Novocarry

What it does

Current solutions often lack portability, sufficient cooling efficiency, and discretion, which are essential for individuals managing diabetes and other medical conditions requiring medication stability and confidence in their storage. By leveraging advanced thermoelectric cooling (TEC) technology and innovative design inspired by proven methods used in beer and vaccine coolers, this device aims to fill these gaps.

Your inspiration

My father, a diabetic who works in a steel factory, faces a daily challenge during lunch breaks—he rushes home to take his insulin shot and eat because there's no refrigerator at his workplace to store insulin at the required temperature. Ice packs melt quickly, making it impractical to carry multiple packs. Moreover, he needs a discreet solution as security is a concern; a visible device could be stolen or tampered with. This situation isn't unique to him; it resonates with many others I interviewed during my research, including individuals managing arthritis, growth hormones, and diabetes. They shared troubling experiences of insulin being tampered with in communal fridges or medications going bad due to inadequate storage conditions. Motivated by these stories, I embarked on creating a device using Peltier chip technology. My goal is to empower users to carry their medications confidently, knowing they'll remain effective without compromise, regardless of their surroundings or environmental challenges.

How it works

The heatsinks, shaped like bullet cartridges, are strategically arranged to maintain a consistent temperature around 5 degrees Celsius, effectively cooling two vials of medicine like insulin by wrapping snugly around it and cooling it from all sides. Other than this the fans create a low pressure that forces air into and through the device body cooling down the entire device and keeping the peltier chip cool alongside cooling paste etc. Drawing inspiration from both beer coolers and vaccine coolers, the device leverages conduction and air multiplier effect methods for efficient heat transfer to cool both the insulin vials and peltier chip. The Peltier chip directly cools the vials, eliminating the need for a fan and allowing for a more compact and portable design. With its small 20-inch form factor, the device is as easy to carry as a power bank, ensuring discretion and user privacy. Additionally, it features ample storage space for diabetic supplies such as one extra pen, needles, vials, and alcohol swabs, enhancing overall user convenience. The dual-battery system ensures reliability, providing peace of mind for users carrying life-saving medication.

Design process

The design process of this project has been a lengthy journey, continuously taking me back to the drawing board as I gather insights and feedback from individuals managing diabetes in India and beyond. Conversations with diabetics have been instrumental, revealing challenges such as insulin spoilage during long train rides or lack of refrigeration access post natural disasters like floods. These real-life experiences sparked a sense of urgency. Furthermore, learning from experts who have designed refrigeration systems provided valuable insights into the functionality of Peltier chips and their application in cooling medication effectively. Understanding these principles has been crucial in refining the design and ensuring the device meets stringent cooling requirements. This project remains ongoing, characterised by continuous learning and exploration of innovative cooling methods. I'm actively researching how this technology could extend to benefit individuals managing other temperature-sensitive medications or medical conditions. By remaining open to new insights and perspectives, I aim to develop a versatile and impactful solution that addresses broader healthcare needs effectively.

How it is different

Its discreet, non-medical appearance ensures users can manage their diabetes confidently in any setting. Advanced cooling technology maintains insulin potency during travel for very long distances, living in areas with little to no access to electricity in disaster situations. It also doubles as a charging station due to its huge battery. Built with durable materials and sustainable practices, the device promises long-lasting performance with minimal maintenance. It features long battery life, efficient charging options, and robust construction, ensuring reliability and user trust. This holistic approach not only enhances the quality of life for people with diabetes but also addresses ethical considerations and environmental sustainability, making diabetes management simpler and more effective.

Future plans

Looking ahead, my vision for this project extends beyond its current iteration. I aim to seek expert guidance and continually refine the product, enhancing its functionality and usability. This involves exploring applications beyond insulin management to potentially assist individuals managing other medications and medical conditions effectively. Future plans include rigorous testing in extreme temperatures and diverse weather conditions to ensure the device maintains optimal performance and reliability. By subjecting it to these challenges, I aim to validate its ability to preserve medication potency under various environmental stresses. Ultimately, my goal is personal: to alleviate the challenges faced by individuals like my father, who must endure inconvenient and uncomfortable travel due to the lack of refrigeration facilities at his place of work. By providing a reliable solution, I aspire to improve his quality of life and that of others in similar situations, empowering them to manage their health with dignity and ease regardless of environmental constraints.

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