Adjustable Ventilation Storage Container for Thermal Equalization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage containers for thermally sensitive materials lack adjustable ventilation systems that can provide rapid thermal equalization with the ambient atmosphere while maintaining thermal insulation and security, as previous designs either have incompatible ventilation schemes with thermally insulative materials or lack secure locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A portable storage container with a manually adjustable ventilation system using a shutter aperture array and wall aperture array, allowing for multiple ventilation levels, including a fully open and closed state, constructed from thermally insulative materials to ensure thermal isolation and security, with a lockable door and external control for ventilation adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If small ventilation openings are used, then gas exchange function is provided, but rapid thermal equalization with the environment cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a movable shutter mechanism that can dynamically adjust the ventilation opening size. The shutter member slides within a guide channel to vary the aperture area, allowing the system to transition between different ventilation states (fully open, partially open, closed) based on thermal equalization requirements while maintaining the gas exchange function when needed.
2Speed
If substantially large ventilation openings are used for rapid thermal equalization, then thermal equalization speed is improved, but thermal insulation capability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The shutter mechanism enables dynamic control of the ventilation aperture, allowing the system to open substantially large openings only when rapid thermal equalization is needed, and close them when thermal insulation is required. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both large openings for speed and the ability to close for insulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation system is segmented into multiple adjustable aperture positions through the shutter mechanism. The shutter can be positioned at different locations within the guide channel to create discrete ventilation levels, allowing optimization between thermal equalization speed and thermal insulation capability based on specific operational requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable ventilation schemes are implemented, then ventilation control is improved, but intrusion locking capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustable ventilation function with the security locking system by integrating the shutter mechanism into the door assembly. The shutter is positioned within the door structure and can be controlled independently of the lock mechanism, allowing both ventilation adjustment and intrusion prevention to coexist in a unified design.
4Loss of energy
If thermally insulative materials over 1/4 inch thick are used, then thermal insulation is improved, but compatibility with adjustable ventilation designs is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The door structure is segmented into distinct functional layers: thick thermally insulative material for thermal isolation, and a separate integrated shutter mechanism with guide channel for adjustable ventilation. This segmentation allows the thick insulation to maintain its thermal performance while the shutter system provides compatible adjustable ventilation functionality.
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
The container enables customizable storage conditions for various items, maintains thermal isolation when closed, and prevents unauthorized access, while allowing for efficient thermal management and secure transportation of sensitive materials.
Implementation Method 1
the sliding relationship between the two arrays results in a plurality of ventilation levels
Implementation Method 2
constructed from thermally insulative materials (typically rigid materials over 1⁄4 inch thick)
Data Source
AI summary
A storage container system comprising an arrangement for adjustable ventilation intended for storing at least one article that is thermally sensitive and/or requires ventilation to the ambient atmosphere. The device includes at least one door and at least one aperture ventilation assembly. The aperture ventilation assembly includes a planar wall aperture array and a corresponding planar shutter aperture array, wherein the sliding relationship between the two arrays results in a plurality of ventilation levels, including a fully open state, and a closed state capable of substantially sealing off the contents of the container from the ambient atmosphere. Certain preferred embodiments include a plurality of storage compartments configured within the container's inner volume wherein each compartment is sealed from one another and possesses its own aperture ventilation assembly for ventilation adjustments.