Container for transporting temperature-sensitive goods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport containers for temperature-sensitive goods face challenges when opened, as they lose temperature control due to air exchange, leading to potential spoilage and prolonged cooling times, especially for frozen or deep-frozen goods.
Innovation Solution
A container design with a coolant reservoir on a wall and a barrier element that limits air exchange when the door is open, using a barrier element to shield the loading space from external air, combined with a layered insulation structure for efficient heat distribution and minimal coolant use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the container is opened to refill coolant or load/unload goods, then the coolant can be replenished and goods can be accessed, but cold air escapes and hot air enters causing temperature loss
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is divided into two functional zones: a coolant access portion that allows coolant reservoir replacement, and a remaining portion that is blocked by a barrier element to prevent air exchange. This segmentation enables selective access - coolant can be refilled through the access portion while the barrier maintains temperature stability in the loading space by preventing hot air infiltration and cold air escape during the refilling operation
Solution Approach 2:
A barrier element is introduced as an intermediary component between the opening and the loading space. This barrier element selectively blocks the remaining portion of the opening to prevent air exchange while allowing coolant access through the designated access portion. The barrier acts as a mediator that enables coolant refilling operations without compromising the thermal integrity of the loaded goods
2Duration of action of moving object
If the container is opened frequently for refilling, then coolant can be maintained, but the runtime is significantly reduced due to repeated cooling requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The opening structure is segmented into a coolant access portion and a barrier-covered remaining portion. This allows coolant reservoirs to be refilled or replaced frequently through the access portion without causing significant air exchange, as the barrier element blocks the majority of the opening. Consequently, the container can maintain coolant levels over extended periods without requiring frequent full openings, thereby preserving runtime
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier element enables continuous temperature maintenance in the loading space even during coolant refilling operations. By blocking the remaining portion of the opening, the barrier ensures that the cooling action continues uninterrupted for the loaded goods, allowing coolant refilling to occur without significantly impacting the overall runtime of the container
3Ease of operation
If the container is opened in uncontrolled environments, then refilling operations can be performed, but the goods are exposed to inappropriate temperatures
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is segmented into a coolant access portion that provides access for refilling operations and a barrier-covered remaining portion that protects the loading space. This segmentation allows refilling to be performed in uncontrolled environments while the barrier element maintains appropriate temperature conditions for the goods in the loading space, ensuring reliability of temperature protection
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier element serves as an intermediary that decouples the refilling operation from the thermal environment of the loading space. It allows the opening to be accessed for coolant refilling while simultaneously protecting the goods from exposure to inappropriate external temperatures, thus maintaining reliability of temperature protection during operational access
4Ease of operation
If the opening is fully open for access, then coolant reservoirs can be easily replaced, but maximum air exchange occurs between inside and outside
Solution Approach 1:
The opening is divided into a coolant access portion that is open for reservoir replacement and a barrier-covered remaining portion that prevents air exchange. This segmentation enables coolant reservoirs to be easily accessed and replaced through the open access portion while the barrier element blocks the remaining portion to minimize cold air loss and hot air infiltration during the refilling operation
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the opening have different qualities: the coolant access portion is open to allow easy reservoir replacement, while the remaining portion is blocked by a barrier element to prevent air exchange. This local differentiation of opening properties enables easy coolant access in one area while minimizing cold air loss through the barrier-covered area during the refilling operation
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 design maintains temperature stability for temperature-sensitive goods over extended periods, reducing spoilage risks and extending runtime by minimizing air exchange and optimizing coolant use.
Implementation Method 1
the cold air in the loading space leaves the container within seconds, due to the difference of density between the gases present within the loading space and outside of it
Implementation Method 2
Several insulation layers, integrated in the structure of the container, prevent all three types of heat transfers when the container is closed
Implementation Method 3
Such containers limit the heat transfer between the surrounding environment and their loading space by preventing the three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation
Implementation Method 4
Such containers limit the heat transfer between the surrounding environment and their loading space by preventing the three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation
Implementation Method 5
Such containers limit the heat transfer between the surrounding environment and their loading space by preventing the three types of heat transfer: conduction, convection and radiation
Implementation Method 6
Passive containers do not require an energy input and rely on their insulation and on passive coolants to maintain their temperature, such as a phase-changing material (PCM), including ice or dry ice for example
Data Source
AI summary
Container for transporting temperature-sensitive goods, comprising a wall structure which surrounds an loading space for receiving the goods and comprising an opening for loading and unloading the loading space, further comprising a door device for selectively opening and closing the opening, wherein at least one coolant reservoir for holding a coolant is arranged and/or fastened in the loading space on at least one wall of said wall structure, in particular an upper wall, wherein the at least one coolant reservoir or a coolant contained therein is exchangeable via a coolant access portion of the opening, characterized in that a barrier element is arranged to separate the loading space from the outside in a remaining portion of the opening when the door device is in an open position.