Container storage device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing container storage devices using electrothermal devices like Peltier elements lack effective cooling performance improvements.

Innovation Solution

A container storage device design incorporating a cooling unit with multiple fins arranged along air flow and connected electrothermal devices, including circulation fans, heat transfer plates, and heat radiating fins, to enhance cooling efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If electrothermal devices like Peltier elements are used for cooling, then temperature control capability is provided, but cooling performance is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling performanceVSAvoidcooling efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling unit is divided into multiple independent electrothermal devices (first, second, third, and fourth electrothermal devices) arranged in a segmented pattern around the storage chamber. This segmentation allows for distributed cooling across different zones, improving overall cooling performance and efficiency compared to a single centralized cooling element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrothermal devices are arranged in a two-dimensional pattern (first and second devices on one side, third and fourth devices on another side) rather than a single linear arrangement. This dimensional expansion of the cooling element configuration enhances heat exchange surface area and improves cooling performance throughout the storage chamber.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Temperature

If air cooling is implemented, then temperature reduction is achieved, but dew condensation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair temperatureVSAvoiddew condensation
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the storage chamber are cooled by different electrothermal devices with potentially different cooling intensities. The multiple cooling zones allow for localized temperature control that prevents excessive cooling in any single area, thereby reducing the likelihood of dew condensation while maintaining overall cooling effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors temperature conditions and adjusts the operation of individual electrothermal devices accordingly. This feedback mechanism prevents over-cooling that would lead to dew condensation by dynamically adjusting cooling output based on actual temperature measurements, ensuring optimal cooling without harmful condensation effects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If cooling air flow is increased, then cooling performance improves, but pressure loss increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling efficiencyVSAvoidpressure loss
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The cooling air flow is distributed through multiple electrothermal devices rather than concentrated through a single element. This segmentation of the cooling path reduces resistance and pressure loss while maintaining effective cooling, as the air can flow through multiple parallel thermal exchange zones rather than being forced through one bottleneck.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Improves cooling performance by uniformly distributing air cooling and reducing pressure loss, while preventing dew condensation and bacterial proliferation through strategic fin arrangements and drainage systems.

Implementation Method 1

an electrothermal device such as the Peltier element is used for temperature adjustment

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPeltier effect: Peltier Effect

Implementation Method 2

electrothermal devices respectively connected to the fins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 3

a plurality of fins arranged along a flow of the air, and electrothermal devices respectively connected to the fins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat exchange: Heat Exchanger

Data Source

PatentEP4597009A1Container storage device
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP4597009A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4597009A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4597009A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

To improve cooling performance of a container storage device in which an electrothermal device is used. The container storage device includes a storage unit configured to store a container storing a liquid, and a cooling unit configured to cool air aspirated from the storage unit and supply the cooled air to the storage unit. The cooling unit includes a plurality of fins arranged along a flow of the air, and electrothermal devices respectively connected to the fins.