Cargo transport system for perishable products
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cargo transport systems provide speculative information about the condition of perishable products during refrigerated transportation, lacking objective and real-time monitoring and control of environment parameters.
Innovation Solution
A cargo transport system that includes a container with an environmental control assembly, sensors to measure environment parameters, and detectors directly secured to perishable products to measure their condition, with a control module processing signals to adjust parameters such as temperature, humidity, and gas concentrations in real-time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional cargo transport systems monitor environment parameters (temperature, humidity, ethylene), then parameter data collection is achieved, but the information about product condition remains speculative and insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring product condition parameters (color, firmness, temperature) and environment parameters, then using this feedback information to adjust environment control settings. The control module receives condition signals from detectors and parameter signals from sensors, processes them to determine target parameters, and sends command signals to control assemblies to optimize product preservation in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces subjective, speculative assessment of product condition with objective electronic detection systems. Detectors with circuits electronically measure product condition parameters (color via optical detection, firmness via force sensors, temperature via thermal sensors) and convert them into digital condition signals, eliminating the need for manual inspection and speculative judgment.
2Measurement precision
If detectors are directly secured to perishable products for real-time monitoring, then product condition measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function by placing individual detectors on specific products or product groups within the container. Each detector independently monitors its local product condition and sends signals to the central control module, allowing distributed measurement without requiring a monolithic complex system. This segmentation enables scalable deployment based on container size and product volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module serves multiple functions: it receives condition signals from detectors, receives parameter signals from environment sensors, processes all incoming data through algorithms, determines target environment parameters, and sends command signals to various control assemblies (refrigeration, humidification, gas control). This multi-functionality consolidates complexity into a single intelligent controller rather than requiring separate dedicated systems for each function.
3Reliability
If real-time control of environment parameters is implemented, then product preservation is optimized, but energy consumption may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts environment parameters based on real-time product condition and environmental measurements rather than maintaining static predetermined settings. The control module continuously calculates target parameters using algorithms that process current condition and environment data, allowing the refrigeration, humidification, and gas composition systems to adapt their operation to actual product needs, reducing energy waste from over-controlling stable conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes environment parameters (temperature, humidity, gas composition) based on detected product condition changes and current environment measurements. Rather than maintaining constant parameters throughout transport, the control module adjusts parameters dynamically in response to measured conditions, optimizing preservation while avoiding unnecessary energy consumption from maintaining fixed parameters when conditions are already optimal.
Data Source
AI summary
A cargo transport system includes a container for storing perishable products, and a control assembly for controlling an environment parameter. A sensor of the system is configured to measure the environment parameter. A detector of the system may be directly secured to the perishable products for measuring a product condition. A control module of the system is configured to receive signals from the sensor and the detector indicative of the measured environment parameter and product condition, process the signals, and send a command signal to the control assembly for adjusting the environment parameter.