Intelligent transport box for passive temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods, as well as a system comprising the same and a method for ensuring the temperature control of temperature-sensitive goods required for a continuous chain during temperature-controlled transport

Abstract

Preferably a reusable, intelligent transport box (10) for passively temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods (22), a system (38) for maintaining a chain during passively temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods using the intelligent transport box (10), and a method for ensuring temperature control of temperature-sensitive goods (22) during transport, in particular by land, sea, or air, as required for a continuous chain during temperature-controlled transport.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an intelligent transport box for the passive temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods, a system for maintaining a chain during the temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods, and a method for ensuring the temperature control of temperature-sensitive goods required for a continuous chain during temperature-controlled transport. Temperature control includes both cooling and heating.

[0002] Worldwide, temperature-sensitive goods, such as medications, tissue samples, and transplant organs, which can also be vital and / or expensive, are shipped and transported daily, for example, by air and / or land freight. The chain of temperature-controlled transport, especially the cold chain, is crucial. If this chain is interrupted along the supply chain, medications, vaccines, and tests, for example, risk becoming unusable and losing their effectiveness.

[0003] To solve this problem, reusable passive temperature-controlled containers (transport boxes) and methods for monitoring the cold chain have been proposed. The latter, for example, are used to verify compliance with the cold chain and, depending on the test results, to classify the quality and usability of the transported goods at their destination.

[0004] The passive temperature-controlled transport boxes are equipped with temperature control units (e.g., cooling packs) sized to maintain a specific temperature range for the goods during transport, assuming all conditions are met. For example, if the target temperature range for the goods is 15-25°C and the ambient temperature is below this range, the goods will be kept warm inside the transport box. Conversely, if the ambient temperature is higher than the target temperature range, the goods inside the transport box will be cooled.

[0005] However, unforeseen circumstances can always arise that lead to a deviation from the planned transport route and / or the planned transport time. As a consequence, it is quite possible that the energy available will not be sufficient to adequately maintain the temperature of the temperature-sensitive goods being transported.

[0006] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of enabling, in a simple way, the maintenance of a chain in temperature-controlled transport, in particular a cold chain, even in the event of unexpected occurrences that result in a deviation from the planned transport route and / or the planned transport duration.

[0007] According to the invention, this problem is solved according to a first aspect by an intelligent transport box for the passively temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods, comprising an outer container made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) comprising a base, at least three side walls extending upwards from the base, a lid, and at least two carrying handles on its exterior; thermal insulation, preferably made of vacuum insulation panels (VIP), on the inside of the outer container to define a thermally insulated cargo space for holding temperature-controlled goods; a plurality of removable temperature control packages, in particular phase change material (PCM) panels, preferably products from Axiotherm GmbH (such as type "ATM 6") as specified by the customer, within the thermally insulated cargo space adjacent to the thermal insulation to define a payload volume; at least one outside temperature tag on or in the outside of the transport box for recording and storing the outside temperature.at least one internal temperature tag in the thermally insulated cargo space of the transport box for recording and storing the internal temperature, at least one QR code on or inside the outside of the transport box for identifying the transport box and accessing data concerning the transport box in an online portal, preferably cloud-based, a GPS tracker for recording the position of the transport box, a WLAN and / or mobile communication module, a real-time data logger for recording the measured values ​​recorded by the external and internal temperature tags and the position data recorded by the GPS tracker and forwarding them to the online portal via the WLAN and / or mobile communication module, and an electronic lock for closing the transport box by securing the lid.

[0008] Furthermore, this task is solved according to a second aspect by a system for maintaining a chain during the temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods by means of an intelligent transport box according to one of claims 1 to 4, comprising at least one intelligent transport box according to one of claims 1 to 4 and an online platform, wherein the online platform comprises an online portal, preferably wherein the online portal is accessible to all parties involved in the transport process and is designed to provide real-time cargo monitoring and data visibility. furthermore, the online platform is designed to determine the remaining temperature control energy in the intelligent transport box based on the data received from the transport box. to determine the temperature at recurring intervals and, if a predefined limit is exceeded or fallen below, to issue an alarm signal and / or a signal to transport the transport box to a temperature-controlled room and recharge the temperature-control energy in the transport box. The temperature-controlled room could be, for example, a refrigerator or a cold storage facility.

[0009] Furthermore, according to a third aspect, this problem is solved by a method for ensuring the temperature control of temperature-sensitive goods required for a continuous chain in temperature-controlled transport during transport, in particular land, sea or air transport, by means of a system according to claim 5 or 6, comprising: Transporting a closed, preferably enclosed, transport box loaded with temperature-controlled goods according to one of claims 1 to 4 along a planned transport route with simultaneous cargo monitoring and real-time data visibility via the online portal, wherein the remaining temperature control energy is repeatedly determined based on the data received from the transport box and, if the remaining temperature control energy falls below a predefinable lower limit, the transport box is transported to a temperature control room and the temperature control energy is replenished there by tempering the closed, preferably enclosed, transport box loaded with temperature-controlled goods in the temperature control room until the temperature control energy has again reached a predefinable target temperature control energy, and thereafter the transport of the transport box is continued along the actual transport route.

[0010] Ideally, the electronic lock is a lock with Bluetooth, NFC, RFID or keycard functionality.

[0011] Advantageously, the transport box further comprises a first humidity sensor, preferably in the form of a humidity Bluetooth tag, for detecting and storing the humidity inside the cargo space, and / or a second humidity sensor, preferably in the form of a humidity Bluetooth tag, for detecting and storing the humidity outside the transport box. The first humidity sensor can be an integral component of a temperature and humidity sensor, in particular a temperature and humidity Bluetooth tag. The same applies to the second humidity sensor.

[0012] Furthermore, the transport box may be equipped with a light sensor to detect when the lid is opened, a sensor to detect shocks or impacts, a tilt sensor, and / or an accelerometer. The light sensor may be particularly useful or even necessary for monitoring lid opening during transport in gene and cell therapy. For example, this may be requested or required by customers (e.g., Big Pharma, hospitals, laboratories).

[0013] The system may include an online platform designed to monitor the temperature control energy during the charging of the temperature control energy by tempering the closed, temporarily sealed transport box loaded with the goods to be tempered in a temperature control room, and to issue a signal to stop charging and transport the transport box further when a predefined target temperature control energy is reached.

[0014] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises providing the transport box as a pre-assembled transport box.

[0015] According to a further particular embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises Selecting the intelligent transport box according to one of claims 1 to 4 according to which temperature-controlled goods in which quantity in which temperature range on which transport route from which starting point to which destination point with which means of transport, in particular wherein the payload volume of the transport box is selected depending on the size and / or quantity of the temperature-controlled goods and / or the temperature range is, for example, +2°C to +8°C or, for example, +15°C to +25°C or another range selected by the customer.

[0016] The procedure also conveniently includes providing the transport box in a closed state.

[0017] In particular, the procedure may further include unlocking the electronic lock of the locked transport box, loading the transport box with temperature-controlled goods, closing the lid and locking the transport box with the electronic lock.

[0018] Finally, it can be provided that the remaining temperature control energy is repeatedly determined based on data received from the transport box by relating the externally acting energy to the system's capacity and thereby determining a value for the remaining energy or the remaining operating time of the system. This can be implemented in the form of a tank gauge that displays the box's energy content.

[0019] For example, it can be technically determined under what external energy influence the system falls below the lower value of the temperature limit or exceeds the upper value. The acting energy can then be measured along with the external energy and subtracted from the total energy amount. This yields the remaining amount of energy available to maintain the temperature range.

[0020] The present invention is based on the surprising finding that, thanks to the special transport box, and in particular the special coolant, the transport box filled with a temperature-sensitive good can in principle be kept in transit / storage for months without: The transport box must be opened to remove, for example, the cooling packs and refreeze them in a climate-controlled cabinet / refrigerator. The goods to be cooled must then also be removed and stored in a cool environment. This is because, with the transport box containing the special temperature control agent, particularly a coolant (special PCM), the temperature typically found in climate-controlled cabinets / refrigerators or cold storage facilities is sufficient to recharge the coolant with cooling energy, allowing the transport box containing the temperature-controlled goods, especially the refrigerated goods, to be shipped again. This eliminates any potential errors that can occur when opening a shipment and subsequently repackaging it, thus optimizing process quality and reducing process costs.Every additional handling step, and therefore every mishap by any of the parties involved in the process chain, undoubtedly leads to an increase in risk and thus also to higher costs.

[0021] The present invention enables, at least in a particular embodiment, the automatic monitoring of a shipment of goods in such a transport box, for example a pharmaceutical box, with a combination of Internet of Things, IoT, components, a unique box design (shape / vacuum panels) and, for example, a certified Legic Secure technology (e.g., the use of a secure chip in an electronic Captura lock from Lehmann Locks).

[0022] At least in one particular embodiment, the intelligent transport box uses temperature control technology, in particular cooling technology, location technology and sensors.

[0023] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the attached claims and from the following description of an exemplary embodiment with reference to the schematic drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a perspective view obliquely from the front of a closed transport box according to a particular embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a perspective view similar to the Figure 1 of the transport box, but with the lid open; and Figure 3 a system according to a particular embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The in the Figure 1 and 2The intelligent transport box 10 shown in this example, reusable in this example, for passively temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, comprises an outer container 12 made of expanded polypropylene (EPP) having a rectangular base, four side walls 14 extending upwards from the base, a rectangular lid 16 and two opposing (in the Figure 1 and 2 (left and right, but not shown) has carrying handles arranged, a thermal insulation 18 made of vacuum insulation panels (VIP) on the inside of the outer container 12 for defining a thermally insulated cargo space (payload space) 20 for holding refrigerated goods (temperature-sensitive goods) 22, and a plurality of removable phase change material (PCM) panels 24, wherein the PCM is filled with the appropriately required coolant e.g.Type "ATP6" (PRODUCT OF AXIO THERM GMBH) within the thermally insulated cargo space 20 adjacent to the thermal insulation 18 to define a payload volume.

[0025] Furthermore, on the outside of the transport box 10, in this example on the lid 16, an outside temperature tag 26 (Data Tag (outside temperature)) is provided for recording and storing the outside temperature, and in the cargo space 20 an inside temperature tag 28 (Data Tag (inside temperature)) is provided for recording and storing the inside temperature.

[0026] Furthermore, a QR code 30 is located on the outside of the transport box 10 for the identification of the transport box 10 and for accessing data (authorization) concerning the transport box in an online portal of an online platform, preferably cloud-based (see, for example, Fig. 3 ).

[0027] Furthermore, the transport box 10 features a GPS tracker (not shown) for recording its position, a cellular communication module (SIM card module), and a real-time data logger 32 in the lid 16 for recording the measured values ​​acquired by the external and internal temperature tags 26 and 28, as well as the position data acquired by the GPS tracker, and forwarding this data to the online portal via the cellular communication module. The transport box 10 is also equipped with an electronic lock 34, which includes a locking device in the lid 16 and a locking pin at the top edge of the outer container 12. This electronic lock 34 can be locked and unlocked using a Bluetooth / keycard locking device 36 on the outside of the container 12, in this example on the lid 16. The electronic lock 34 prevents unauthorized access.

[0028] The transport box 10 can also include integrated sensors (not shown) for detecting, for example, humidity, shock or impact, and / or tilt. Alternatively or additionally, a light sensor (not shown) can also be provided. The real-time data from the real-time data logger 32 can be displayed and monitored, and preferably also stored, on an online platform.

[0029] The transport box 10 can, for example, have a payload volume of 24 liters or 44 liters or other payload volumes (according to customer requirements).

[0030] If the cooling temperature is to be maintained within the temperature range (temperature control range) of 2°C to 8°C, this is possible for approximately 120 hours. If, however, the cooling temperature is to be maintained within the range of 15°C to 25°C, even longer cooling times are possible.

[0031] The Figure 3shows components of a system 38 for maintaining a chain during the passive temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods using an intelligent transport box, for example the transport box 10 of the Figure 1 and 2 The system 38 comprises at least the aforementioned transport box 10 with a GPS tracker 39 and an online platform (monitoring platform) 40. The online platform 40 includes an online portal (not shown), preferably accessible to all parties involved in the transport process, and a data storage system 41, preferably a cloud, and is designed to provide real-time cargo monitoring and data visibility.

[0032] In addition, the online platform can provide geofencing and alarm parameters assigned to each shipment, as well as enable airplane mode activation.

[0033] In this example, the online platform 40 can be connected to the transport box(es) 10 via a REST API 42 (a type of web service). A user and / or, for example, a logistics provider can access data received from the transport box 10 via the REST API 42 in the data storage 41 of the online platform 40, such as tracker and sensor data, using a client browser (terminal) 44, e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or PC.

[0034] The Transport Box 10 can be used, for example, as follows: A user, especially a customer (whether existing or new), can register, i.e., book, a shipment (a goods transport) via a website or an app. They specify which goods or temperature-sensitive items, in what quantity, within which temperature range (e.g., 2°C to 8°C or 15°C to 25°C), and from where to where (sender and recipient) they are to be sent / transported.

[0035] A logistics company then delivers suitable, ready-to-use, pre-assembled transport boxes, for example, like the transport box 10.

[0036] The customer (sender) automatically receives an electronic key code for each transport box, which they can use to open the respective transport box, for example via smartphone. This is done, for example, using Bluetooth technology (NFC technology would also be possible) between the smartphone and the electronic lock 34, which could be, for example, a Captura lock.

[0037] The customer fills the transport box 10 and then closes it by folding down the lid 16. The electronic lock 34 then closes automatically.

[0038] The customer can now track their own Transportbox 10, and only their own, in the online portal. Specifically, they can monitor the status of their Transportbox 10 in real time. They can also specify in the online portal who should be notified, for example via email or SMS, if a temperature threshold of their choosing is exceeded or fallen below. This could be, for example, staff within their own organization, or even an end customer / recipient.

[0039] The transport box 10 is then transported by the contracted logistics company, for example, to an airport, where the logistics company ensures that the transport box 10 is loaded onto the correct flight. The flight data is visible in the online portal, and the IoT ensures that temperature and, for example, humidity values ​​are continuously recorded during the flight and automatically sent to the online portal after landing or stopover.

[0040] If, for example, a disruption occurs in air traffic, alternative arrangements may be necessary. This disruption could involve, for instance, a flight arriving from Frankfurt being delayed. The goods, in this case the transport box, are then unloaded during a layover in Dubai. They are not loaded onto the connecting flight because the aircraft has already departed. The transport box now sits at the airport and inevitably warms up. This is detected by the online portal based on the measurements received from the transport box. Specifically, it is determined that, for safety reasons, the transport box now needs to be moved to the refrigerated storage facilities, such as those at Dubai Airport. The exact location of the transport box is then transmitted to the airport operator via the online portal.For example, the airport operator collects the transport box and takes it to a cold storage facility suitable according to customer specifications, with a cooling temperature in the range of, for example, 2 to 8°C.

[0041] The transport box remains in the cold storage facility until the PCM panels are recharged with sufficient cooling energy to reliably maintain the cold chain for the onward flight. The IoT (Internet of Things) monitors this "recharging" process in the cold storage facility and indicates when it can be completed.

[0042] The airport operator is then tasked with transporting the transport box to the destination airport on the corresponding flight.

[0043] With the "fuel gauge" in the online portal, the customer receives something unique on the market: the customer can see the amount of available cooling energy (for example, via an app or a PC), and the backend system in the online portal calculates whether this cooling energy is sufficient for the further transport of the shipping box to the end customer. This allows for proactive measures to prevent potential losses (e.g., due to spoilage or deterioration) of the goods.

[0044] Actually, one can speak of a thermodynamic process, and the amount of cooling energy available at the start of a transport is recognized, for example, in Kelvin hours, and then an updated value in Kelvin hours is given during the further course of the transport: This is the "fuel gauge".

[0045] To determine the maximum cooling time, simulations could be carried out for different climatic conditions. This can also influence the choice of the respective transport route.

[0046] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential for the realization of the invention in its various embodiments, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list

[0047] 10 Transport box 12 Container 14 Side walls 16 Lid 18 Thermal insulation 20 Cargo space 22 Temperature-controlled goods 24 PCM panel 26 Outdoor temperature day 28 Indoor temperature day 30 QR code 32 Real-time data logger 34 Electronic lock 36 Bluetooth keycard locking device 38 System 39 GPS tracker 40 Online platform 41 Data storage 42 REST API 44 Client browser (terminal)

Claims

1. Preferably a reusable, intelligent transport box (10) for the passive temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods (22), comprising: - an outer container (12) made of expanded polypropylene, EPP, having a base, at least three side walls (14) extending upwards from the base, a lid (16), and at least two carrying handles on its outside; - thermal insulation (18), preferably made of vacuum insulation panels, VIP, on the inside of the outer container (12) to define a thermally insulated cargo space (20) for holding refrigerated goods (22); - a plurality of removable temperature control packages, in particular phase change material, PCM; - panels, preferably products according to customer requirements, e.g., from Axiotherm GmbH (such as type "ATM 6"), within the thermally insulated cargo space adjacent to the thermal insulation to define a payload volume.- at least one outside temperature tag (26) on or in the outside of the transport box (10) for recording and storing the outside temperature, - at least one inside temperature tag (28) in the thermally insulated cargo space (20) of the transport box (10) for recording and storing the inside temperature, - at least one QR code (30) on or in the outside of the transport box (10) for identifying the transport box (10) and for accessing data relating to the transport box (10) in an online portal, preferably cloud-based, - a GPS tracker for recording the position of the transport box (10), - a WLAN and / or mobile communication module, - a real-time data logger (32) for recording the data obtained using the outside temperature and inside temperature tags (26,28) recorded measured values ​​and the position data recorded by means of the GPS tracker and forwarding to the online portal via the WLAN and / or mobile communication module and - an electronic lock (34) for closing the transport box (10) cooler box by securing the lid (16)., 2. Transport box (10) according to claim 1, wherein the electronic lock (34) is a lock with Bluetooth, NFC, RFID or keycard function.

3. Transport box (10) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a first humidity sensor, preferably in the form of a humidity Bluetooth tag, for detecting and storing the humidity inside the cargo space (20) and / or a second humidity sensor, preferably in the form of a humidity Bluetooth tag, for detecting and storing the humidity outside the transport box (10).

4. Transport box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a light sensor for detecting / recognizing an opening of the lid (16) and / or a sensor for detecting a shock or impact and / or a tilt sensor and / or an acceleration sensor.

5. System (38) for maintaining a chain during passive temperature-controlled transport of temperature-sensitive goods using an intelligent transport box (10) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one intelligent transport box (10) according to one of the preceding claims and an online platform (40), wherein the online platform (40) comprises an online portal, preferably wherein the online portal is accessible to all parties involved in the transport process and is designed to provide real-time cargo monitoring and data visibility, further wherein the online platform (40) is designedto repeatedly determine the remaining temperature control energy in the intelligent transport box (10) based on the data received from the transport box (10) and to issue an alarm signal if a predefinable limit value is exceeded or fallen below, and / or to issue a signal to transport the transport box (10) to a temperature control room and recharge the temperature control energy in the transport box (10).

6. System (38) according to claim 5, wherein the online platform (40) is designed to monitor the temperature control energy during the charging of the temperature control energy by temperature control of the closed, preferably sealed, transport box (10) loaded with the goods to be temperature controlled (22) in a temperature control room and to output a signal to stop charging and to transport the transport box (10) further when a predefinable target temperature control energy is reached.

7. Method for ensuring the temperature control of temperature-sensitive goods (22) required for a continuous chain in temperature-controlled transport during transport, in particular land, sea or air transport, by means of a system (38) according to claim 5 or 6, comprising: - transporting a closed, preferably sealed, transport box (10) loaded with temperature-controlled goods according to one of claims 1 to 4 along a planned transport route with simultaneous cargo monitoring and real-time data visibility via the online portal, wherein the remaining cooling energy is repeatedly determined based on the data received from the transport box (10) and, if the remaining cooling energy falls below a predefinable lower limit, the transport box (10) is transported to a temperature control room and the cooling energy is replenished there by the closed, preferably sealed,The transport box (10) loaded with temperature-controlled goods (22) is cooled in the temperature control room until the temperature control energy reaches a predefinable target temperature control energy, and then the transport of the transport box (10) along the actual transport route is resumed.

8. Method according to claim 7, further comprising providing the transport box (10) as a pre-assembled transport box.

9. Method according to claim 7 or 8, further comprising: - Selecting the intelligent transport box (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4 according to which temperature-controlled goods (22) in which quantity in which temperature range on which transport route from which starting point to which destination point with which means of transport(s) is to be transported, in particular wherein the payload volume of the transport box (10) is selected depending on the size and / or the quantity of the temperature-controlled goods (22) and / or the temperature range is, for example, +2°C to +8°C or, for example, +15°C to +25°C.

10. Method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, further comprising - providing the transport box (10) in a closed state.

11. Method according to claim 10, further comprising - unlocking the electronic lock (34) of the locked transport box (10), - loading the transport box (10) with refrigerated goods (22), - closing the lid (16) and - locking the transport box (10) with the electronic lock (34).

12. Method according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the remaining temperature control energy is repeatedly determined on the basis of the data obtained from the transport box (10) by relating the externally acting energy to the performance of the system and thereby determining a value for the remaining energy or the remaining operating time of the system.

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