Biodegradable insulated shipping container and related systems and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shipping containers used for maintaining temperature stability during transportation often employ materials that are harmful to the environment, posing a challenge in reducing environmental impact while providing effective thermal protection.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable insulated shipping container composed of recyclable materials, featuring insulated panels with compressed biodegradable pellets and a biodegradable film seal, which maintains a temperature range of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 48 hours, offering thermal insulation and structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional insulation materials are used in shipping containers, then thermal protection is provided, but environmental harm is caused through production, use, or disposal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of insulation from conventional non-biodegradable materials (like foam) to biodegradable materials (like cornstarch pellets). This parameter change maintains the insulating function while eliminating environmental harm, as the biodegradable material provides equivalent thermal protection without the harmful disposal issues of conventional materials
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a composite structure combining biodegradable pellets with a biodegradable film barrier layer. This composite material approach creates a multi-layer insulation system where the pellets provide thermal insulation and the film provides moisture barrier functionality, both made from environmentally benign materials that decompose naturally
2Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable materials are used for insulation, then environmental harm is reduced, but structural integrity and thermal performance may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a biodegradable film as a barrier layer within the insulated panel structure. This thin film provides structural integrity and moisture protection without compromising the biodegradable nature of the material, solving the contradiction between environmental friendliness and structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
By combining biodegradable pellets with a biodegradable film barrier, the patent creates a composite material system where each component contributes specific properties - the pellets provide bulk insulation and the film provides structural strength and moisture resistance - achieving both environmental sustainability and structural integrity
3Object-affected harmful factors
If biodegradable pellets are used in insulated panels, then environmental sustainability is improved, but moisture sealing may be challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a biodegradable film as a moisture barrier layer within the insulated panel. This film acts as a seal against moisture while remaining biodegradable, thus maintaining environmental sustainability while solving the moisture sealing challenge
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable film serves as an intermediary between the biodegradable pellets and the external environment, providing a moisture barrier function that protects the pellets from moisture while the film itself decomposes naturally, bridging the gap between sustainability and sealing performance
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 maintains payload items within a desired temperature range while minimizing environmental harm, providing both thermal protection and structural support during transportation, with the biodegradable materials ensuring reduced ecological impact.
Implementation Method 1
insulated panels with compressed biodegradable pellets... which maintains a temperature range of 2° C. to 8° C. for at least 48 hours, offering thermal insulation
Implementation Method 2
a film layer is formed around the periphery or outer surface of the panel box, which may provide a seal to prevent moisture from getting inside the panel box during use
Data Source
AI summary
A biodegradable shipping container for providing protection to payload items being shipped against thermal effects and physical damage. An insulated panel for forming a biodegradable shipping container, the insulated panel being formed of biodegradable packing pellets placed within a cardboard box in a compressed state. A method of manufacturing insulated panels for use in forming an insulated shipping container.