Climate-controlled container system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage locations face inflexibility and inefficiency due to the need for separate climate-controlled regions for goods requiring specific temperature and humidity conditions, leading to wasted space, high energy consumption, and operational discomfort.
Innovation Solution
Climate-controlled containers with integrated climate-control units, power interfaces, and communication systems that allow for variable temperature and humidity control within the containers, enabling flexible storage and operation independent of external environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate climate-controlled regions are used for goods requiring specific temperature and humidity conditions, then the goods can be stored under appropriate environmental conditions, but the storage location becomes inflexible and space is wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage system into individual climate-controlled containers (totes) that can be independently controlled, rather than requiring entire regions to be climate-controlled. Each container has its own climate control unit, allowing selective environmental control only where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from controlling the entire storage space environment to controlling individual container environments. This dimensional shift from macro (region-level) to micro (container-level) control enables flexibility in container placement throughout the storage location without requiring dedicated climate zones.
2Reliability
If separate climate-controlled regions are used for temperature and humidity control, then goods can be preserved properly, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the climate control function into individual container units, so only the specific volume containing temperature-sensitive goods requires active climate control, rather than controlling entire storage regions. This dramatically reduces the total volume requiring energy input.
Solution Approach 2:
Climate control is applied locally to individual containers containing sensitive goods rather than uniformly across the entire storage facility. Each container receives climate control only as needed based on its contents, eliminating energy waste in areas storing non-sensitive goods.
3Reliability
If climate-controlled regions are implemented, then goods can be stored safely, but the complexity of the storage system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The complex climate control system is segmented into standardized, modular container units. Each container is a self-contained module with integrated climate control, making the overall system more manageable through repetition of identical units rather than custom-built regional systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The climate-controlled containers are designed as universal units that can be deployed throughout the storage facility regardless of location. The same container design and control system can serve multiple purposes and locations, reducing overall system complexity through standardization.
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 provides increased flexibility and reduced costs in storage operations, improves worker comfort, and optimizes space utilization by allowing climate-controlled storage of goods in any location, regardless of external conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a power interface configured to receive electrical power from at least one shelving unit to which the climate-controlled container is coupled
Data Source
AI summary
In various examples of the disclosure, a climate-controlled container configured to be transported by a robot is provided, the climate-controlled container comprising a plurality of walls defining a compartment to store goods, a lid configured to seal the compartment, at least one climate-control unit configured to control a climate inside the compartment, a controller configured to control the at least one climate-control unit to maintain a temperature of the compartment within a range of temperature values, and a power interface configured to receive electrical power from at least one shelving unit to which the climate-controlled container is coupled.