Air composition adjustment device, refrigeration apparatus for transportation, and transport container
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing air composition adjustment devices for transport containers face sensor failure due to moisture introduction when outside air is used for calibration, which can disrupt the controlled oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations, affecting the freshness of stored items.
Innovation Solution
An air composition adjustment device with a moisture removal system that separates moisture from outside air before it reaches the sensor, using a gas-liquid separator or heat exchange portion to prevent sensor contact with moisture, ensuring accurate calibration and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If outside air is introduced into the sensor for calibration, then the sensor can be calibrated to accurate values, but moisture is also introduced which may cause sensor failure
Solution Approach 1:
The air introduction system is segmented into two separate passages: a first passage for introducing outside air to the adjuster for calibration, and a second passage for introducing outside air to the sensor. This segmentation allows independent control of air flow paths, enabling calibration function while protecting the sensor from moisture damage.
Solution Approach 2:
A moisture removal portion is introduced as an intermediary component in the second passage between the outside air source and the sensor. This intermediary removes moisture from the outside air before it reaches the sensor, allowing the sensor to be calibrated with outside air while preventing moisture-induced failure.
2Device complexity
If a single passage is used to introduce outside air to both the adjuster and sensor, then the system is simpler, but moisture cannot be selectively removed before reaching the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The single passage system is divided into two separate passages: a first passage leading to the adjuster and a second passage leading to the sensor. The second passage includes a moisture removal portion positioned between the outside air source and the sensor, enabling selective moisture removal while maintaining system functionality.
3Reliability
If moisture removal portion is added to the second passage, then sensor protection from moisture is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A moisture removal portion is introduced as an intermediary component in the second passage between the outside air source and the sensor. This intermediary removes moisture from the outside air before it reaches the sensor, allowing the sensor to be calibrated with outside air while preventing moisture-induced failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The moisture removal portion serves multiple functions: it removes moisture from outside air before it reaches the sensor, prevents condensation in the passage, and protects the sensor from moisture damage. This multi-functionality justifies the added component by providing several protective benefits simultaneously.
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 solution effectively reduces the risk of sensor failure by removing moisture from outside air, maintaining precise control over oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations within the transport container, thereby preserving the freshness of stored items.
Implementation Method 1
the second passage (76) is provided with a moisture removal portion (84) configured to remove moisture in air introduced into the sensor (51)
Implementation Method 2
an air circuit (3) configured to introduce the air into the adjuster (34, 35) by the conveying unit (31)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
In an air composition adjustment device configured to adjust composition of air in a target space, an air circuit (3) configured to supply air having adjusted composition to the target space is provided with a first passage (75) through which outside air is introduced into an adjuster (34, 35), and a second passage (76) which is branched from the first passage (75) and through which outside air is introduced into the sensor (51), and the second passage (76) is provided with a moisture removal portion (84) configured to remove moisture in air introduced into the sensor (51). This reduces a risk of a failure of the sensor (51) due to contact of the sensor (51) with moisture passed through the passage introducing outside air into the sensor (51).