Computerized door for cold storage rooms of ships and program associated therewith
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cold storage room doors on ships lack advanced management systems for safety, energy efficiency, and optimal environmental control, often requiring manual operation, leading to errors, inefficiencies, and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A computerized door with integrated systems for status indication, autonomous power supply, access control, climate control, lighting, and biometric recognition, utilizing solar and artificial energy, and equipped with sensors and cameras for real-time monitoring and maintenance alerts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual or semi-automatic door systems are used in cold storage rooms, then the device complexity is reduced, but safety, energy efficiency, and operational reliability deteriorate due to human error and lack of automated monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The door system performs self-diagnosis through integrated sensors that automatically monitor door position, sealing integrity, and operational status. The system self-regulates by activating heating elements when gaps are detected and autonomously manages locking mechanisms, reducing reliance on manual intervention while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates multiple sensors that provide continuous feedback on door status, environmental conditions, and system health. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to maintain optimal sealing and temperature, significantly improving safety and operational reliability compared to manual systems.
2Ease of operation
If traditional door handles and manual operation mechanisms are used, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to heavy weight and difficulty in opening/closing
Solution Approach 1:
The manual door handle and mechanical opening mechanism are replaced with an electric motor-driven system. The motor assists or automates the opening and closing action, making operation easier despite the door's heavy weight, while the manufacturing complexity increases due to integration of electrical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an electric motor to counteract the heavy weight of the door during opening and closing operations. The motor provides the necessary force to overcome gravity and friction, enabling easy operation of the massive door without requiring manual strength.
3Loss of energy
If simple door structures without integrated systems are used, then the use of energy is reduced, but energy efficiency deteriorates due to lack of automated sealing and environmental control
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting when the door is opened and pre-adjusting environmental controls, activating heating elements before potential sealing issues occur, and preparing climate control systems to minimize energy loss during transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes operational parameters such as heating element power, motor assistance level, and sensor monitoring frequency based on door status, environmental conditions, and energy availability from the solar panel, optimizing energy efficiency in real-time.
4Loss of information
If no status indication systems are installed on the door, then the device complexity is reduced, but loss of information deteriorates as users cannot determine door status
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses color-changing LED indicators to communicate door status information visually. Different colors indicate different states such as properly closed, partially open, or malfunctioning conditions, providing clear information feedback without requiring complex display systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The LED indicator system acts as an intermediary between the complex internal sensor network and the user. It translates multiple sensor inputs into simple, intuitive visual signals that immediately convey door status and system health information.
5Reliability
If biometric access control and thermal cameras are integrated, then security and safety are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door system integrates multiple functions including biometric access control, thermal imaging for safety monitoring, environmental sensing, and climate control into a single unified platform. This multi-functionality improves security and safety while managing manufacturing complexity through integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines biometric readers, thermal cameras, sensors, and control systems into an integrated door unit with shared power supply from the solar panel and coordinated control logic, merging multiple subsystems to achieve enhanced security and safety functions.
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
Enhances safety and energy efficiency by providing automated operations, reducing physical effort, minimizing environmental impact, and ensuring secure access, while optimizing energy use and maintenance through real-time monitoring and alerts.
Implementation Method 1
a switch installed inside the lock and powered by an integrated battery rechargeable by means of a solar panel optimized to capture not only direct solar energy but also artificial energy present in the surrounding environment
Implementation Method 2
A further object of the present patent is to describe a computerized door... which comprises at least a system for indicating the state of total or partial closing and opening of the door by means of LED signaling
Data Source
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AI summary
Computerized door for cold storage rooms of ships, with advanced safety and energy efficiency features, comprising: - status indication system (102) of closing or opening by means of LED with detection sensor; - integrated battery (103) powered by solar panel (104); - lock (105.1) integrating switch (105) to activate status indication system (102); - sliding system (106) comprising an ergonomic handle (101); - access counter (107.1) and timer (107) suitable for monitoring overall use, allowing efficient management of the use of said door; - integrated and/or remote control panel (113).