximizing cooling efficiency in varied ambient conditions.
c) A system for real-time temperature monitoring using a digital thermal sensor positioned within the storage chamber, configured to provide continuous feedback on internal temperature, allowing users to verify medication safety.
d) A high-current DC power delivery method using a 12V SMPS (Switch Mode Power Supply) or equivalent rechargeable battery, optimized to provide the minimum 10A required by the Peltier module and cooling fans, ensuring stable and uninterrupted cooling operation even in high-temperature environments.
e) A structurally insulated enclosure constructed from lightweight thermocol or other thermal barrier material, designed to minimize external heat ingress and reduce internal cooling load, while maintaining portability, low weight, and user-safe operation for field or travel use.

2. According to claim 1, the dual-stage thermal management system wherein the hot and cold sides of the thermoelectric module are isolated and actively regulated by a pair of aluminium heat sinks of different sizes, enabling consistent heat exchange and reducing the likelihood of thermal backflow into the cooled chamber.

3. As per claim 1, the fully integrated medication protection system comprising a modular cooling assembly, exhaust and circulation fans, temperature sensor, and optimized power input, all enclosed in an insulated casing, delivering active cooling performance without external refrigeration sources, thus enabling travel-safe insulin storage for diabetic patients in remote or high-temperature regions.