Temperature controlled cargo containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Temperature-controlled cargo containers struggle to maintain products within a specific temperature range during transportation and storage, especially when exposed to varying ambient conditions, which can affect the efficacy and shelf life of pharmaceuticals and other sensitive goods.
Innovation Solution
The use of temperature-controlled cargo containers equipped with warm and cold phase change plates made of eutectic materials, along with fans and refrigeration/heating systems, to regulate the internal temperature by circulating air across these plates, and the integration of rechargeable batteries for independent power operation, allowing for precise temperature control within a target range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional temperature-controlled containers are used, then basic temperature maintenance is provided, but the containers cannot maintain products within a specific temperature range during transportation and storage when exposed to varying ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes phase change materials (PCM) that undergo phase transitions at specific temperatures to maintain stable internal temperatures. The PCM absorbs excess heat when transitioning from solid to liquid phase, and releases heat when transitioning from liquid to solid phase, effectively buffering against ambient temperature variations and maintaining the product temperature within the required range.
Solution Approach 2:
The phase change materials are pre-conditioned to specific temperatures before being placed in the container. This preliminary conditioning ensures that the PCM is ready to immediately absorb or release heat upon exposure to ambient temperature variations, providing proactive temperature control rather than reactive adjustment.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If phase change materials are used for temperature control, then extended temperature maintenance is achieved, but the system requires refrigeration units and heaters for regenerating thermal masses
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials automatically regulate temperature without requiring active control systems during the temperature maintenance phase. The PCM self-regulates by undergoing phase transitions when temperature thresholds are reached, eliminating the need for continuous operation of refrigeration units or heaters and simplifying the overall system.
Solution Approach 2:
The refrigeration units and heaters operate periodically rather than continuously, only activating when the phase change materials need regeneration. This periodic operation reduces energy consumption and simplifies the control system compared to continuous active temperature control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If refrigeration units and heaters are used for regenerating thermal masses, then temperature range control is improved, but power consumption increases requiring external power sources or rechargeable batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The system leverages the high latent heat of phase change materials to provide extended temperature control duration without continuous power input. The PCM stores large amounts of thermal energy during phase transitions, reducing the frequency and duration of refrigeration unit and heater operation, thereby lowering overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the continuous power dependency by using phase change materials to handle the bulk of temperature regulation. The refrigeration units and heaters are reduced to periodic regeneration functions rather than continuous operation, allowing the system to function with limited or no external power sources during transport.
4Measurement precision
If active refrigeration and heating systems are implemented, then precise temperature control is achieved, but the device complexity and operational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The phase change materials provide automatic, passive temperature regulation through their inherent phase transition properties. The PCM automatically absorbs or releases heat when temperature thresholds are reached, eliminating the need for complex active control systems, sensors, and actuators required for precise temperature control, thereby simplifying operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the fundamental approach to temperature control by using the physical parameter change of phase transition in materials rather than relying on active mechanical refrigeration and heating systems. This parameter-based approach achieves precise temperature control through material properties rather than complex control algorithms and active components.
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
These containers effectively maintain products within a predetermined temperature range (e.g., 2-8°C) for extended periods, even in extreme ambient conditions, ensuring the stability and shelf life of pharmaceuticals and other temperature-sensitive goods during transportation and storage.
Implementation Method 1
one or more thermal masses conditioned to temperatures above and/or below a target temperature. Example thermal masses may include plates including phase change materials, such as eutectic materials
Implementation Method 2
plates including phase change materials, such as eutectic materials
Implementation Method 3
One or more fans may be selectively operated to circulate air in the cargo container across one or more of the thermal masses to maintain the temperature within the cargo container within a prescribed temperature band
Implementation Method 4
refrigeration units and/or heaters for regenerating the thermal masses while receiving power from an external power source
Data Source
AI summary
Temperature controlled cargo containers may include thermal masses conditioned to temperatures above and/or below a target temperature. Example thermal masses may include plates including phase change materials, such as eutectic materials. One or more fans and flapper valves may be selectively operated to circulate air in the cargo container across one or more of the thermal masses to maintain the temperature within the cargo container within a prescribed temperature band. Some example temperature controlled cargo containers may include refrigeration units and/or heaters for regenerating the thermal masses when receiving power from an external power source and/or may include one or more rechargeable batteries for providing power during transport or storage independent of external power sources.