A portable temperature controlled container
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable temperature-controlled containers for highly-temperature-sensitive goods like pharmaceuticals and vaccines face challenges in accurately maintaining the desired temperature range, especially during the 'last mile' of distribution, due to unreliable insulation and ice management, and the complexity and cost of electromechanical systems.
Innovation Solution
A portable temperature-controlled container equipped with a thermoelectric device, phase change materials, a rechargeable battery, temperature sensor, and controller, which regulates temperature by transferring heat between the storage compartment and phase change materials, and includes a heating element to manage both cooling and heating needs, ensuring robust and efficient temperature control across varying environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If ice is packed into the insulated box to keep goods cool, then the goods temperature is reduced, but the temperature control accuracy deteriorates and goods may freeze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive mechanical ice-based cooling system with an active thermoelectric cooling system. The thermoelectric device (Peltier element) provides precise electronic control of heat transfer, replacing the crude thermal mass approach of ice packs. This enables accurate temperature regulation without the risk of over-cooling and freezing, while maintaining portability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the cooling mechanism from phase-change material (ice) to electrically-controlled thermoelectric effect. By applying variable electrical current to the thermoelectric device, the cooling power can be precisely adjusted to match the actual thermal load, achieving accurate temperature control adapted to different environmental conditions and journey durations.
2Measurement precision
If electromechanical refrigeration systems are used to control temperature, then temperature control accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromechanical refrigeration systems (compressors, condensers, expansion valves) with a simple solid-state thermoelectric device. This substitution eliminates moving parts, reduces system complexity, and lowers cost while maintaining adequate temperature control accuracy for pharmaceutical transport applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive thermoelectric modules that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than investing in complex, expensive electromechanical refrigeration systems. The simplicity of the thermoelectric approach makes the overall system more cost-effective and easier to manufacture at scale.
3Measurement precision
If electromechanical refrigeration systems are used, then temperature control is improved, but reliability under mechanical stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical refrigeration systems with moving parts (compressors, fans, valves) with a solid-state thermoelectric device that has no moving parts. This eliminates mechanical failure modes and greatly improves reliability under the vibration and shock conditions of rough terrain transport.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a robust, sealed housing design that protects the thermoelectric device and phase change material from environmental damage. The simplified structure with fewer components inherently provides better resistance to mechanical stress and environmental exposure.
4Ease of operation
If battery power is used for electromechanical systems, then portability is maintained, but power consumption increases and journey duration is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines thermoelectric active cooling with passive phase change material (ice pack) for hybrid temperature control. The phase change material provides extended passive cooling duration without additional power consumption, while the thermoelectric device provides active regulation when needed. This hybrid approach extends journey duration beyond what battery-powered electromechanical systems alone could achieve.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs intermittent operation of the thermoelectric device rather than continuous operation. The controller activates the thermoelectric cooler only when temperature regulation is needed, allowing the phase change material to provide passive cooling during intervals. This periodic operation significantly reduces average power consumption while maintaining temperature control.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This configuration maintains the temperature of goods within a specific range for extended periods at a lower cost, enhances robustness, and allows for recharging of phase change materials without removing them, enabling efficient operation in both hot and cold conditions, even in remote locations with alternative power sources.
Implementation Method 1
a first thermoelectric device in thermal communication with the storage compartment; in which the thermoelectric device is operable to remove energy in the form of heat from the storage compartment and transfer that energy in the form of heat to the first phase change material
Implementation Method 2
a first phase change material in thermal communication with the first thermoelectric device; a second phase change material in thermal communication with the third thermoelectric device
Implementation Method 3
a heat sink in thermal communication with the second thermoelectric device
Implementation Method 4
a fan operable to deliver airflow through the air passageway over the heat sink
Implementation Method 5
a temperature sensor operable to measure the temperature inside the storage compartment
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
This invention relates to a portable temperature controlled container [1] comprising a body [3] having a storage compartment [15], an opening to permit access to the storage compartment [15] and an insulated lid [5]. The container [1] comprises a fan [19], a heat sink [21] and a first thermoelectric device [23], as well as a first phase change material [31] and a second thermoelectric device [33] in thermal communication with both the first phase change material [31] and the storage compartment [15]. The second thermoelectric device [33] in thermal communication with both the first phase change material [31] and the storage compartment [15] is operable to transfer energy in the form of heat between the storage compartment [15] and the first phase change material [31]. The thermoelectric devices can be Peltier elements.