Container Sensor Assembly with Thermal Blanket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container monitoring systems for shipping containers are limited in their ability to provide real-time monitoring of thermal events, often relying on manual inspection or separate devices that are not integrated with the container, and lack comprehensive sensing capabilities and fire suppression mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A container sensor device that integrates a detection module with sensors capable of detecting thermal events and active fires, along with a controller, light source, speaker, and power source, providing real-time monitoring, visual and audio alerts, and passive fire suppression through a temperature-resistant blanket.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual inspection is used to monitor thermal events, then no additional equipment is needed, but real-time monitoring capability and monitoring coverage are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple sensing functions (temperature, humidity, pressure, tilt sensors) and alert mechanisms (visual and audio alerts) into a single integrated container sensor device. This merging approach enables comprehensive real-time monitoring while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices, directly resolving the contradiction between reliable real-time monitoring and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple monitoring functions simultaneously - detecting thermal events, monitoring environmental conditions (humidity, pressure), detecting container tilt, and providing both visual and audio alerts. This multi-functionality in a single device achieves comprehensive real-time monitoring without proportionally increasing system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate monitoring devices are used, then monitoring functionality can be added, but the devices are not integrated with the container and require additional equipment and wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates all monitoring functions and alert mechanisms into a single compact device that attaches directly to the container exterior. This eliminates the need for multiple separate devices and extensive wiring, achieving full container integration while minimizing equipment and wiring requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device is designed as a self-contained unit with internal power source, sensors, controller, and alert mechanisms. It autonomously monitors thermal events and environmental conditions without requiring external equipment or complex wiring infrastructure, directly addressing the integration challenge.
3Measurement precision
If a single heat sensor is used, then device complexity is minimized, but comprehensive assessment of fire hazards is not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor packet integrates multiple sensor types (temperature, humidity, pressure, tilt) that work together to provide comprehensive fire hazard assessment. Each sensor contributes specific measurement data, and their combined analysis enables precise detection of thermal events and environmental conditions indicative of fire risks, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller continuously receives feedback from multiple sensors and analyzes the combined data to assess fire hazards. This multi-parameter feedback mechanism enables comprehensive monitoring and accurate fire hazard detection while maintaining manageable device complexity through centralized control.
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensors for multiple parameters are added, then comprehensive monitoring capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple sensing functions (temperature, humidity, pressure, tilt sensors) and alert mechanisms (visual and audio alerts) into a single integrated device. This merging approach achieves comprehensive monitoring of multiple parameters while avoiding the complexity of multiple separate devices, directly resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor device performs multiple monitoring functions simultaneously - detecting thermal events, monitoring environmental conditions (humidity, pressure), detecting container tilt, and providing both visual and audio alerts. This multi-functionality in a single device achieves comprehensive real-time monitoring without proportionally increasing system complexity.
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
Enables early detection of thermal events, provides comprehensive monitoring of heat, humidity, pressure, and tilt, and offers effective visual and audio alerts, while the integrated fire suppression mechanism helps mitigate fire risks in shipping containers.
Implementation Method 1
sensors capable of detecting heat vented rise
Implementation Method 2
light source...configured to provide a visual alert
Implementation Method 3
audio source...configured to provide an audio alert
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a container sensor device for detecting a thermal event in a container. The container sensor device can include a housing, a detection module, and a blanket. The housing can be formed of a temperature resistant material. The detection module can be disposed adjacent the hollow interior of the housing and can include a sensor packet, a controller, a light source, an audio source, and a power source. The sensor packet can include a sensor capable of detecting the thermal event and can be adapted to monitor for a thermal event associated with a container. The sensor can detect heat, heat vented rise, humidity, pressure, and tilt of the housing. The blanket can be formed from a temperature resistant material and formed to cover the container.