Student invents mobile fridge, gives it to the world “for free”
Will Broadway, 22, says he’s not interested in getting a patent for “Isobar” – a mobile fridge which experts say could save millions of lives across the world.
According to BBCNewsbeat:
Current methods of transporting vaccines can result in the vaccines freezing before reaching their destination in countries where poverty and conflict are major obstacles. The device maintains a steady two to eight degrees for 30 days. It works by heating ammonia and water to create ammonia vapour, which are then released into its main chamber when cooling is needed.
Will, 22, cold become very rich by patenting the invention but he said he won’t.
“I make things every day for people who have everything”, the industrial design and technology graduate from Loughborough University told BBCNewsbeat.
“I wanted to make something for people who have next to nothing. It should be a basic human right, in my opinion, to have a vaccination. I don’t think that it should be patented to restrict use.”
According to BBCNewsbeat:
The product (Isobar) has been designed to transport vaccines, but already Broadway sees potential for other medical uses in the developing world and beyond.
“Blood donations, organ transplants – if they get stuck in traffic, you still use cold-packs that really aren’t adequate for long periods of time”, Will said.
“It’s risky but there is potential for commercial cooling. It would be a great thing to take on a five day trip where you have no power”, he said.
“It has been applied to what is hopefully the right avenue for the technology.”
